Last Updated: May 5th 2025

MyFriendBen Privacy Policy

MyFriendBen takes data privacy seriously and does not require users to answer questions that would identify who they are. We encourage everyone to read our Privacy Policy below, but if you don’t have time, the most important points are:

• MyFriendBen is anonymous by default.
• You can share your contact information with us, but that is optional.
• We will never sell your information.
• We don’t ask about or store information about immigration status.

This MyFriendBen Website Privacy Policy (“Privacy Policy”) covers information that MyFriendBen and our service providers (“MyFriendBen,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) collect from users and visitors of websites operated and controlled by MyFriendBen that link to this Privacy Policy, including https://www.myfriendben.org (collectively, the “Sites”). This Privacy Policy does not apply to other websites that do not link to this Privacy Policy.

This Privacy Policy explains:

• What information we collect and why.
• How we use that information.
• The choices we offer, including how to access and update information.

Our Privacy Policy is designed to provide transparency into our privacy practices. If you’re not familiar with terms like cookies, IP addresses, or pixel tags, we recommend reviewing these key terms first. By accessing or using the Sites, you consent to the collection, use, disclosure, and handling of your information as described below. If you do not agree, you should not use the Sites.

Types of Information We Collect

We collect two types of information:

1. Information you voluntarily provide.
2. Information collected automatically through your use of the Sites.
   We may also receive information about you from third-party sources.

Information You Provide:
You may provide personal information (such as name, phone number, or email address) to access certain features, request information, or participate in surveys. For example, you may enter data to see what programs you’re eligible for or contact us with questions. We keep the content of your messages and your contact details to respond and improve our services. This information helps us fulfill your requests and is used only for the purposes described.

Information Collected Automatically:
We and our service providers may automatically collect certain data from your browser or device. This may include details such as device type, operating system, IP address, browser settings, or how often you visit the Sites. These help us provide, improve, and secure our services.

Technologies Used:

• Cookies and similar technologies: Used for analytics, personalization, remembering preferences, and improving functionality.
• Local storage: Stores preferences on your device.
• Device information: Includes details like device type, brand, OS version, and identifiers.
• Location information: May include coarse (city-level) data. We do not collect or store precise location data without your explicit permission.
• Server logs: May record how you use the Sites, crashes, system activity, browser language, and referral URLs.
• Cross-device collection: Allows a consistent experience across multiple devices.

Information from Third Parties:
We may receive information from partners or other sources to supplement what we collect. This may include aggregated or personal data, handled in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

How We Use the Information We Collect

We use information, including personal information, to:

• Operate and maintain the Sites.
• Fulfill your requests and respond to questions.
• Process eligibility screeners for benefits.
• Personalize your experience.
• Conduct research and analysis related to benefit programs.
• Communicate updates or promotions.
• Send service or security alerts.
• Improve features and user experience.
• Detect, investigate, and prevent fraud or illegal activity.
• Provide relevant marketing or event information.

You can opt out of marketing emails anytime by following the unsubscribe instructions in those communications.

Sharing Your Information

We do not sell your personal information. We share it only in the limited circumstances below:

• Third-party integrations: When using integrated tools (e.g., Facebook, Twitter), those platforms may receive information according to their own privacy policies.
• Service providers: We work with trusted vendors who assist with hosting, email delivery, analytics, customer support, or security. They may access data only as needed to perform their tasks.
• Analytics providers: We use tools like Google Analytics to understand usage and performance.
• Business partners: If you opt in, we may share data to provide joint offers or programs.
• Social media platforms: We may share limited data to promote our services, based on legitimate interest.
• Aggregated data: We may share non-identifiable statistics (e.g., usage trends).
• Legal obligations: We may disclose data if required by law or to protect our rights and users.
• Fraud protection: Shared only as necessary to maintain security.
• Affiliates or successors: Your information may be transferred in case of a merger, acquisition, or restructuring.
• With your consent: Beyond these cases, we share data only if you agree.

Online Analytics, Advertising, and Do-Not-Track

We use third-party analytics tools (like Google Analytics) to measure usage trends. You can learn about Google’s data practices at:
https://www.google.com/policies/privacy/partners
and opt out at:
https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout

We may also use advertising technologies to display relevant ads. Opting out may not remove ads entirely but can reduce interest-based targeting.

We currently do not respond to browser “Do Not Track” signals.

Data Security and Retention

We use physical, technical, and administrative safeguards to protect your information from unauthorized access, disclosure, or misuse. However, no system is 100% secure, and breaches may occur. If a breach occurs, we may notify you by email or post a notice on our website.

We retain personal information only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes described or as required by law.

Your Rights

Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have rights to:

• Access, correct, or delete your personal information.
• Restrict or object to certain processing.
• Transfer your data to another controller.
• Opt out of marketing or data sharing.
• Withdraw consent at any time.

To exercise these rights, contact us using the email below. We may require verification before processing requests.

We may deny requests that are repetitive, impractical, or legally restricted. Even after deletion, some data may remain in backups for a limited time.

International Users

The Sites are hosted in the United States. By using the Sites from outside the U.S., you consent to the transfer and processing of your data in the U.S. under this Privacy Policy.

Communications from MyFriendBen

If you provide your contact information, we may send you updates, alerts, or information about our services. You can unsubscribe from marketing communications via email links or by contacting us. Service-related messages (e.g., account or security notices) cannot be opted out of.

Social Media Features

The Sites may include social features like sharing buttons (e.g., Facebook or Bluesky). These may collect your IP address or set cookies. Your interactions with these features are governed by the respective platform’s privacy policies.

Third-Party Services

Our Sites may contain links to external websites or embedded third-party content. These are governed by their own privacy policies. We are not responsible for their content or practices, so review their terms before sharing any data.

Children

The Sites are not directed to children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from them. If you believe a child has submitted personal data, please contact us so we can delete it.

Online Surveys and Feedback

We may conduct optional surveys or ask for feedback to improve our services. Comments and suggestions are not confidential and may be used to enhance our Sites without compensation.

California Privacy Disclosures

California residents have rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) to access, delete, and request information about their personal data. We extend these same rights to all users.

We do not sell personal information.
We do not discriminate against users exercising their privacy rights.
Minors under 18 can request removal of any posted content (though posting is not currently available).

For more details, contact us at: privacy@myfriendben.org

Changes to This Policy

We may revise this Privacy Policy from time to time. The latest update date will always appear at the top. Material changes will be communicated through notices on our website or by email. Continued use of the Sites after updates means you accept the revised Policy.

Contacting MyFriendBen

If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us at: privacy@myfriendben.org