1. Overview
Help Seattle (“we,” “us,” or “the platform”) is an independent civic platform designed to provide information, analysis, and community discussion about how Seattle works.

 

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect information when you use our website, create an account, or interact with community features.

 

By using Help Seattle, you agree to this Privacy Policy.

 

2. Information We Collect
We collect information in three primary ways:

 

A. Information You Provide Directly
When you:

• Create an account

• Participate in community discussions

• Submit content (text, images, messages)

• Contact us

We may collect:

• Name or username

• Email address

• Profile information

• Content you post or submit

 

B. Automatically Collected Information
When you use the site, we automatically collect:

• IP address

• Browser type and device information

• Pages visited and time spent

• Referring URLs

• Interaction behavior (clicks, navigation)

This data helps us understand how the platform is used.

 

C. Cookies & Tracking Technologies
We use cookies and similar technologies to:

• Improve site performance

• Analyze traffic and behavior

• Remember user preferences

• Support analytics tools

You can manage cookie preferences through our cookie consent banner.

 

3. Analytics & Third-Party Tools
We use third-party analytics services (such as Google Analytics or similar tools) to understand how users interact with the platform.
These services may collect:

• Usage data

• Device information

• Approximate location data

We do not control how third-party tools process data. Their use is governed by their respective privacy policies.

 

4. How We Use Information
We use collected information to:

• Operate and maintain the platform

• Improve content, usability, and performance

• Enable community features and user accounts

• Monitor usage patterns and engagement

• Detect abuse, fraud, or misuse

• Communicate with users (if applicable)

 

5. Community Content & Public Visibility
Help Seattle includes community discussion features.
Important:

• Content you post may be publicly visible

• Your username may be associated with your content

• Posts may remain visible even if your account is deleted

You are responsible for what you choose to share.

 

6. Data Sharing
We do not sell personal data.
We may share information:

• With service providers (hosting, analytics, infrastructure)

• If required by law, subpoena, or legal process

• To protect the rights, safety, or integrity of the platform

• In connection with a future business transition (if applicable)

 

7. Data Retention
We retain information:

• As long as necessary to operate the platform

• As required for legal, security, or operational purposes

• As needed to maintain content integrity (e.g., published posts)

Even if you delete your account, some data may remain in backups or archived systems.

 

8. Security
We take reasonable measures to protect data, including:

• Secure hosting environments

• Access controls

• Standard technical safeguards

However, no system is completely secure. Use the platform at your own risk.

 

9. Your Rights & Choices
Depending on your location, you may have rights to:

• Access your personal data

• Request deletion of your data

• Correct inaccurate information

• Opt out of certain tracking

To make a request, contact: [Insert Contact Email]

 

10. Children’s Privacy
Help Seattle is not intended for children under 13.
We do not knowingly collect data from children. If such data is identified, it will be removed.

 

11. External Links
This platform may link to third-party websites.
We are not responsible for:

• Their content

• Their privacy practices

• Their data collection

Use external sites at your own risk.

 

12. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy at any time.
Changes will be reflected by updating the “Effective Date.”
Continued use of the platform constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

 

13. Limitation of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law, Help Seattle is not liable for:

• Unauthorized access to user data

• Data breaches beyond our reasonable control

• Third-party misuse of data

• User-generated content or disclosures

Use of the platform is at your own risk.

 

14. Governing Law
This Privacy Policy is governed by the laws of the State of Washington.
Any disputes arising from this policy or use of the platform shall be resolved exclusively in the state or federal courts located in King County, Washington.

 

15. Copyright & DMCA Takedown Policy

Help Seattle respects intellectual property rights and expects users to do the same.

If you believe that content on the platform infringes your copyright, you may submit a written takedown request that includes:

• Your name and contact information

• A description of the copyrighted work

• The exact URL or location of the allegedly infringing content

• A statement that you have a good faith belief the use is not authorized

• A statement, under penalty of perjury, that your claim is accurate

• Your physical or electronic signature

We will review and may remove or disable access to the content in question.

We reserve the right to:

• Remove content without prior notice

• Terminate repeat infringers

• Restore content if a valid counter-notice is received

Submit requests to: [Insert DMCA Email]

 

16. AI & Content Processing Disclosure

Help Seattle may use artificial intelligence and automated systems to support:

• Content organization and formatting

• Search and discovery features

• Moderation and safety detection

• Analytical insights and platform improvement

By using the platform, you acknowledge:

• Content you submit may be processed by automated systems

• AI-generated insights may be imperfect or incomplete

• We do not guarantee accuracy of AI-assisted outputs

We do not use your personal data to train external third-party AI models without disclosure.

 

17. Community Moderation & Content Removal

Help Seattle reserves the right to moderate all content.

We may, at our sole discretion, remove, edit, restrict, or delete any content that:

• Violates applicable laws

• Is abusive, harmful, or misleading

• Disrupts the integrity of the platform

• Violates community standards (published or implied)

We also reserve the right to:

• Suspend or terminate user accounts

• Limit access to features

• Remove content without explanation or notice

Moderation decisions are final and may be made without prior warning.

 

18. Arbitration & Dispute Resolution

By using Help Seattle, you agree that:

• Any dispute, claim, or controversy arising from your use of the platform will be resolved through binding arbitration, not in court

• Arbitration will be conducted in King County, Washington

• You waive the right to participate in class action lawsuits or class-wide arbitration

Exceptions:

• Either party may bring claims in small claims court

• We may seek injunctive relief in court for misuse or abuse of the platform

This section is intended to reduce litigation costs and ensure efficient resolution of disputes.

 

19. Contact
For questions regarding this Privacy Policy:
[hello @ helpseattle . org]

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