Privacy Policy

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Information You Provide Directly

We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide when you:

• Submit reports: Website URLs, organization names, descriptions of accessibility issues, and your email address
• Contact us: Name, email address, subject matter, and message content
• Subscribe to newsletters: Email address and communication preferences
• Participate in surveys: Responses to questions and feedback

1.2 Information Collected Automatically

When you visit our website, we automatically collect certain information about your device and usage:

• Log data: IP address, browser type, operating system, referring URLs, pages viewed, date/time stamps
• Cookies and tracking technologies: Session identifiers, preferences, and analytics data
• Usage information: Pages visited, time spent on pages, links clicked, and navigation patterns

1.3 Information We Do NOT Collect

We do not knowingly collect:

• Sensitive personal information (health data, financial information, social security numbers)
• Information from children under 13 years of age
• Biometric data or precise geolocation information

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

2.1 Service Provision

• Processing and managing accessibility violation reports
• Responding to your inquiries and requests
• Providing technical support and assistance
• Delivering requested information and resources

2.2 Communication

• Sending newsletters and updates about web standards and accessibility
• Notifying you about changes to our services or policies
• Providing relevant educational content and resources

2.3 Website Improvement

• Analyzing usage patterns to improve our website and services
• Identifying and fixing technical issues
• Conducting research and analytics to enhance user experience
• Optimizing website performance and accessibility

2.4 Legal Compliance and Protection

• Complying with legal obligations and regulatory requirements
• Protecting our rights, property, and safety
• Preventing fraud, abuse, and security threats
• Enforcing our Terms of Service

3. How We Share Your Information

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. We may share your information only in the following limited circumstances:

3.1 Service Providers

We may share information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating our website and services, such as:

• Web hosting and infrastructure providers
• Email communication services
• Analytics and monitoring services
• Security and fraud prevention services

These service providers are contractually obligated to protect your information and use it only for the purposes we specify.

3.2 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information when required by law or in response to:

• Valid legal processes (subpoenas, court orders, warrants)
• Government or regulatory requests
• Protection of our legal rights or property
• Prevention of harm or illegal activity

3.3 Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, reorganization, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction. You will be notified of any such change.

3.4 With Your Consent

We may share your information for any other purpose with your explicit consent.

4. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience on our website.

4.1 Types of Cookies We Use

• Essential cookies: Required for basic website functionality
• Analytics cookies: Help us understand how visitors use our website
• Preference cookies: Remember your settings and choices
• Performance cookies: Monitor website performance and identify issues

4.2 Managing Cookies

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Note that disabling certain cookies may affect website functionality. Most browsers allow you to:

• View what cookies are stored and delete them individually
• Block third-party cookies
• Block all cookies from specific websites
• Delete all cookies when you close your browser

5. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction.

5.1 Security Measures

• Encryption of data in transit using SSL/TLS protocols
• Secure database storage with access controls
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Employee training on data protection practices
• Incident response and breach notification procedures

5.2 Limitations

While we strive to protect your personal information, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security of your information.

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law.

• Report submissions: Retained for operational and compliance purposes
• Contact inquiries: Retained for 2 years after resolution
• Newsletter subscriptions: Retained until you unsubscribe
• Analytics data: Aggregated and retained for 26 months

When we no longer need your information, we will securely delete or anonymize it.

7. Your Rights and Choices

Depending on your location, you may have certain rights regarding your personal information:

7.1 Access and Correction

You have the right to request access to and correction of your personal information we hold.

7.2 Deletion

You may request deletion of your personal information, subject to certain exceptions (legal obligations, legitimate interests).

7.3 Opt-Out

You can opt out of:

• Marketing emails by clicking "unsubscribe" in any email
• Cookies through your browser settings
• Analytics tracking using browser plugins or privacy tools

7.4 Data Portability

In certain circumstances, you may request a copy of your personal information in a structured, commonly used format.

7.5 Exercising Your Rights

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at ada@wsc.us.org. We will respond to your request within 30 days.

8. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. These countries may have different data protection laws. When we transfer your information internationally, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your data in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

9. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites and services. This Privacy Policy does not apply to those external sites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of third parties. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.

10. Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we learn that we have collected personal information from a child under 13, we will delete that information promptly. If you believe we may have collected information from a child under 13, please contact us.

11. California Privacy Rights

If you are a California resident, you have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA):

• Right to know what personal information is collected, used, shared, or sold
• Right to delete personal information
• Right to opt-out of the sale of personal information (we do not sell personal information)
• Right to non-discrimination for exercising your privacy rights

To exercise these rights, contact us at ada@wsc.us.org.

12. European Privacy Rights (GDPR)

If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA), you have rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR):

• Right to access your personal data
• Right to rectification of inaccurate data
• Right to erasure ("right to be forgotten")
• Right to restrict processing
• Right to data portability
• Right to object to processing
• Right to withdraw consent
• Right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority

13. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. We will notify you of any material changes by:

• Posting the updated policy on this page with a new "Last Updated" date
• Sending an email notification if you have subscribed to our communications
• Displaying a prominent notice on our website

We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically to stay informed about how we protect your information.

14. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us: