ClimateConvo
Privacy Policy

Last Updated: May 21, 2026

ClimateConvo.com is owned and operated by Riley Wilkins. This Privacy Policy explains what personal data we collect, how we use it, and what rights you have. If you have any questions, reach us at [email protected].

1. Who This Policy Applies To

This policy applies to all visitors and registered users of ClimateConvo.com. For users in the European Union or United Kingdom, we adhere to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) as implemented by the Data Protection Act 2018. We have not appointed a Data Protection Officer, as we do not fall within the categories of controllers required to do so under Article 37 of the GDPR.

2. Data We Collect

Automatically collected when you visit the Site:

  • IP address
  • Browser and device information

Collected when you register an account:

  • First and last name
  • Date of birth
  • Email address
  • Username
  • Password (stored as a one-way hash — we never see your actual password)

Collected through your activity on the Site:

  • Posts, comments, and other content you submit
  • Community snaps (photos, titles, and optionally a pinned location)
  • Account preferences and email notification settings
  • Activity logs used for moderation and security purposes
3. How We Use Your Data

We use the data we collect to:

  • Operate your account and deliver the features of the Site;
  • Send email notifications you've opted into (such as comment replies and new community snaps);
  • Monitor for spam, abuse, and policy violations;
  • Understand how the Site is used and improve it over time (via Google Analytics, only with your consent); and
  • Comply with legal obligations.

We do not sell your personal data.

4. Cookies & Local Storage

We use the following cookies and browser storage on ClimateConvo:

  • Session cookies — required for logging in and staying signed in. These expire when you close your browser.
  • Preference cookies — remember choices you've made, such as your cookie consent decision (stored as cookie_consent for 365 days).
  • Local storage — your dark/light mode preference is saved in your browser's local storage, not as a cookie.
  • Analytics cookies — we use Google Analytics to understand Site traffic. These are only loaded if you accept cookies via our consent banner.
  • Third-party cookies — Google reCAPTCHA is used on forms for spam protection and may set its own cookies subject to Google's Privacy Policy.

You can manage or disable cookies through your browser settings. Note that disabling functional cookies may prevent you from signing in to the Site.

5. Legal Basis for Processing (EU & UK Users)

For users in the EU or UK, we collect and process personal data only when we have a legal basis under Article 6 of the GDPR. We rely on the following:

  • Consent — for analytics cookies and optional email notifications. You may withdraw consent at any time by updating your notification preferences in My Account or by contacting us.
  • Legitimate interests — for security monitoring, fraud prevention, and improving the Site.
  • Contract performance — for operating your account and delivering the services you've requested.
6. Who We Share Data With

We do not sell or share your personal data with third parties, except in the following circumstances:

  • When required by law or legal process;
  • To protect our legal rights or the safety of our users; or
  • In connection with a sale or transfer of the business.

We use Google Analytics (analytics) and Google reCAPTCHA (spam protection) — both subject to Google's own privacy policies. If you follow links from our Site to other websites, we are not responsible for their privacy practices.

7. Data Retention

We retain your personal data for as long as your account is active. When you delete your account, your personal information is removed from our active records. Some anonymized activity logs may be retained for security purposes.

8. How We Protect Your Data

We take security seriously. Sensitive fields — including your name, email, and date of birth — are encrypted in our database. Passwords are hashed and never stored in plain text. All traffic to the Site uses HTTPS. That said, no system is completely immune to risk, and we cannot guarantee absolute security. If you believe your account has been compromised, please contact us immediately.

9. International Data Transfers

Our servers are located in the United States. If you're accessing the Site from the EU or UK, your personal data will be transferred to the US. We comply with applicable legal requirements for international data transfers, and we protect your data as described in this policy regardless of where it's processed.

10. Your Rights

Under the GDPR, EU and UK users have the following rights:

  • Right to be informed about how your data is used;
  • Right of access to the personal data we hold about you;
  • Right to rectification of inaccurate data;
  • Right to erasure ("right to be forgotten");
  • Right to restrict or object to certain processing; and
  • Right to data portability.

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at [email protected]. If you feel we have not adequately addressed your concern, you have the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority.

11. Children

ClimateConvo requires users to be at least 16 years old. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children under 16. If we learn that a child under 16 has created an account, we will delete their data promptly. Parents or guardians may contact us at [email protected].

12. Do Not Track

We do not track users across third-party websites over time, and we do not respond to browser-initiated Do Not Track (DNT) signals.

13. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do, we'll update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page. For significant changes, we'll notify users by email where practical.

14. Contact

Questions, requests, or concerns about this policy? We'd love to hear from you — reach out at [email protected] or via the "Contact Us" link in the footer.