UnGovr Privacy Policy
UnGovr ("UnGovr," "we," "our," or "us") is a US based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that helps people access open records and understand local government activity. This Privacy Policy explains how UnGovr collects, uses, and shares information when you visit our website at https://ungovr.org or use any related tools, services, or features (together, the "Services").
By using the Services, you consent to the practices described in this Privacy Policy.
1. Scope
This Privacy Policy applies to:
- Visitors to ungovr.org and any subdomains
- People who create an UnGovr account or use our tools
- People who receive communications from UnGovr, including email and, where applicable, SMS
For additional, SMS-specific information, please see our UnGovr SMS Notifications page.
2. Information We Collect
2.1 Information you provide directly
UnGovr may collect information that you choose to provide, including:
- Account information
- Name, email address, password or login credentials
- Phone number, if you add it for alerts or verification
- Organization or affiliation, if you choose to provide it
- Open records workflow information
- Information you enter when creating or managing an open records request via our tools
- Notes, labels, or tags you add to your requests or projects
- Communications with us
- Messages sent via contact forms, email, or feedback tools
- Responses to surveys, research interviews, or beta testing programs
2.2 Information collected automatically
When you use the Services, certain information may be collected automatically, such as:
- Device and usage information
- IP address
- Browser type and version
- Operating system and device type
- Referring and exit pages
- Pages viewed, links clicked, and time spent on the site
- Log information
- Dates and times of access
- Error messages and diagnostic data
- Basic performance and security logs
2.3 Cookies and similar technologies
UnGovr may use cookies and similar technologies to:
- Keep you logged in
- Remember your preferences
- Understand how the Services are used
- Improve performance and security
You can manage cookies through your browser settings. If you disable cookies, some features of the Services may not function properly.
2.4 Information from public or third-party sources
As part of UnGovr's mission, we work with information that is publicly available or obtained from government entities and other third parties, including:
- Open records and documents obtained from government agencies
- Government websites, data portals, agendas, minutes, and other public materials
- Information supplied by partner organizations or collaborators
3. How We Use Information
UnGovr may use the information described above for purposes including:
- Providing and improving the Services
- Operating the website and tools
- Handling user accounts and authentication
- Processing, organizing, and presenting open records-related data
- Communicating with you
- Sending emails or SMS about your account or activity
- Responding to your questions, support requests, and feedback
- Providing updates about changes to the Services or this Privacy Policy
- Security and integrity
- Detecting and preventing fraud, abuse, or unauthorized access
- Monitoring the health and performance of the Services
- Research and development
- Evaluating usage patterns to improve design, usability, and impact
- Conducting research using aggregated or de-identified data
- Legal and compliance
- Complying with applicable laws and regulations
- Protecting the rights, safety, and property of UnGovr, our users, and the public
4. How We Share Information
UnGovr does not sell your personal information to third parties. UnGovr never shares text messaging consent (opt-in) information with third parties.
We may share information in the following situations:
- Service providers and vendors – Companies that help us operate the Services
- Government entities – When you use our tools to submit open records requests
- Legal and safety reasons – When required by law or to protect rights and safety
5. Text Messaging and Communications
If you provide a mobile phone number and opt in to receive SMS, UnGovr may send informational text messages about your open records requests or related activity. See our SMS Notifications page for details.
6. Your Choices
- Account information: Update your profile settings or contact us
- Email: Click "unsubscribe" in any email
- SMS: Reply STOP to any text message
- Cookies: Adjust browser settings or visit our opt-out preferences page
7. Data Security
We use administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect the information we collect. However, no security system is impenetrable, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
8. Children's Privacy
Our Services are not directed at children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13.
9. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do, we will post the revised policy with a new "last updated" date. Continued use of the Services after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.
10. Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, contact us at:
UnGovr – Privacy
Email: privacy@ungovr.org
19 E Canon Perdido St, Suite B
Santa Barbara, CA 93101