Privacy Policy

At Melanifest, we are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring transparency about how we handle your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and your rights regarding your data.

This policy applies to all users of the Melanifest platform, including campaign creators, donors, and visitors to our website.

Account Information

When you create an account, we collect:

• Full name and email address
• Profile photo (optional)
• Password (encrypted)
• Phone number (for verification)
• Organization information (if applicable)

Payment Information

For donations and payments, we collect:

• Billing address
• Payment method details (processed securely by our payment partners)
• Transaction history
• Tax identification information (when required)

Campaign Information

When you create a campaign, we collect:

• Campaign title, description, and goals
• Photos and videos you upload
• Campaign updates and communications
• Beneficiary information (if different from creator)

Usage Data

We automatically collect:

• Device information (browser, operating system)
• IP address and location data
• Pages visited and time spent on the platform
• Referral sources and search terms
• Interaction data (clicks, scrolls, form submissions)

Communications

We collect information when you:

• Contact our support team
• Participate in surveys or feedback forms
• Subscribe to our newsletters
• Engage with our social media accounts

Core Services

• Create and manage your account
• Process donations and payments
• Enable campaign creation and management
• Facilitate communication between users
• Provide customer support

Safety & Security

• Verify user identities and prevent fraud
• Monitor for suspicious or illegal activities
• Protect against security threats
• Comply with legal obligations

Platform Improvement

• Analyze usage patterns to improve our services
• Develop new features and functionality
• Conduct research and analytics
• Test and optimize platform performance

Communications

• Send transaction confirmations and receipts
• Provide important account and security updates
• Share relevant campaign updates (with your consent)
• Send newsletters and promotional content (opt-in only)

Service Providers

We share information with trusted partners who help us operate our platform:

• Payment Processors: Stripe, PayPal for secure payment processing
• Cloud Services: AWS for hosting and data storage
• Analytics: Google Analytics for usage insights
• Communication: Email and SMS service providers
• Security: Fraud prevention and identity verification services

Public Information

Some information is publicly visible by design:

• Campaign titles, descriptions, and goals
• Campaign creator names and profile information
• Donation amounts (unless anonymous)
• Public comments and updates

Legal Requirements

We may share information when required by law:

• Compliance with court orders or subpoenas
• Response to government investigations
• Anti-money laundering and tax reporting
• Protection of our rights and safety

Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred to the new entity, subject to the same privacy protections.

We implement comprehensive security measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction.

Technical Safeguards

• Encryption: All data is encrypted in transit and at rest
• Secure Servers: Data stored on secure, monitored servers
• Access Controls: Strict employee access controls and authentication
• Regular Audits: Security assessments and vulnerability testing
• Backup Systems: Regular backups with secure storage

Operational Safeguards

• Employee background checks and confidentiality agreements
• Security awareness training for all staff
• Incident response procedures
• Regular security policy reviews and updates

Your Role in Security

• Use strong, unique passwords
• Enable two-factor authentication
• Keep your contact information current
• Report suspicious activity immediately
• Log out of shared or public devices

We retain your personal information only as long as necessary to provide our services and comply with legal obligations.

Retention Periods

• Account Information: Until account deletion or 7 years after last activity
• Transaction Data: 7 years for tax and legal compliance
• Campaign Data: Active campaigns retained indefinitely, inactive campaigns archived after 2 years
• Usage Data: Aggregated data retained indefinitely, personal identifiers removed after 2 years
• Support Communications: 3 years from last interaction

Data Deletion

When we delete your data, we take steps to ensure it cannot be recovered or reconstructed. Some information may be retained in encrypted backups for security purposes but will be inaccessible for normal operations.

You have important rights regarding your personal information. The specific rights available to you may vary based on your location and applicable laws.

Universal Rights

• Access: Request a copy of your personal information
• Correction: Update or correct inaccurate information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information
• Portability: Receive your data in a portable format
• Objection: Object to certain processing activities

Communication Preferences

• Unsubscribe from marketing emails
• Opt out of SMS notifications
• Adjust in-app notification settings
• Control public profile visibility

North Carolina Residents

As a North Carolina-based company, we comply with all applicable state privacy laws. If you are a North Carolina resident, you may have additional rights under state law.

Exercising Your Rights

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at privacy@melanifest.com or use the privacy controls in your account settings. We will respond to your request within 30 days.

We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience, analyze usage, and provide personalized content.

Types of Cookies We Use

Managing Cookies

You can control cookies through:

• Browser settings (disable or delete cookies)
• Our cookie preference center
• Third-party opt-out tools
• Account privacy settings

We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we discover that we have inadvertently collected such information, we will delete it immediately.

Age Verification

• Users must be at least 18 to create accounts
• Age verification may be required for certain features
• Parental consent required for users under 18 in some jurisdictions

If You Are a Parent

If you believe your child has provided personal information on our platform, please contact us immediately at privacy@melanifest.com, and we will take steps to remove the information.

Melanifest is based in North Carolina, United States. If you are accessing our platform from outside the US, please be aware that your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in the United States.

Data Transfers

• All data is processed in secure US-based data centers
• We use appropriate safeguards for international data transfers
• EU users: We comply with applicable data protection regulations
• GDPR rights are available to eligible users

Local Privacy Laws

We strive to comply with applicable privacy laws in all jurisdictions where we operate. If you have specific privacy rights under local law, please contact us to exercise those rights.

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

How We Notify You

• Email notification for significant changes
• In-app notifications
• Website banner announcements
• Updated "Last Modified" date

Your Continued Use

By continuing to use our platform after policy changes take effect, you accept the updated Privacy Policy. If you disagree with changes, you may close your account.

We‘re committed to addressing your privacy concerns and questions. Please don‘t hesitate to contact us.