Privacy Policy

Last Updated: December 8, 2024

1. Introduction

This Privacy Policy applies to all users of ChurchNavigator.com, including visitors browsing our directory, churches and ministries listing their information, and individuals creating accounts on our platform.

By using our services, you consent to the data practices described in this policy. If you do not agree with our practices, please do not use our services.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide to Us

We collect information that you voluntarily provide when using our services:

Data Type	Examples	Purpose
Account Information	Name, email address, password	Account creation and management
Church/Ministry Details	Church name, address, phone, photos, service times	Directory listings and search functionality
Contact Information	Email, phone number, mailing address	Communication and support
User Content	Reviews, comments, photos, testimonials	Community engagement
Communication Data	Messages, inquiries, feedback	Customer support and service improvement

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

When you visit ChurchNavigator.com, we automatically collect certain information:

• Device Information: IP address, browser type, operating system, device identifiers
• Usage Data: Pages viewed, time spent on site, click patterns, search queries
• Location Data: Approximate geographic location based on IP address (for showing nearby churches)
• Cookies and Tracking: Information collected through cookies, web beacons, and similar technologies

2.3 Information from Third Parties

We may receive information from:

• Churches and ministries providing their own information
• Publicly available sources and directories
• Social media platforms (if you connect your account)
• Analytics and service providers

3. How We Use Your Information

3.1 Primary Uses

We use the collected information for the following purposes:

• Provide Services: Operate and maintain the ChurchNavigator.com platform
• Directory Management: Create, display, and update church and ministry listings
• Search Functionality: Enable users to find churches, pastors, and events
• Account Management: Create and manage user accounts
• Communication: Send updates, notifications, and respond to inquiries
• Personalization: Customize user experience based on preferences and location
• Analytics: Understand how our services are used and improve functionality
• Security: Detect, prevent, and address fraud and security issues
• Legal Compliance: Comply with legal obligations and enforce our terms

3.2 Marketing and Communications

With your consent, we may use your information to:

• Send newsletters and updates about Christian events
• Share information about new churches and ministries
• Provide promotional content and special features

You can opt out of marketing communications at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in our emails or updating your account preferences.

4. Data Storage and Security

4.1 Where We Store Your Data

Your data is stored on secure servers located in [specify region/country]. We use industry-standard cloud hosting providers with robust security measures and compliance certifications.

4.2 Security Measures

We implement comprehensive security measures to protect your information:

• Encryption: All data transmitted between your device and our servers is encrypted using SSL/TLS protocols
• Access Controls: Strict access controls limit who can view or modify your data
• Password Protection: Passwords are encrypted using industry-standard hashing algorithms
• Regular Audits: We conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments
• Secure Backups: Regular encrypted backups to prevent data loss
• Monitoring: 24/7 security monitoring to detect and respond to threats

4.3 Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy, unless a longer retention period is required by law. Specifically:

• Active Accounts: Data retained while your account is active
• Inactive Accounts: Data may be retained for up to 2 years after account inactivity
• Church Listings: Retained as long as the listing is active
• Legal Requirements: Some data may be retained longer to comply with legal obligations
• Deleted Accounts: Most personal data deleted within 30 days of account deletion request

5. How We Share Your Information

5.1 Public Information

Certain information is displayed publicly on our platform:

• Church names, addresses, phone numbers, and service times
• Pastor names and ministry information (when provided)
• Event details and schedules
• Photos and descriptions you choose to make public
• Reviews and comments (with username or as anonymous)

5.2 Service Providers

We share information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating our platform:

• Hosting Providers: For data storage and server management
• Analytics Services: Google Analytics and similar tools for usage analysis
• Email Services: For sending communications and notifications
• Payment Processors: For processing payments (if applicable)
• Customer Support Tools: For managing support inquiries

These providers are contractually obligated to use your information only for the services they provide to us and to protect your data.

5.3 Legal Requirements

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

• Comply with legal processes, court orders, or government requests
• Enforce our Terms and Conditions
• Protect the rights, property, or safety of ChurchNavigator.com, our users, or the public
• Detect, prevent, or address fraud, security, or technical issues

5.4 Business Transfers

If ChurchNavigator.com is involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred. We will provide notice before your information is transferred and becomes subject to a different privacy policy.

6. Your Rights and Choices

6.1 Access and Portability

You have the right to:

• Access the personal information we hold about you
• Request a copy of your data in a portable format
• Review and update your account information at any time

6.2 Correction and Update

You can update or correct your information by:

• Logging into your account and editing your profile
• Contacting us at privacy@churchnavigator.com
• Using the "Edit Listing" feature for church information

6.3 Deletion

You have the right to request deletion of your personal information. To do so:

• Submit a deletion request through your account settings
• Email us at privacy@churchnavigator.com
• Note: Some information may be retained for legal or legitimate business purposes

6.4 Marketing Opt-Out

You can opt out of marketing communications by:

• Clicking the "unsubscribe" link in any marketing email
• Updating your communication preferences in account settings
• Contacting us directly at privacy@churchnavigator.com

6.5 Cookie Management

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Note that disabling cookies may limit some functionality of our services.

7. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

7.1 Types of Cookies We Use

• Essential Cookies: Necessary for the website to function properly
• Performance Cookies: Help us understand how visitors interact with our site
• Functionality Cookies: Remember your preferences and settings
• Analytics Cookies: Collect information about site usage and performance

7.2 Third-Party Tracking

We use Google Analytics and similar services to analyze website traffic. These services may use cookies and collect information about your use of our site.

8. Children's Privacy

ChurchNavigator.com is not intended for children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe we have collected information from a child under 13, please contact us immediately at privacy@churchnavigator.com.

9. 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. By using our services, you consent to the transfer of your information to these countries.

10. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of significant changes by:

• Posting the updated policy on our website with a new "Last Updated" date
• Sending an email notification to registered users
• Displaying a prominent notice on our website

Your continued use of our services after such changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

11. Contact Us

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

• Email: privacy@churchnavigator.com
• Data Protection Officer: dpo@churchnavigator.com
• Mailing Address: [Your Business Address]
• Phone: [Your Contact Number]

12. State-Specific Rights

12.1 California Residents (CCPA)

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

• Right to know what personal information we collect, use, and share
• Right to delete personal information (with certain exceptions)
• Right to opt-out of the sale of personal information (we do not sell your data)
• Right to non-discrimination for exercising your CCPA rights

12.2 European Residents (GDPR)

If you are in the European Economic Area, you have rights under the General Data Protection Regulation:

• 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 lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority