Privacy Policy
Effective Date: March 09, 2025
At HAB Care, operated by HAB Solutions LLC ("we," "us," or "our"), we are deeply committed to protecting the privacy of our users ("you," "your," or "Users") while advancing our mission to support endangered animals worldwide. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, store, and protect your personal information when you access or use the HAB Care website (the "Website") and any related services, features, content, or applications (collectively, the "Services"). By using the Website or Services, you consent to the practices described in this Privacy Policy, which is incorporated into and governed by our Terms of Service & Use (available here).
We recognize the importance of transparency, especially as a platform dedicated to fostering trust among those who care about conservation. This Privacy Policy is designed to inform you about our data practices in a clear and comprehensive manner, ensuring you understand how your information supports our efforts to protect endangered species while respecting your rights under applicable laws.
1. Scope of This Privacy Policy
1.1 Purpose: This Privacy Policy applies to all personal information collected through the Website and Services, whether you are browsing educational content, making a donation, submitting content about endangered animals, or engaging with our community features.1.2 Third-Party Services: This Privacy Policy does not cover the practices of third-party websites, applications, or services linked to or integrated with HAB Care (e.g., payment processors, social media platforms). We encourage you to review the privacy policies of those third parties when you interact with them.
1.3 Updates: We may update this Privacy Policy at any time by posting the revised version on the Website. Changes take effect immediately upon posting, and your continued use of the Website or Services constitutes your acceptance of the updated policy. We recommend reviewing this document periodically.
2. Information We Collect
We collect various types of information to operate the Website, deliver our Services, and fulfill our mission of supporting endangered animals. The information falls into two main categories: personal information you provide directly and information we collect automatically.
2.1 Information You Provide
2.1.1 Account Registration: When you create an account on HAB Care, we may
collect:
- Your full name.
- Email address.
- Username and password.
- Any additional details you voluntarily provide (e.g., mailing address, phone number).
- Payment information (e.g., credit card number, billing address), processed through third-party payment providers.
- Donation amount and frequency (e.g., one-time or recurring).
- Optional comments or dedications accompanying your donation. 2.1.3 User-Generated Content: When you submit content (e.g., stories, photos, videos) about endangered animals, we may collect:
- The content itself, including metadata (e.g., location, date).
- Your name or pseudonym, if provided.
- Contact information for verification or follow-up. 2.1.4 Communications: When you contact us (e.g., via email, forms, or support requests), we collect:
- Your name and contact details.
- The content of your message.
- Any attachments you include.
- IP address.
- Browser type and version.
- Operating system and device information.
- Pages visited, time spent, and navigation patterns.
- Referring website or source (e.g., search engine, social media). 2.2.2 Cookies and Tracking Technologies: We use cookies, web beacons, and similar technologies to:
- Enhance your experience (e.g., remembering preferences).
- Analyze Website performance and user behavior.
- Deliver targeted content or updates about endangered animals.
- Types of cookies include:
- Essential Cookies: Necessary for Website functionality.
- Analytics Cookies: Track usage statistics.
- Preference Cookies: Store your settings.
2.3 Information from Third Parties 2.3.1 Partners: We may receive information from conservation organizations or other partners about your participation in joint initiatives.
2.3.2 Social Media: If you connect with HAB Care via social media (e.g., logging in with a social account), we may collect profile information such as your username or public posts, subject to the platform’s policies.
3. How We Use Your Information
We use your information to operate the Website, provide Services, and advance our mission to protect endangered animals. Specific purposes include:3.1 Service Delivery:
- Processing and acknowledging donations.
- Displaying your user-generated content (with your consent).
- Managing your account and preferences.
3.2 Mission Support:
- Sending updates about endangered species, conservation efforts, or fundraising campaigns.
- Analyzing data to improve our educational resources and outreach.
- Connecting Users with opportunities to support specific animals or habitats.
3.3 Communication:
- Responding to your inquiries or feedback.
- Sending transactional emails (e.g., donation receipts, account updates).
- Providing newsletters or alerts (if you opt in).
3.4 Website Improvement:
- Monitoring usage patterns to enhance functionality and user experience.
- Troubleshooting technical issues.
3.5 Legal Compliance:
- Fulfilling obligations under applicable laws (e.g., tax reporting).
- Protecting against fraud or misuse of the Website.
4. How We Share Your Information
We do not sell your personal information. However, we may share it under specific circumstances to support our mission or comply with legal requirements.4.1 With Service Providers 4.1.1 Third-Party Processors: We use trusted third parties to perform functions such as:
- Payment processing (e.g., Stripe, PayPal).
- Website hosting and maintenance.
- Email delivery and analytics.
- These providers are contractually obligated to protect your information and use it only for the services they provide to us.
4.2.1 Collaboration: We may share aggregated or anonymized data with conservation organizations to support research or initiatives (e.g., tracking donation impact).
4.2.2 Joint Efforts: If you participate in a partner-led campaign, we may share your name and contact details with that partner, with your consent.
4.3 For Legal Reasons
4.3.1 Compliance: We may disclose your information if required by law, subpoena, or government request.
4.3.2 Protection: We may share information to protect the rights, safety, or property of HAB Solutions LLC, our Users, or the public (e.g., to investigate fraud or abuse).
4.4 With Your Consent
4.4.1 Public Display: If you submit content and agree to its public posting, your name or pseudonym may be displayed alongside it.
4.4.2 Other Sharing: We will seek your explicit permission before sharing your information in ways not described here.
5. Data Security
5.1 Measures: We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, loss, misuse, or alteration. These include encryption, secure servers, and access controls.5.2 Limitations: No system is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute protection against breaches, hacking, or other incidents beyond our control. You use the Website at your own risk.
5.3 Notification: If we detect a data breach that compromises your personal information, we will notify you and relevant authorities as required by law.
6. Your Rights and Choices
We respect your control over your personal information. Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have the following rights:6.1 Access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you.
6.2 Correction: Ask us to update or correct inaccurate data.
6.3 Deletion: Request removal of your personal information, subject to legal retention obligations.
6.4 Opt-Out:
- Unsubscribe from marketing emails via the link in each message.
- Disable non-essential cookies through your browser settings.
6.5 Portability: Request your data in a structured, machine-readable format (where applicable).
6.6 Exercising Rights: Submit requests to support@hab-care.org. We will respond within the timeframe required by law (e.g., 30 days under GDPR).
7. Data Retention
7.1 Duration: We retain your personal information only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, comply with legal obligations, or resolve disputes. For example:
- Account data is kept while your account is active and for a reasonable period after closure.
- Donation records are retained for tax and auditing purposes (e.g., 7 years in the U.S.).
- User content may be kept indefinitely unless you request removal.
7.2 Deletion: After the retention period, we securely delete or anonymize your information.
8. International Data Transfers
8.1 Global Operations: As a platform supporting endangered animals worldwide, we may transfer your data to countries outside your jurisdiction, including the United States, where HAB Solutions LLC is based.8.2 Safeguards: We ensure such transfers comply with applicable laws (e.g., GDPR for EU residents) using mechanisms like Standard Contractual Clauses or adequacy decisions.
9. Children’s Privacy
9.1 Age Restriction: The Website is not intended for children under 13 (or 16 in some jurisdictions, e.g., under GDPR). We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under these ages.9.2 Action: If we learn we have collected such data, we will delete it promptly. Contact us at support@hab-care.org if you believe a child’s data has been submitted.
10. Cookies and Tracking
10.1 Use: We use cookies and similar technologies as described in Section 2.2.2.10.2 Management: You can manage cookies via your browser settings or opt-out tools provided on the Website. Note that disabling essential cookies may impair functionality.
11. Legal Basis (For EU/UK Users)
11.1 GDPR Compliance: For Users in the European Economic Area (EEA) or UK, we process your data based on:
- Consent: For marketing emails or non-essential cookies.
- Contract: To provide Services (e.g., process donations).
- Legitimate Interests: To improve the Website and support our mission.
- Legal Obligation: To comply with laws.
12. Contact Us
If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact: