Privacy Policy - Puzzle Fund

Last Updated: 01/28/2024

PRIVACY

Information We Collect

At Puzzle Fund, we value your privacy and transparency in how we collect and use your information. This section describes the types of information we may collect from you when you interact with our services.

A. Information You Provide Directly to Us:

Registration Information:

When you register for an account on Puzzle Fund, we collect essential information to create and manage your account. This includes your name, email address, and login details.
Additional information such as your zip code, country, and phone number may also be collected to enhance the security of your account through multi-factor authentication and to communicate important service messages.
You have the option to provide additional personal details such as a profile picture or a brief bio, which can help personalize your experience on our platform.

Fundraiser and Beneficiary Information:

If you create a fundraiser or are designated as a beneficiary, we collect information related to the organization and management of the fundraiser. This may include your contact information, details about the fundraiser, and any related documentation you provide.

Donation Information:

When you make a donation on Puzzle Fund, we collect information necessary to process the transaction. This includes your name, email address, and payment information. We ensure that your payment data is securely handled by our trusted payment processors.

Communications with Puzzle Fund:

If you contact us for support or with inquiries, we collect the information you provide in these communications. This includes your contact details and the content of your messages to us.

B. Information Collected Automatically:

Device and Usage Information:

As you interact with Puzzle Fund, we may collect certain information automatically. This includes your device type, browser type, IP address, and how you use our services (such as pages visited and actions taken on our platform).

Cookies and Tracking Technologies:

Puzzle Fund may use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience, analyze trends, and administer the website. Cookies help us understand user behavior, tell us which parts of our website people have visited, and facilitate the effectiveness of advertisements and web searches.

This list is not exhaustive and may be updated as our services evolve. For more information on how we use and protect your data, please read the sections below on ‘Our Use of Information Collected’ and ‘Security’.

Registration Information

When you register for our services or create an account on Puzzle Fund, we collect essential registration information. This includes:

Your full name and email address: Essential for account creation, communication, and verification purposes.
Login details: This would be your chosen username and password, which are necessary for securing and accessing your account.
Zip code and country: We collect this information to provide localized services and comply with regional legal requirements.
Phone number: Necessary for multi-factor authentication to enhance the security of your account and for sending important service-related messages.
Additional optional information: This could include a profile picture or other personal details you choose to share to personalize your account experience.

If you are organizing a fundraiser or acting on behalf of an entity (e.g., a charity or organization), we may additionally collect relevant information related to that entity, such as the organization’s name and contact details. This information is crucial for verifying the legitimacy of the fundraiser and ensuring proper management and distribution of funds.

Creation of a Fundraiser

When you initiate a fundraiser on Puzzle Fund, we collect various pieces of information to effectively showcase and manage your fundraising campaign. This includes:

Fundraiser title and category: Helps classify and properly present your fundraiser to potential donors.
Images and detailed descriptions: Vital for visually representing and explaining the purpose and goals of your fundraiser.
Information relating to other parties: If you are organizing a fundraiser on behalf of someone else, like a family member, friend, or a third party, it’s important to provide their details accurately. By doing so, you acknowledge that you have the necessary consent and authority to share their information. This includes their name and the specific circumstances or needs that the fundraiser intends to address.

By submitting this information, you grant Puzzle Fund the permission to collect, store, display, and use this data as part of our service. It’s crucial to ensure you have informed any third parties involved about how their information will be used and displayed on Puzzle Fund.

Please be aware that we may identify you as the organizer in communications related to the fundraiser. It’s your responsibility to manage the information sensitively and in compliance with applicable privacy laws and standards.

Setting Up Withdrawals

For organizers on Puzzle Fund who wish to withdraw funds raised from a fundraiser, certain information is required to process these transactions safely and efficiently. This includes:

Contact Details: We collect essential contact information such as your name, email address, zip code, and country. This helps us to verify your identity and ensure the secure transfer of funds.
Phone Number: Your phone number is required for multi-factor authentication, enhancing the security of your account and transaction. It also allows us to send you important updates and messages regarding your withdrawals.
Additional Information: You may provide any additional information that could facilitate the withdrawal process.

Our payment processors, primarily Stripe Connect, manage the actual financial transactions. They will collect your bank account details and other relevant financial information necessary to process the withdrawals. This ensures a smooth, secure, and compliant financial transfer.

Please refer to the privacy policy of our payment processor (Stripe Connect) for detailed information on how they collect, use, and protect your financial data.

Public Communications

Puzzle Fund offers features that allow users to engage with each other through comments, feedback, and other forms of communication. When you post comments, send thank-you notes, or engage in public discussions on our platform, you are creating content that is accessible to other users and the public. This includes:

Publicly Available Content: Anything you post in the comments section of puzzles or other public areas of our Services is openly visible. This includes your display name and any comments or feedback you share.
Personal Responsibility: Remember, information disclosed in these public areas becomes available to others. We encourage you to be mindful of your privacy and avoid sharing sensitive personal information that you wouldn’t want to be publicly available.
Respectful Interaction: We ask that you be respectful and considerate in your communications. Puzzle Fund values a positive and supportive community.
Content Moderation: While we have measures like word filters to help maintain a respectful environment, we do not obligate ourselves to monitor or review all user-generated content. However, we reserve the right to remove content deemed inappropriate, offensive, or in violation of our community standards.

We advise all users to exercise discretion and good judgment when engaging in public communications on Puzzle Fund.

Communications with Puzzle Fund

Puzzle Fund values open communication with its users. When you reach out to us with inquiries, feedback, or requests, here’s how we handle your information:

User Inquiries and Feedback:

Contact Channels: You can contact us via email, contact forms, or other designated channels for queries about our services, customer support, or to share your ideas and feedback.
Information Collection: When you contact us, we collect the information you provide, such as your name, email address, and the content of your message. This helps us effectively address your queries or consider your suggestions.
User Surveys and Interviews: If you choose to participate in our surveys or interviews, we collect the responses and information you provide. These insights are valuable for improving our services and understanding user experiences.

Use of Interactive Features:

Interactive Services: We may offer features like interactive chats for customer support or other purposes.
Data Capture: If you use these features, the contents of your interaction may be recorded and stored. This includes chat transcripts or other communication records.
Discretion Advised: Please avoid sharing sensitive personal or financial information through these channels unless explicitly requested by us for service provision purposes.
Consent to Data Processing: By engaging with these features, you consent to the processing and storage of the data you provide, which will be used in accordance with our privacy practices.

We remind you that any information you provide in these communications may be used to improve our services, respond to your inquiries, or as described in our privacy policy. Puzzle Fund is committed to ensuring your privacy and will handle your data with care and respect.

Information Relating to Third Parties

At Puzzle Fund, we acknowledge that during the use of our services, you might provide information about other individuals. Here’s our approach to handling such information:

Scope of Information:

Types of Data: This may include personal details about others you might mention or involve in your fundraiser, such as their names, circumstances, or any other personal details.
Context of Sharing: Typically, this occurs when a user organizes a fundraiser on behalf of another individual or group.

User Responsibility:

Consent Requirement: By submitting any personal information of a third party, you confirm that you have obtained explicit consent from those individuals to share their information with Puzzle Fund.
Notification Obligation: You are responsible for informing the third parties about how their information will be used and shared on Puzzle Fund as part of your fundraiser or other related activities.

Our Use of Third-Party Information:

Purpose: We will use this information solely for the purposes of facilitating the fundraiser or as otherwise described in our privacy policy.
Confidentiality and Respect: Puzzle Fund is committed to handling all third-party information with respect and confidentiality, in alignment with our privacy practices.

Please remember, as a user, it is your responsibility to ensure you have the right to share someone else’s personal information with us. Puzzle Fund expects users to uphold high standards of privacy and respect in this regard.

Sensitive Information Handling

At Puzzle Fund, we understand that users might share sensitive personal information in the course of using our services. Here’s how we approach this:

Nature of Sensitive Information:

Types of Data: Sensitive information can include data like political opinions, race, ethnicity, health details, or religious beliefs.
Context of Sharing: This information might be shared by users within the context of a fundraiser or other public communications on our platform.

User Consent and Responsibility:

Consent to Process: By sharing sensitive information on Puzzle Fund, you consent to its processing in line with our services and privacy policy.
Public Disclosure: Be aware that any sensitive information shared in public areas of the platform (like fundraiser descriptions or comments) becomes publicly accessible. Exercise caution and discretion in what you share.

Use and Disclosure:

Purpose of Collection: We collect and process such information only as necessary for the operation of our services, compliance with legal obligations, or as described in our privacy policy.
Limitation on Use: Puzzle Fund is committed to using this information solely for the intended purposes of the service and not for any unauthorized or unrelated uses.

Please note, Puzzle Fund advises users to consider the implications of sharing sensitive information on a public platform. We respect your privacy and encourage thoughtful sharing of information.

Biometric Information

At Puzzle Fund, we prioritize the security and integrity of transactions on our platform. To this end, our payment processors or other vendors may use biometric information for identity verification, regulatory compliance, and fraud prevention. Here’s what you should know:

Collection and Use:

Types of Biometric Data: This may include, but is not limited to, scans of government-issued IDs (like driver’s licenses, state ID cards, or passports) and facial recognition technology.
Purpose: The primary use of this data is for verifying the identity of users, especially for those setting up fundraisers or withdrawals, ensuring compliance with legal standards, and preventing fraudulent activities.

Vendor Responsibility:

Data Handling: Puzzle Fund itself does not collect, access, or maintain any biometric information. Such data is processed and stored by our trusted vendors, including Stripe Connect.
Vendor Policies: Our vendors retain biometric information in accordance with their own retention policies, privacy policies, and applicable law. We choose vendors who uphold stringent standards of data protection and privacy.

User Consent and Rights:

Informed Consent: When you proceed with actions that involve biometric data collection (like setting up withdrawals), you are consenting to this process as managed by our vendors.
Queries and Concerns: Should you have any questions or concerns about how your biometric information is handled, please feel free to reach out to us, and we will guide you on how to contact the relevant vendor.

It’s important to note that the use of biometric information is a critical part of maintaining the security and trustworthiness of our platform and is in line with our commitment to protecting our users.

Information Collected by Our Payment Processor

Puzzle Fund utilizes Stripe Connect for processing payments, conducting analytics, and other related business services. Here’s what you should know about how Stripe Connect handles your data:

Data Collection:

Type of Data: Stripe Connect may collect personal data, which can include transactional details and information about the devices that connect to its services.
Usage of Data: This information is crucial for operating and improving their services, which encompasses fraud detection, loss prevention, user authentication, and performance analytics.

Stripe Connect’s Role:

Dual Function: They act both as a processor on behalf of Puzzle Fund and as an independent controller for the data they collect directly from our users.
Security and Compliance: Stripe Connect adheres to high standards of data security and regulatory compliance.

User Information:

Privacy Policy: For a more detailed understanding of how Stripe Connect uses and protects your data, please review their Privacy Policy at Stripe’s Privacy Policy.
Transparency: We believe in keeping you informed about who handles your data and how it’s used, as part of our commitment to transparency and trust.

Please be aware that by using Puzzle Fund’s services, you acknowledge and consent to the data practices of our payment processor as described here and in their privacy policy.

Data from Other Parties

Puzzle Fund recognizes the importance of maintaining the integrity and quality of our user database for enhancing our services. Here’s how we handle data obtained from third parties:

Vendor Collaboration:

Purpose: We may collaborate with vendors to enhance the quality of our user database, which aids in improving our services to you, especially for verification and fraud prevention.
Data Use: This data is used strictly in accordance with our privacy policy and within the bounds of applicable laws.

External Data Sources:

Information Gathering: While we do not currently engage in obtaining personal information from external sources like media contact databases or influencer networks, we prioritize transparency in how we would handle such data if we choose to use these sources in the future.
Compliance and Transparency: Should we use such services, we will ensure compliance with relevant privacy policies and will keep you informed of any such partnerships and their implications on your data.

Commitment to Privacy:

User Consent and Notification: We will seek appropriate consents and provide necessary notifications if we decide to use third-party data in a way that directly affects our users.
Review and Update: This policy is subject to review and update to reflect our evolving practices and the changing landscape of data privacy.

Please be aware that by using Puzzle Fund’s services, you acknowledge and agree to the potential use of data obtained from third parties as described in this section, in alignment with our commitment to privacy and transparency.

Information That is Passively or Automatically Collected

I. Device & Usage Information:

When you interact with Puzzle Fund through the Services, we automatically collect certain information from the devices you use to access the Services. This includes data such as your Internet browser or mobile device type, any referring websites, your operating system, and location data through your IP address which identifies the city and state of your login. This information helps us understand how our users interact with our Services and improve their experience.

II. Location Information:

For users who organize fundraisers, we may collect location-specific details like your zip code, city, or town, and state or province. This information may be visible to other users in connection with your fundraiser and helps us tailor the Services to your location. Aggregate location data may also be used for analysis purposes.

III. Cookies and Other Electronic Technologies:

We use cookies and similar technologies (such as web beacons or pixel tags) to enhance your experience with our Services. These technologies serve various purposes, including:

Essential Cookies: Necessary for providing our Services.
Non-Essential Cookies: Used for functional purposes to maintain and improve our Services, and for marketing purposes. Some of these are set by us, and others by third parties or our Social Networking Services.

Type of Cookies:
Essential Cookies: Required for basic website functionality.
Non-Essential Cookies: Utilized for additional features, customization, and analytics.

Please note that while some cookies are crucial for our Services to function correctly, others are used to enhance functionality and user experience. You have control over the use of non-essential cookies and can adjust your preferences in your browser settings.

Interactions with Social Networking Services

As part of our Services, Puzzle Fund may allow you to log in or interact with various social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube (“Social Networking Services”). This integration is designed to enhance your experience by making it easier to share content or connect your Puzzle Fund activities with your social media presence.

How We Use Social Networking Services Data:

When you connect your Puzzle Fund account with a Social Networking Service, we may access certain information provided by you to the Social Networking Service, such as your name, profile picture, and other information you permit to be shared.
We utilize this information to enable seamless integration and interaction between Puzzle Fund Services and your social media accounts.
Your activities on Puzzle Fund may be visible to your connections on the Social Networking Services, depending on your privacy settings on those platforms.

User Control and Responsibility:

Please be aware that the way Social Networking Services handle your information is governed by their own policies. Puzzle Fund is not responsible for the privacy practices of these third-party services.
You should review the terms of use and privacy policies of the Social Networking Services you interact with to understand your rights and choices regarding your data on these platforms.
If you upload content through our mobile application or website (for example, adding a video to your fundraiser), the content may be processed by the corresponding Social Networking Service (such as YouTube) in accordance with their privacy policies.

Choice and Consent:

You have control over your interactions with Social Networking Services through Puzzle Fund. You can choose to disconnect or modify your settings at any time through both our platform and the Social Networking Services.
By using these features, you consent to the collection, storage, and use of your data as described in this notice.

Use of Analytics Tools

Puzzle Fund utilizes web analytics services, such as Google Analytics, to better understand how users interact with our Services. This aids us in improving user experience and tailoring our services effectively.

Data Collected by Analytics Tools:

Information about your visit to our platform, such as the originating website, your activities on Puzzle Fund, and your preferences.
Device information including IP address, screen size, device type, browser type, and geographic location (limited to country level).
Usage data like the frequency of visits, pages accessed, and language preferences.

Purpose of Analytics:

To analyze user behavior and trends, helping us enhance our Services.
To enable targeted features such as interest-based advertising, demographic reporting, and user segmentation.
To improve the effectiveness and user-friendliness of our platform.

User Control and Privacy:

You can opt out of Google Analytics tracking by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on, available here.
You have the option to adjust your advertising preferences here to control how your data is used for advertising purposes.

Third-Party Data Processing:

The data collected through analytics tools is processed and stored by the analytics service providers, which use this information to evaluate your use of our Services.
The analytics data may also contribute to the personalization of advertisements you see on other websites.

Use of Cookies and Related Technologies

At Puzzle Fund, we utilize Cookies and similar technologies for various purposes to enhance your experience on our platform.

Purposes of Using Cookies:

Navigation and Functionality: To ensure smooth navigation and efficient use of all features of our Services.
Customization: To personalize the layout and content, remembering your preferences and previous visits to our site.
Analytics: To count unique visitors and understand user engagement with different parts of our Services.
Service Improvement: To identify popular features and areas for improvement in our Services.
Usage Analysis: To understand patterns such as the duration of your stay on our platform and the referral sources.
Marketing: To tailor our marketing efforts more effectively to your interests.

Updates and Notifications:

We continuously evolve our use of technologies, including Cookies, to enhance user experience.
We will inform you of any significant changes to our use of these technologies through updates to this Notice.

IV. Cookie Preferences

Managing Your Cookie Settings:

Browser Settings: You have the option to manage Cookies through your web or mobile device browser settings. Most browsers automatically accept Cookies, but you can modify your browser settings to decline them or to receive notifications each time a Cookie is set.
Opt-Out Options: If you wish to opt out of tailored advertising, you can use the following resources:

For U.S.-based advertising: Network Advertising Initiative’s Consumer Opt-Out link or the Digital Advertising Alliance’s Consumer Opt-Out link.
For mobile device users: Adjust your privacy settings by setting “Limit Ad Tracking” on Apple devices or resetting your Android ID through available apps in the Play Store. For app-specific data collection, standard uninstallation processes for your device can limit data collection.
Note: Puzzle Fund does not control these third-party opt-out mechanisms and is not responsible for their functionality or continued availability.

Consulting Help Resources:

You can consult the “Help” section of your browser (e.g., Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari) for more information on managing Cookies.
For additional information on Cookies, you can visit www.allaboutcookies.org.

Responsibility and Liability:

Please be aware that Puzzle Fund does not control external mechanisms provided for managing advertising preferences and is not liable for any choices you make using these platforms or their operational status.

OUR USE OF INFORMATION COLLECTED

Puzzle Fund utilizes the information collected through the Services in ways that align with this Privacy Notice. The information you provide, or which we gather through your use of our Services, can be used for various purposes:

A. Communicating With You:

Administrative Communications: We use the information to contact you for administrative purposes, such as responding to your inquiries or providing services and information you request. For example, if you reach out to us via email, we’ll use your information to address your query or resolve any issues.
Service-Related Communications: We also use the information to send communications related to the Services. This includes updates, information about products or services, requests for feedback, and details about services we think might interest you.

B. Providing and Improving the Services:

We employ the information to operate, maintain, and enhance our Services. This includes facilitating access to the platform, offering customer support, and completing transactions.

C. Security and Fraud Prevention:

To secure our Services and prevent fraud, we use the collected information. This includes identity verification and improvement of our security measures.

D. Analytics, Research, and Product Development:

The information is used for analyzing trends, preferences, and usage patterns to enhance the accuracy, effectiveness, and popularity of our Services. We also use this data for research on customer demographics and behaviors.
For effective fundraising, we apply machine learning and analytics to infer certain characteristics of our users and tailor our communications accordingly.

E. Customization and Marketing:

We might use the information for customization and marketing. For instance, we may employ device identifiers to personalize content, such as adjusting the homepage to show fundraisers and content relevant to your location.

F. Legal Compliance:

We use the collected information to defend our legal rights, comply with laws, and enforce our Terms of Service and Privacy Notice.

Please note that Puzzle Fund currently does not plan to use text messaging for communication but may consider it in the future for essential updates or security purposes. We are committed to respecting your choices regarding communication methods and will provide options to opt-out or manage preferences.

OUR DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION COLLECTED THROUGH THE SERVICES

Puzzle Fund may disclose information collected through the Services under certain circumstances, as outlined below:

A. Business Transfers

In the course of operating our business, there may be instances where Puzzle Fund may sell, buy, merge, or engage in other business transactions involving our company or its assets. These transactions might include, but are not limited to, financing, joint ventures, or acquisitions. In such circumstances:

User Information as a Business Asset: In the event of a corporate sale, merger, reorganization, dissolution, or a similar event, information collected through our Services, including personal data of our users, may be part of the assets transferred.
Notification: We will endeavor to inform our users of such transfers in accordance with legal requirements and our commitment to transparency.
Continuity of Service: In these cases, we will make efforts to ensure that the transferee uses the personal information you have provided to us in a manner that is consistent with our Privacy Policy.

This section aims to address potential future changes in Puzzle Fund’s business structure and ensure users are aware of how such changes may impact the handling of their personal information.

B. Affiliates and Subsidiaries

Puzzle Fund may share your personal information with its affiliated entities and subsidiaries for operational and business purposes. This collaboration allows us to streamline our services and offer a cohesive experience across our various platforms. The sharing of information may include, but is not limited to:

Operational Efficiency: Facilitating the efficient provision of our services, which includes hosting, customer support, and fund administration.
Enhanced Services: Collaborating on marketing and publicizing projects, including fundraisers, to broaden their reach and effectiveness.
Communication: Ensuring that you receive relevant and timely communications from us, in line with your preferences and interests.
Improvement and Development: Using shared information to enhance and develop our services, based on collective insights and user feedback.
Security and Verification: Authenticating users and donors to maintain the security and integrity of our services.

By engaging with Puzzle Fund, you consent to this sharing of information, which is carried out in full compliance with this Privacy Notice and with a commitment to maintaining the privacy and security of your personal data.

C. Agents, Consultants, Vendors, and Related Third Parties

Puzzle Fund engages with various third-party companies and individuals to facilitate certain aspects of our services. These external entities play a crucial role in helping us operate, manage, and improve our offerings. We share information with these third parties to enable them to perform their services effectively on our behalf. Examples of these services include:

Marketing and Communications: Assisting us with marketing efforts, including email campaigns, advertising, and public relations.
Information Management: Handling data storage, backup, and database management to ensure the integrity and accessibility of our data.
Security Measures: Implementing and maintaining security protocols, including identity verification and fraud prevention strategies.
Payment Processing: Facilitating financial transactions, including donation processing and fund transfers, in a secure and efficient manner.
Legal and Compliance Services: Ensuring compliance with legal requirements, including regulatory compliance and legal advice.

In all instances, Puzzle Fund provides only the information necessary for these third parties to perform their specific functions. We maintain agreements and take measures to ensure that these third parties protect your information and use it solely for the purposes for which it was provided, in line with this Privacy Notice.

D. Unaffiliated Parties that Partner With Us or Other Services You Choose to Link

Puzzle Fund occasionally partners with unaffiliated third parties for various initiatives or integrates third-party services into our platform. This might include social networking services, fundraising tools, or other applications that enhance the functionality of our services. Examples include:

Social Networking Services: If you choose to connect your Puzzle Fund activities with social media platforms, we may share certain information with these platforms as part of this integration. This can include sharing your fundraiser information or using social media tools or plug-ins to enhance user engagement.
Partnered Services or Applications: We may collaborate with other organizations or platforms that offer complementary services or tools, which you might choose to use in conjunction with your Puzzle Fund activities.

Please note that when you interact with these third-party services, their use of your personal information is governed by their respective privacy policies. Puzzle Fund is not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these third-party services. We recommend you review the privacy policies of these third parties to understand how they process your information.

For the Puzzle Fund privacy policy, the section on “Legal Requirements” can be adapted as follows:

E. Legal Requirements

Puzzle Fund may disclose your personal information in response to legal processes or when required by law. This includes, but is not limited to, situations where we are required to:

Comply with Legal Obligations: We may be required to disclose your information to comply with legal obligations such as laws, regulations, search warrants, subpoenas, or court orders.
Respond to Legal Requests: If we receive a legal request relating to criminal investigations or alleged illegal activities, we may disclose information to law enforcement agencies or other authorized entities.
Protect Rights and Safety: We may disclose information when it is reasonably necessary to protect the rights, property, or personal safety of Puzzle Fund, its users, employees, or the public from imminent harm or legal liability.
Enforce Policies: Information may be disclosed to enforce our Terms of Service or other policies, ensuring the integrity and security of our platform and services.

In all such cases, we aim to limit the disclosure to what is legally required and attempt to protect the privacy and security of our users.

F. Organizers and Beneficiaries of Fundraisers

At Puzzle Fund, we facilitate connections between donors and fundraiser organizers (or beneficiaries, if different). To ensure transparency and accountability in fundraising activities, we may disclose certain information as described below:

Information Shared with Organizers and Beneficiaries: When you contribute to a fundraiser, we may share your name and the details of your donation with the organizer or beneficiary of the fundraiser. This enables them to acknowledge your contribution, manage the fundraiser effectively, and fulfill any obligations related to the fundraiser. If you choose to be anonymous on public pages, your identity will still be visible to the organizer and any designated beneficiaries for internal management purposes.
Communication from Organizers or Beneficiaries: Organizers or beneficiaries may contact you in relation to your donation. This could be for purposes such as thanking you, providing updates about the fundraiser, or addressing any queries or issues related to your contribution.
Data Handling by Organizers and Beneficiaries: We expect organizers and beneficiaries to handle donor information responsibly and in accordance with applicable privacy laws. However, once the information is shared, it falls under their privacy practices, and Puzzle Fund does not control their subsequent use or disclosure of the information.
Donations to Charities: In cases where a fundraiser is for a charity, the charity may receive details about the donation and the donor. This allows the charity to manage donations effectively and comply with legal and auditing requirements.

In all instances, Puzzle Fund is committed to the privacy and security of our users’ information and aims to maintain transparency in our data-sharing practices associated with fundraisers.

G. Your Consent

At Puzzle Fund, we highly value your privacy and personal choice regarding the use and sharing of your information. In certain situations, we may seek your explicit consent to disclose your information, particularly in the following contexts:

Partnership Fundraisers: We may collaborate with third-party organizations for specific fundraising initiatives. If we require sharing your information with these partners for the purposes of the fundraiser, we will seek your explicit consent first. For instance, if you donate to a partnered fundraiser and consent to share your details, we may provide your name, email address, and other relevant information to the partner organization for coordination and communication purposes related to the fundraiser.
Opt-in Communications: Should we need to use your information for purposes not covered in our standard operations (such as promotional campaigns or partnership announcements), we will ask for your consent before proceeding. This ensures that you have control over how your information is utilized beyond the scope of our regular services.
Revoking Consent: You have the right to withdraw your consent at any time. If you decide to withdraw your consent, we will cease using and sharing your information for the purposes for which consent was initially given. However, this will not affect the lawfulness of any processing carried out before you withdraw your consent.

By giving your consent, you are authorizing us to process your information in the specified ways. We will always provide clear options for you to give, decline, or withdraw your consent, ensuring your freedom to make informed choices regarding your personal data.

H. Aggregated Data

At Puzzle Fund, we occasionally aggregate, anonymize, and de-identify information collected from our users. This process ensures that the information cannot be linked back to any individual user. Here’s how we handle such data:

Purpose of Use: The primary use of aggregated data is to enhance our services and understand user trends. This includes research on user demographics, interests, and behaviors. By analyzing this data, we aim to improve the user experience and develop new features that resonate with our audience.
Sharing of Aggregated Data: We may share aggregated, anonymized data with our affiliates, partners, and third-party researchers. Since this data is stripped of any personally identifiable information, it is used for broad analysis, statistical, and research purposes, helping us and our partners better understand the general characteristics and preferences of our user base.
Transparency and Respect for Privacy: We are committed to ensuring that the use of this data respects user privacy. The data is processed in a way that individual users cannot be identified, thus safeguarding personal information while allowing us to gain useful insights.
Ethical Use: We ensure that the use of aggregated data aligns with ethical standards and applicable laws. This data is used solely for legitimate business purposes that benefit our service improvement and user understanding.

I. Cookies and Other Electronic Technologies

At Puzzle Fund, we utilize various electronic technologies, including cookies, to enhance user experience and improve our services. Here’s how we approach these technologies:

Use of Cookies: Cookies are small data files stored on your device to help improve your interaction with our website. They enable us to remember your preferences, authenticate users, and ensure a smooth user experience. We use both session cookies (which expire once you close your web browser) and persistent cookies (which stay on your device for a set period or until deleted).
Other Technologies: In addition to cookies, we may use web beacons, pixel tags, and similar technologies for various purposes such as tracking user engagement, understanding traffic patterns, and enhancing the functionality of our website.
Types of Cookies Used: Our website employs:

Essential Cookies: Necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off.
Performance Cookies: Collect information about how visitors use the website, such as pages visited and error messages, helping us improve the performance.
Functionality Cookies: Allow us to remember choices you make (like your user name, language, or region) and provide enhanced, more personal features.

Third-Party Cookies: We may also use third-party service providers who set cookies on our behalf to deliver certain services, like analytics or advertising.
User Control and Consent: Users can control and manage cookies through their browser settings. Most browsers allow you to block or delete cookies from your system. However, if you disable cookies, some parts of our website may not function properly or offer less personalized service.
Transparency and Updates: We are committed to keeping our users informed about our use of cookies and related technologies. Should we make any significant changes to our practices, we will update this section and inform our users accordingly.

J. Other Users of Our Services

At Puzzle Fund, we maintain a community-focused approach, which involves sharing information among users in certain instances. Here’s our policy on this:

Publicly Available Information: When you participate in our services, such as by creating a fundraiser or commenting on a puzzle, some of your information may become publicly available. This includes any details you choose to share in these public forums, like your fundraiser title, descriptions, and comments.
User Interaction: Other users of our services can view and interact with the information you make public. For instance, they can see your comments, respond to them, or view the details of your fundraisers.
Control Over Your Information: We encourage you to be mindful of the information you share in public areas of our services. Remember that this information can be seen, used, and shared by other users. If you have privacy concerns, you may choose to share less personal or sensitive information.
Responsibility for Public Information: Please be aware that Puzzle Fund has limited control over how other users may use the information you share publicly. While we foster a respectful community, we cannot be responsible for the actions of individual users who may view and use your publicly shared information.
Reporting and Moderation: We strive to maintain a safe and respectful environment. If you encounter inappropriate or offensive content, or if you believe your information is being misused by other users, please contact us for support and moderation.

Volunteered Information

Puzzle Fund values the contributions and interactions of our users. Here’s how we handle the information you volunteer:

Public Accessibility: Be aware that certain information you provide, especially in public forums or comment sections, is publicly accessible. This includes any content you post in discussions, forums, during feedback sessions, or in any interactive area of our services.
Collection and Use: We collect information through various user engagements, such as community forums, surveys, customer support interactions, as well as through your suggestions for new products or improvements to existing ones. This also includes any feedback or submissions you voluntarily provide, whether solicited or unsolicited.
No Confidentiality Obligation: By sharing information with us in these ways, you should understand that we are not under an obligation to treat such information as confidential. This means the information you provide may be used for various purposes, including improving our services, developing new features, or community discussions.
Survival Beyond Account Termination: The policies regarding your volunteered information will continue to apply even if you terminate your account or cease using our services. This is to maintain the integrity of discussions and content that form part of the community’s historical record.
User Discretion Advised: We encourage you to think carefully about the nature of the information you share in public or voluntary contexts. While we value your openness and contributions, it’s important to consider the public nature of these forums and act accordingly.

Links To Other Websites

Puzzle Fund may contain links to other websites not operated or controlled by Puzzle Fund (the “Third-Party Sites”). The policies and procedures described in this document do not apply to the Third-Party Sites. The inclusion of links to these Third-Party Sites does not imply endorsement or review by Puzzle Fund. We recommend that you reach out to those sites directly for information regarding their respective privacy policies.

Security

At Puzzle Fund, we take the security of your information seriously. While no organization can guarantee perfect security, we have implemented and continuously improve technical and organizational security measures to safeguard the information provided via our platform. Our measures are designed to protect against loss, misuse, unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction of user data.

Do-Not-Track Signals

Do Not Track (“DNT”) is a privacy preference that users can set in certain web browsers. Puzzle Fund does not respond to browser-initiated DNT signals. While we do not currently respond to DNT signals, we respect your privacy choices.

Retention Of Your Information

Puzzle Fund retains your information for as long as it is necessary to fulfill the purposes for which the information was collected and for our legitimate business operations. This retention is subject to applicable laws and regulations.

When your information is no longer needed, we will take reasonable steps to delete it from our systems and records or anonymize it to the extent that you can no longer be identified from it. Our retention period determination considers factors such as the nature of the products and services you have used, the duration of our relationship with you, the potential for re-enrollment, and legal requirements.

Please note that certain information may be subject to mandatory retention periods imposed by law, and we will comply with such requirements.

Users From Outside The United States

Puzzle Fund is designed and intended for use by individuals within the United States. If you are accessing Puzzle Fund from outside the United States, please be aware that the platform is primarily intended for US users, and the services provided are tailored to US regulations and requirements. While we do not prohibit access from other countries, we recommend that individuals located outside the United States refrain from using Puzzle Fund, as the data protection and other laws in your country may differ from those in the United States. Additionally, please note that your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in the United States, where our servers are located. By using Puzzle Fund from outside the United States, you acknowledge and consent to the transfer, storage, and processing of your information in the United States, and that data may be accessible to law enforcement and national security authorities in accordance with US laws.

Marketing Opt Out

Each email marketing communication we send you will contain instructions allowing you to “opt out” of receiving future marketing communications. If, at any time, you wish to stop receiving marketing communications from Puzzle Fund or want your contact information removed from our mailing lists, please contact us at contact@puzzle-fund.com

Please note that if you choose to opt out of marketing communications, you may still receive emails related to your Puzzle Fund account or any services you have requested or received from us.

Other Terms

Your access to and use of the Puzzle Fund platform is subject to Puzzle Fund’s Terms of Service and any additional terms and conditions that may be provided to you in relation to your usage of the platform.

Changes To Puzzle Fund’s Privacy Notice

Puzzle Fund reserves the right to update or modify this Privacy Notice at any time and from time to time. We will notify you of any material updates or changes we make to this Privacy Notice. If you disagree with our revisions to the Privacy Notice, you can deactivate your account or discontinue the use of our platform. Please review this Privacy Notice periodically for any updates or changes.

By using Puzzle Fund after any such update or modification, you acknowledge that you have read and understood the terms of the Privacy Notice as updated or modified.

Contacting Puzzle Fund

To contact our Data Protection Officer, please email contact@puzzle-fund.com.

For any Data Subject Requests, you can fill out this form or send an email to contact@puzzle-fund.com.

You can also reach us by mail at the following address:

Puzzle Fund
1410 Coco Pl.
Wentzville, MO