Effective user data management is crucial when integrating Para into your application. This guide covers best practices for handling user information, including storage, retrieval, and privacy considerations.

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User Data in Para

Para’s approach to user data is designed with privacy and security in mind. Here’s what you need to know:

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Managing User Data in Your Application

While Para handles the core wallet functionality, you may need to manage additional user data in your application. Here are some best practices:

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Storing User Information

When storing additional user information in your application:

1. Only store what’s necessary for your application’s functionality.
2. Use secure, encrypted storage methods.
3. Consider using Para’s wallet ID as a unique identifier for your users.

Example of storing user data:

type UserData = {
  paraWalletId: string;
  username: string;
  preferences: Record<string, any>;
};

// Assume you're using a secure database
async function storeUserData(userData: UserData) {
  await database.users.insert(userData);
}

// Usage
const wallets = await para.getWallets();
const walletId = Object.values(wallets)[0].id;

await storeUserData({
  paraWalletId: walletId,
  username: "user123",
  preferences: { theme: "dark" },
});

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Retrieving User Information

To retrieve user information:

1. Use Para’s methods to get wallet-related information.
2. Fetch additional data from your own storage using the Para wallet ID as a reference.

Example:

async function getUserData(email: string) {
  const wallets = await para.getWallets();
  const walletId = Object.values(wallets)[0].id;

  // Fetch additional data from your storage
  const userData = await database.users.findOne({ paraWalletId: walletId });

  return {
    walletId,
    ...userData,
  };
}

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Updating User Data

When updating user data:

1. Use Para’s methods for updating wallet-related information.
2. Update additional data in your own storage.

async function updateUserPreferences(walletId: string, newPreferences: Record<string, any>) {
  // Update in your storage
  await database.users.update({ paraWalletId: walletId }, { $set: { preferences: newPreferences } });
}

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Privacy and Security Considerations

When managing user data, always prioritize privacy and security:

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Compliance with Regulations

Ensure your user data management practices comply with relevant regulations such as GDPR, CCPA, or other applicable laws. This may include:

• Providing users with the ability to request their data
• Allowing users to delete their data
• Implementing data portability features

Example of a data deletion function:

async function deleteUserData(walletId: string) {
  // Delete from your storage
  await database.users.delete({ paraWalletId: walletId });

  // Note: Para wallet data cannot be deleted directly through the SDK
  // Advise the user to contact Para support for complete account deletion
}

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Best Practices for User Data Management

1. Separation of Concerns: Keep Para-related data separate from your application-specific user data.
2. Regular Backups: Implement a robust backup strategy for user data stored in your application.
3. Transparent Policies: Clearly communicate your data handling practices to users through privacy policies and terms of service.
4. Secure Transmission: Always use secure, encrypted channels when transmitting user data.
5. Data Validation: Implement thorough input validation to prevent injection attacks and ensure data integrity.

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Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with user data management:

1. Ensure you’re using the latest version of the Para SDK.
2. Verify that you’re correctly handling asynchronous operations when interacting with Para and your own data storage.
3. Double-check that you’re using the correct wallet IDs and other identifiers.
4. Review your error handling to ensure you’re catching and addressing all potential exceptions.