Privacy Policy

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Information You Provide

• Account information (name, email, username)
• Profile information (bio, avatar, location)
• Hobby-related content (posts, photos, videos, progress tracking)
• Communication data (messages, comments, feedback)
• Payment information (processed securely through third-party providers)

1.2 Information from Third-Party Services

• Facebook Login: Basic profile information (name, email, profile picture, birthday, location) when you choose to sign in with Facebook
• Google Login: Basic profile information (name, email, profile picture) when you choose to sign in with Google
• Apple Login: Basic profile information (name, email) when you choose to sign in with Apple
• Twitter Login: Basic profile information (name, username, profile picture) when you choose to sign in with Twitter

1.3 Automatically Collected Information

• Device information (browser type, operating system, IP address)
• Usage data (pages visited, features used, time spent)
• Cookies and similar technologies
• Location data (if you choose to share it)

2. How We Use Your Information

• Provide and maintain our services
• Create and manage your account
• Process transactions and payments
• Send you important updates and notifications
• Improve our services and develop new features
• Provide customer support
• Ensure platform safety and security
• Comply with legal obligations
• Personalize your experience
• Connect you with other hobbyists

3. Information Sharing and Disclosure

3.1 We Do Not Sell Your Personal Information

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes.

3.2 When We Share Information

• With Your Consent: When you explicitly agree to share information
• Service Providers: With trusted third parties who help us operate our platform (hosting, analytics, payment processing)
• Advertising Partners: When ads are enabled, partners (such as Google AdSense, Mediavine, Journey by Mediavine, or other ad networks) may receive limited data for ad delivery and measurement
• Affiliate & Partner Programs: We participate in affiliate programs (e.g., Amazon Associates, Impact.com, and other retailer or brand programs). When you click affiliate links on our site, the partner network may receive information (such as click and conversion data) to track referrals and process commissions. Their use of data is governed by their respective privacy policies
• Legal Requirements: When required by law or to protect our rights
• Safety and Security: To prevent fraud, abuse, or illegal activities
• Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets

4. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information:

• Encryption of data in transit and at rest
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Access controls and authentication
• Secure data centers and infrastructure
• Employee training on data protection

5. Your Rights and Choices

5.1 Access and Control

• Access your personal information
• Update or correct your information
• Delete your account and data
• Export your data
• Opt out of certain communications

5.2 Third-Party Login Controls

You can manage your third-party login permissions through your account settings or by revoking access through the respective platform (Facebook, Google, Apple, Twitter).

5.3 Data Deletion

To request deletion of your data, visit our Data Deletion Instructions page or contact us at privacy@howtohobby.com.

6. Cookies and Tracking

We use cookies and similar technologies to:

• Remember your preferences and settings
• Analyze how you use our platform
• Provide personalized content and features
• Deliver and measure advertising where enabled
• Ensure security and prevent fraud

You can control cookies through your browser settings, but some features may not work properly if you disable cookies.

7. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your own. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information in accordance with this privacy policy.

8. Children's Privacy

Our service is not intended for children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe we have collected information from a child under 13, please contact us immediately.

9. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this privacy policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the new privacy policy on this page and updating the "Last updated" date.

10. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this privacy policy or our data practices, please contact us:

• Email: privacy@howtohobby.com
• Website: https://howtohobby.com
• Address: How To Hobby LLC, PO Box 230582, Grand Rapids, MI 49523