Privacy is a fundamental right, essential to both humans and the natural world. Just as solitary animals like hedgehogs, minks, and tigers cherish their privacy, Shades Collective (hereinafter referred to as “we,” “our,” or “us”) deeply respects the privacy of the personal information we gather from visitors (hereinafter referred to as “you,” “your,” or “user”) to www.shadescollective.com and our other websites, forms, materials, apps, and resources (collectively referred to as the “Resources”). We are committed to protecting your privacy while you engage with our mission to end speciesism and animal cruelty, which is why we’ve created this comprehensive Privacy Policy (the “Privacy Policy” or “Policy”).
This Policy outlines how we collect, store, adapt, alter, use, and disseminate Personal Information that you provide to us either voluntarily or automatically when using our Resources. By using our Resources, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy and confirm that you are over the age of 13. If you are under the age of 18, it is required that your parent or guardian reads and accepts this Privacy Policy before you use the Resources.
Scope and Consent
Your privacy is important to us, and we want to be transparent about how we handle your Personal Information. This Privacy Policy applies solely to the information collected through the Resources. If you use our Resources, you are agreeing to the terms of this Policy. If you do not agree with the terms, you should discontinue using the Resources immediately. We reserve the right to update or modify this Privacy Policy at any time, and it is your responsibility to review it regularly for any changes. Your continued use of the Resources following the posting of changes will mean that you accept and agree to the changes.
It is important to note that this Privacy Policy does not apply to Personal Information collected through other means, such as:
- Third-Party Features: This includes any service, app, code, or external website linked to from our Resources. Since we do not control these third-party entities, we advise you to review their privacy policies to understand how your Personal Information will be used.
Personal Information We Collect
“Personal Information” refers to any data that can identify a specific individual. While ants use pheromones to identify their nestmates among millions, we require more precise information to identify and interact with our users effectively. Examples of Personal Information we may collect include, but are not limited to, names, postal addresses, telephone numbers, IP addresses, email addresses, and browser data. This information can be provided voluntarily by you or collected automatically when you interact with our Resources.
How We Use Your Personal Information
Shades Collective uses your Personal Information for various purposes, including but not limited to:
- Fulfilling Requests: We use your information to respond to your inquiries or to perform actions you request, such as sending a personalized communication on your behalf when you participate in an action alert.
- Content Personalization: Your information allows us to tailor content related to Shades Collective’s mission when you interact with Third-Party Features or visit our Resources.
- Engagement with Third-Party Features: We may use your data to enable interactions with Third-Party Features within our Resources.
- Communication: We use your Personal Information to send you updates about our campaigns, events, activities, local volunteer opportunities, and alerts that might interest you.
- Membership Notifications: Your information helps us inform you about membership renewals and other related appeals.
- Campaign Improvement: We analyze your data to refine our campaigns and make them more effective.
- Behavior Analysis: We study aggregate user behavior and characteristics to improve user experience and our overall services.
- Legal Compliance: We may use your Personal Information to comply with legal obligations or court orders.
Cookies, Pixels, and Similar Technologies
Our Resources utilize cookies, pixels, and similar technologies to enhance your user experience. Cookies are text files sent to your browser that help identify your computer and track your interactions with our Resources. Pixels, often used alongside cookies, are small hidden graphics on webpages that help measure viewing statistics and operate Third-Party Features.
We and third-party entities use these technologies for various purposes, including:
- Resource Administration: Cookies help us manage our Resources more efficiently, track visitor movement, and collect demographic and performance data.
- User Experience Enhancement: Cookies and pixels can save you time by remembering your preferences, preventing the need to log in repeatedly, or automatically filling in information. They also help us tailor content to your interests.
- Advertising: Cookies and pixels allow us and third-party entities to display ads based on your previous visits to our Resources, track the frequency with which you see an ad, and connect with advertising services. Third-party entities may combine your Personal Information with other data, such as your mailing address, to provide us with information that allows us to send relevant marketing offers and communications to you via email or direct mail.
Your Rights and Choices
You have the right to access, correct, or delete your Personal Information at any time. If you wish to exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided in this Policy. We will respond to your request within a reasonable timeframe.
Additionally, you can manage your cookie preferences through your browser settings. Most browsers allow you to block or delete cookies, but doing so may affect your experience with our Resources.
Data Security
We are committed to protecting your Personal Information. We implement a variety of security measures to ensure that your data is safeguarded. However, please note that no method of transmission over the internet or method of electronic storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
Children’s Privacy
Our Resources are not intended for children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect Personal Information from children under 13. If we become aware that we have inadvertently received Personal Information from a child under 13, we will delete such information from our records.
International Users
If you are accessing our Resources from outside the United States, please be aware that your Personal Information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in the United States. By using our Resources, you consent to the transfer of your data to the United States and the use of your Personal Information in accordance with this Privacy Policy.