1. Overview

This Privacy Policy explains how Kratom Truth Project ("we," "us," "our") collects, uses, shares, and protects information when you visit our website at kratomtruthproject.org.

Key Principles:

• We collect minimal personal information
• We never sell your data to third parties
• We don't track you across the web
• You control your information

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect:

Data Type	Examples	Purpose
Technical Data	IP address, browser type, device type, operating system	Site functionality, security, analytics
Usage Data	Pages visited, time spent, click patterns, referral sources	Improve content and user experience
Cookies	Session cookies, analytics cookies	Remember preferences, measure traffic

2.2 Information You Provide

We only collect personal information when you voluntarily provide it:

• Contact Forms: Name, email address, message content
• Story Submissions: Personal experiences, contact information (optional)
• Newsletter Signup: Email address
• Comments: Name (can be pseudonym), email, comment text

2.3 Information We DON'T Collect

We do not collect:

• Social Security numbers or government IDs
• Financial information (we don't sell anything)
• Health records or medical information
• Precise geolocation data
• Biometric data

3. How We Use Your Information

3.1 Legitimate Uses

We use collected information to:

• Operate the website: Deliver content, maintain functionality
• Communicate: Respond to inquiries, send requested information
• Improve content: Understand which topics resonate with readers
• Security: Prevent fraud, abuse, and unauthorized access
• Legal compliance: Meet legal obligations and protect rights

3.2 Story and Testimony Use

If you submit a personal story:

• We may publish it to illustrate kratom's real-world impact
• You can request anonymity (we'll use pseudonyms)
• We may edit for clarity, grammar, or length
• You can request removal at any time

4. Cookies and Tracking

4.1 What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files stored on your device. We use cookies for:

• Essential cookies: Required for site functionality
• Analytics cookies: Understand site usage (via privacy-focused tools)
• Preference cookies: Remember your settings

4.2 Your Cookie Choices

You can control cookies through your browser settings:

• Block all cookies (may limit functionality)
• Delete existing cookies
• Set preferences for third-party cookies

Learn more: AboutCookies.org

4.3 Analytics

We use privacy-focused analytics (e.g., Plausible, Simple Analytics) that:

• Don't use cookies or track individuals
• Don't collect personal data
• Provide aggregate, anonymous statistics only
• Are GDPR/CCPA compliant by design

We do NOT use Google Analytics or invasive tracking.

5. How We Share Your Information

5.1 We Don't Sell Your Data

We NEVER sell, rent, or trade your personal information to advertisers, data brokers, or third parties for marketing purposes.

5.2 Limited Sharing

We may share information only in these specific situations:

Situation	What We Share	Why
Service Providers	Minimal data needed for services	Website hosting, email delivery, security
Legal Requirements	Data required by law	Court orders, subpoenas, legal obligations
Safety/Protection	Necessary data only	Prevent fraud, protect rights, ensure safety
With Your Consent	As specified	You explicitly agree (e.g., publishing your story)

6. Data Security

6.1 How We Protect Your Data

We implement security measures including:

• SSL/TLS encryption: All data transmitted securely (HTTPS)
• Secure servers: Industry-standard hosting with security protocols
• Access controls: Limited access to personal data
• Regular updates: Keep software and security patches current

6.2 No System Is Perfect

While we use reasonable security measures, no internet transmission is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security but continually work to protect your data.

7. Your Privacy Rights

7.1 Access and Control

You have the right to:

• Access: Request a copy of your personal data
• Correct: Update inaccurate or incomplete information
• Delete: Request deletion of your data ("right to be forgotten")
• Object: Opt out of certain data processing
• Portability: Receive your data in a portable format

7.2 How to Exercise Your Rights

Contact us at: privacy@kratomtruthproject.org

We'll respond within 30 days.

7.3 Newsletter Unsubscribe

Every email includes an unsubscribe link. Click it to stop receiving emails. Changes take effect within 48 hours.

8. Children's Privacy

Our website is not directed to children under 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from minors. If we discover we've collected data from a child, we'll delete it promptly.

Parents: If you believe your child provided information to us, contact privacy@kratomtruthproject.org.

9. International Users

Our website is hosted in [Your Country]. If you access from outside [Your Country], your data may be transferred internationally. By using our site, you consent to this transfer.

9.1 GDPR Compliance (EU Users)

If you're in the European Economic Area (EEA), you have additional rights under GDPR:

• Right to data portability
• Right to object to processing
• Right to lodge a complaint with supervisory authority
• Right to withdraw consent

9.2 CCPA Compliance (California Users)

California residents have rights under CCPA including:

• Know what personal data is collected
• Know if data is sold (we don't sell data)
• Opt out of sale (not applicable)
• Request deletion
• Non-discrimination for exercising rights

10. Third-Party Services

10.1 External Links

Our site links to external websites (research papers, news articles, government documents). We are not responsible for their privacy practices. Review their privacy policies before providing information.

10.2 Social Media

If we embed social media content (Twitter/X posts, YouTube videos), those platforms may collect data. We don't control their tracking. Consider using privacy tools like:

• Browser extensions (Privacy Badger, uBlock Origin)
• Private/incognito mode
• Social media container extensions

11. Data Retention

11.1 How Long We Keep Data

Data Type	Retention Period
Analytics data	Aggregated only, no personal identifiers, retained indefinitely
Contact form submissions	Until resolved, then deleted or archived
Newsletter emails	Until you unsubscribe
Published stories/comments	Indefinitely (can request removal)
Security logs	90 days

11.2 Deletion Requests

When you request deletion, we'll remove your data within 30 days unless legally required to retain it (e.g., for legal proceedings).

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect:

• Changes in our practices
• New legal requirements
• Feedback from users
• New features or services

We'll notify you of significant changes by:

• Posting notice on our homepage
• Updating the "Last Updated" date
• Sending email (if you're subscribed)

13. Contact Us

Questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices?

Kratom Truth Project
Privacy Inquiries: privacy@kratomtruthproject.org
General Contact: contact@kratomtruthproject.org
Website: kratomtruthproject.org