Thank you for using Starting Faith (“we,” “our,” “us”). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal information. Because we are a Christian-centered community, we are committed to handling all data with honesty, integrity, and care.
By using our website, you agree to the practices described in this Privacy Policy.
1. Information We Collect
1.1 Information You Provide Directly
We may collect:
- Name or display name
- Email address
- Username and password
- Profile information (bio, photo, interests, Christian denomination, etc.)
- Posts, comments, messages, and other content you create
- Contact information when you reach out to support
1.2 Information Collected Automatically
When you use our website, we automatically collect:
- IP address
- Browser type and device information
- Pages visited and time spent on the site
- Cookies and tracking technologies
- Log data for security and performance
1.3 Sensitive Information
We do not require or intentionally collect sensitive personal data (such as financial, health, or government ID information). If you voluntarily share such information in your posts or profile, you assume responsibility for those disclosures.
2. How We Use Your Information
We may use your information to:
- Provide, maintain, and improve the website
- Create and manage your user account
- Display your posts, comments, and profile to other users
- Send important notifications and updates
- Protect community safety and enforce our Terms of Service
- Detect and prevent fraud or abuse
- Respond to support requests
- Analyze site usage and improve features
We do not sell your personal information.
3. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
We use cookies and similar tools to:
- Keep you logged in
- Remember preferences
- Improve site performance
- Measure usage and analytics
You can disable cookies in your browser settings, though some features may not work properly.
4. How We Share Information
We may share information only in the following situations:
4.1 With Service Providers
Trusted third-party companies that help us operate the site (hosting, analytics, email services) may access your information under strict confidentiality agreements.
4.2 For Legal Reasons
We may disclose information if required by:
- Law
- Court order
- Government request
- To protect the rights, safety, or integrity of the community
4.3 With Your Consent
We share personal information with others only when you explicitly authorize us to do so.
We do not sell or rent user data.
5. User-Generated Content
Please remember:
- Anything you post may be visible to other users.
- Content you share can be saved, copied, or redistributed by others.
- We cannot control what other users do with public information.
If you delete content, copies may still exist in backups or other users’ archives.
6. Children’s Privacy
Our website is intended for users meeting the minimum digital consent age in your country.
We do not knowingly collect information from children.
If we become aware of underage accounts, they will be deleted.
7. Data Storage and Security
We use reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your data from:
- Unauthorized access
- Loss
- Misuse
- Alteration
However, no online platform can guarantee absolute security.
8. Data Retention
We retain your information:
- As long as your account is active
- As long as needed to provide services
- As required for legal, auditing, or compliance reasons
You may request deletion of your account or data at any time (see Section 10).
9. Third-Party Links
We may offer links to external websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those sites.
We encourage you to review their privacy policies.
10. Your Rights and Choices
Depending on your location, you may have the right to:
10.1 Access
Request a copy of the personal data we have about you.
10.2 Correction
Request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete information.
10.3 Deletion
Request that we delete your account or specific data.
(We may retain some information for legal or security purposes.)
10.4 Opt Out
Opt out of:
- Emails and notifications
- Certain tracking tools (via browser settings)
10.5 Data Portability
Request an export of your personal information in a portable format.
11. International Users
If you access the site from outside United States of America, your information may be transferred and stored in our servers.
12. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy occasionally.
If significant changes are made, we will notify users through email or on-site alerts.
Continued use of the site after updates constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.
13. Contact Us
If you have any questions, concerns, or requests about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at:
support@startingfaith.com
