Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy describes how SomaliScan ("the Site," "we," "us," or "our") collects, uses, and shares information when you use our website. By using the Site, you agree to the practices described in this policy.

1. Information We Collect

Information You Provide

• Tips and Reports: If you submit a tip or report, we collect the information you provide, which may include your name and contact information if you choose to provide it.
• Correction Requests: If you request a correction, we collect your contact information and any documentation you submit.
• Template Generators: Information entered into our FOIA or lawsuit template generators is processed locally in your browser and is not transmitted to or stored on our servers.

Information Collected Automatically

• Analytics: We use Vercel Analytics to collect anonymous usage data, including pages visited, time on site, and general geographic region.
• Log Data: Our servers may automatically collect IP addresses, browser type, referring URLs, and access times for security and operational purposes.

2. How We Use Information

We use collected information to:

• Operate and improve the Site
• Respond to tips, correction requests, and inquiries
• Analyze usage patterns to improve user experience
• Protect against fraud, abuse, and security threats
• Comply with legal obligations

3. Information Sharing

We do not sell your personal information. We may share information:

• With Service Providers: We use Vercel for hosting and analytics. These providers process data on our behalf under appropriate agreements.
• For Legal Compliance: We may disclose information if required by law, subpoena, or court order.
• To Protect Rights: We may share information to protect our rights, safety, or property, or that of our users or others.

4. Public Records Displayed on This Site

This Site displays publicly available government data about individuals and organizations. This data is sourced from government databases and is already part of the public record. We do not consider the display of public records to implicate the privacy interests covered by this policy.

If you have concerns about public records displayed on this Site, please see our Terms of Use for information about correction requests.

5. Cookies and Similar Technologies

We use minimal cookies for essential site functionality. Our analytics provider (Vercel) may use cookies or similar technologies to collect anonymous usage data. You can control cookies through your browser settings.

6. Data Retention

We retain information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes described in this policy, unless a longer retention period is required by law. Anonymous analytics data may be retained indefinitely.

7. Security

We implement reasonable security measures to protect information from unauthorized access, alteration, or destruction. However, no internet transmission is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

8. Children's Privacy

This Site is not directed to 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.

9. Your Rights

Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have rights regarding your personal information, including:

• Right to access information we hold about you
• Right to request correction of inaccurate information
• Right to request deletion of your information
• Right to opt out of certain data processing

To exercise these rights, please contact us at privacy@somaliscan.com.

10. California Residents

California residents may have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). We do not sell personal information. For questions about your California privacy rights, please contact us.

11. International Users

This Site is operated from the United States. If you access the Site from outside the U.S., your information may be transferred to and processed in the U.S., where privacy laws may differ from your jurisdiction.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last Updated" date. Your continued use of the Site after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

13. Contact Us

For questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact: