Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

The HARNESS Project ("we," "us," "our," or "Company") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website and services.

1.1 Policy Scope

This Privacy Policy applies to:

• Our website (harnessproject.org and related domains)
• Our interactive tools and applications
• Our email communications
• Any other services we provide

1.2 Your Consent

By accessing and using The HARNESS Project, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with our practices, please do not use our services.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide Directly

• Email Newsletter: When you subscribe to our newsletter, we collect your name (optional) and email address
• Contact Forms: If you contact us, we collect your name, email, and message content
• Interactive Tools: When using our worksheets, activity cards, and app features, data is stored locally on your device
• User Feedback: Any comments, suggestions, or feedback you provide

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

• Browser & Device Data: IP address, browser type, operating system, pages visited, time spent, referrer information
• Cookies: Small text files stored on your device (see Cookie Policy section)
• Tracking Pixels: Used to track engagement and email opens
• Web Analytics: Information about how you interact with our site

2.3 Information We Do NOT Collect

• We do NOT collect health information or medical data
• We do NOT collect biometric data
• We do NOT collect information about sexual orientation or gender identity (you choose to share this)
• Worksheet data is stored locally on YOUR device, not our servers
• App data (MATCH Map, ritual cards, etc.) stays on your device unless you explicitly export/email it

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

3.1 Service Delivery

• Sending you newsletter emails you've subscribed to
• Responding to your inquiries and support requests
• Processing and managing your account
• Providing the interactive tools and resources

3.2 Site Improvement

• Analyzing how users interact with our site
• Identifying and fixing technical issues
• Understanding user preferences and needs
• Developing new features and improving existing ones

3.3 Communication

• Sending you service updates and announcements
• Notifying you of changes to our policies or services
• Responding to your support requests

3.4 Legal & Safety

• Complying with legal obligations
• Preventing fraud and protecting against abuse
• Enforcing our terms of service
• Protecting the rights, privacy, and safety of users

3.5 What We Will NOT Do

• We will NOT sell your personal data to third parties
• We will NOT share your email with unaffiliated organizations without consent
• We will NOT use your information for discriminatory purposes
• We will NOT disclose your data to law enforcement without legal process

4. Cookies & Similar Technologies

4.1 What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit our website. They help us remember your preferences and track your usage patterns.

4.2 Types of Cookies We Use

• Essential Cookies: Necessary for site functionality (authentication, security)
• Analytics Cookies: Track how you use our site to improve it
• Preference Cookies: Remember your choices (language, theme)
• Marketing Cookies: Track ad performance and user engagement

4.3 Cookie Consent

We use a cookie consent banner on first visit. You can:

• Accept all cookies
• Reject non-essential cookies
• Customize your cookie preferences anytime

4.4 Controlling Cookies

You can control cookies through your browser settings:

• Most browsers allow you to refuse cookies
• You can delete cookies at any time
• Disabling cookies may affect site functionality

For more details, see our Cookie Policy.

5. Data Sharing & Disclosure

5.1 Third-Party Service Providers

We may share information with service providers who help us operate our website and services:

• Email Service Providers: For newsletter delivery and management
• Analytics Providers: For tracking website usage
• Hosting Providers: For website infrastructure
• Payment Processors: If applicable, for any transactions

These providers are contractually obligated to protect your data and use it only for specified purposes.

5.2 No Sale of Personal Data

We do NOT sell your personal information to third parties. We do NOT share your email address with unaffiliated organizations without your explicit consent.

5.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose information when required by law, including:

• Court orders or subpoenas
• Government requests
• Legal obligations under applicable laws

We will provide notice when possible unless legally prohibited.

5.4 Business Transfers

If The HARNESS Project is involved in a merger, acquisition, bankruptcy, or asset sale, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction. We will provide notice before your information becomes subject to a different privacy policy.

6. Data Security

6.1 Security Measures

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

• SSL/TLS encryption for data in transit
• Secure password storage using encryption
• Access controls limiting employee access to data
• Regular security audits and updates
• Firewalls and intrusion detection systems

6.2 Local Storage

Most of your data is stored locally on your device:

• Worksheet data stays on your device
• App data (MATCH Map, ritual cards) stays on your device
• You control when/if this data is exported
• Clearing browser data will delete local storage

6.3 No Guarantee of Security

While we use reasonable security measures, no system is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security of your information. You use our services at your own risk.

6.4 Data Breach Notification

If we experience a security breach affecting your personal information, we will notify you promptly. Notification will include:

• Description of the breach
• Types of information affected
• Steps we're taking to address it
• Steps you can take to protect yourself

7. Your Privacy Rights

7.1 Right to Access

You have the right to request what personal information we have about you and how it's being used.

7.2 Right to Correction

You can request that we correct inaccurate or incomplete information.

7.3 Right to Deletion

You have the right to request deletion of your personal information, subject to certain exceptions (legal obligations, legitimate business needs).

7.4 Right to Opt-Out

You can:

• Unsubscribe from our newsletter anytime
• Opt out of marketing communications
• Disable cookies in your browser
• Request we stop processing your data

7.5 Right to Data Portability

You can request your information in a portable format so you can transfer it to another service.

7.6 Exercising Your Rights

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at: email@theharnessproject.com

We will respond to your request within 30 days or inform you of any delays.

8. Children's Privacy

8.1 Age Restriction

The HARNESS Project is not intended for children under 18. We do not knowingly collect information from children under 18.

8.2 Parental Responsibility

If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided information to us, please contact us immediately.

8.3 Educator Exception

Educators may use our content in educational settings with appropriate supervision and age-appropriate modifications. Teachers are responsible for:

• Reviewing content appropriateness
• Obtaining parental consent if required
• Following school/institution policies
• Supervising student use of tools

9. Data Retention

9.1 How Long We Keep Your Data

• Newsletter Emails: Until you unsubscribe
• Contact Form Data: 1-2 years (unless needed for legal purposes)
• Analytics Data: 90 days to 2 years depending on provider
• Cookies: Per individual cookie settings (see Cookie Policy)
• Server Logs: 30-90 days

9.2 Local Storage Data

Data stored locally on your device:

• Persists until you manually delete it
• Is deleted when you clear browser cache/cookies
• Is never transferred to our servers
• You have complete control over its retention

9.3 Deletion

We will delete or anonymize information after the retention period unless:

• Required by law
• Needed for legal claims or disputes
• You request we keep it longer

10. International Users

10.1 Global Access

Our website is accessible globally. If you access it from outside the United States, your information may be transferred to and processed in the United States.

10.2 GDPR Compliance (European Users)

If you are located in Europe, you have additional rights under GDPR:

• Right to withdraw consent anytime
• Right to lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority
• Right to object to processing
• Right to restrict processing

Our lawful basis for processing includes your consent and our legitimate interests.

10.3 CCPA Compliance (California Users)

See Section 11 below.

11. California Privacy Rights (CCPA)

11.1 Applicability

If you are a California resident, the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) gives you specific rights regarding your personal information.

11.2 Your CCPA Rights

• Right to Know: What personal information we collect, use, and share
• Right to Delete: Request deletion of your personal information
• Right to Opt-Out: Opt out of the sale or sharing of your personal information
• Right to Correct: Request correction of inaccurate information
• Right to Limit: Limit how we use your sensitive information

11.3 No Sale of Information

We do NOT sell your personal information. We do NOT share your information with third parties for their own marketing purposes without your consent.

11.4 Submitting CCPA Requests

To submit a CCPA request, contact us at: email@theharnessproject.com

We will verify your identity and respond within 45 days. You have the right to appeal our decision.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

12.1 Policy Updates

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors.

12.2 Notification of Changes

We will notify you of material changes by:

• Updating the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy
• Posting a notice on our website
• Sending you an email if the changes affect your rights

12.3 Your Acceptance

Your continued use of The HARNESS Project after changes are posted indicates your acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

13. Contact Information

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

• Email: email@theharnessproject.com
• Contact Form: Contact Us