Privacy Policy

1. Information We Collect

Account Information

• Name (first and last)
• Email address
• Password (encrypted)
• Profile information you choose to provide

Activity Data

• Daily spiritual check-in scores and notes
• Prayer requests you post or respond to
• Needs, celebrations, and scripture shares
• Group memberships and interactions
• Messages and comments within groups

Technical Information

• IP address and device information
• Browser type and operating system
• Login timestamps and session data
• Usage analytics and platform interactions

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

• Provide Platform Services: Enable group participation, check-ins, prayer requests, and brotherhood features
• Send Notifications: Alert you to prayer requests, group activities, and important updates
• Improve the Platform: Analyze usage patterns to enhance features and user experience
• Ensure Security: Protect accounts and prevent unauthorized access or misuse
• Communicate: Send important announcements, updates, and responses to your inquiries

3. Information Sharing and Privacy

Within Groups

Information you share within a group (check-ins, prayer requests, needs, celebrations, messages) is visible to all members of that group. This is essential for accountability and mutual support.

What We Don't Share

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties. We do not share your data with advertisers or marketing companies.

Limited Disclosures

We may disclose information only when:

• Required by law or legal process
• Necessary to protect rights, property, or safety
• You provide explicit consent
• Necessary to prevent imminent harm (emergency situations)

4. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your information:

• Encrypted passwords using bcrypt hashing
• Secure HTTPS connections for all data transmission
• Database-level access controls
• Regular security audits and updates
• CSRF protection on all forms

While we take reasonable precautions, no internet transmission is 100% secure. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials.

5. Email Communications

We use email to send:

• Account verification and password resets
• Prayer request notifications
• Group activity updates
• Important platform announcements

You can manage your notification preferences in your account settings. Some essential emails (password resets, security alerts) cannot be disabled.

6. Cookies and Tracking

We use session cookies to:

• Maintain your logged-in state
• Remember your preferences
• Provide secure access to your account

We do not use third-party advertising cookies or tracking pixels.

7. Your Privacy Rights

You have the right to:

• Access Your Data: Request a copy of your personal information
• Update Information: Modify your profile and account details
• Delete Your Account: Permanently remove your account and associated data
• Export Data: Request a portable copy of your check-in history and content
• Control Notifications: Manage email and platform notification preferences

To exercise these rights, contact us at privacy@menoftheforge.org.

8. Data Retention

We retain your information for as long as your account is active. If you delete your account:

• Your profile and personal data are permanently removed
• Group posts may be anonymized but retained for group continuity
• Some data may be retained for legal compliance (e.g., financial records)

9. Children's Privacy

Men of the Forge is not intended for users under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect information from minors. If we become aware that a minor has registered, we will delete their account.

10. Third-Party Services

Our Platform may use limited third-party services:

• Email Delivery: AWS SES for transactional emails
• Hosting: Secure web hosting providers

These services are bound by contracts to protect your data and use it only for specified purposes.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. Material changes will be communicated via email or platform notification. Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance.

12. Contact Us

If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or your personal information, please contact us:

Email: privacy@menoftheforge.org
General Inquiries: info@menoftheforge.org