Privacy Policy

Introduction

The After Collective (“we,” “our,” or “us”) is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our AI-powered disaster recovery support services.

Information We Collect

Personal Information

We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us, including:

• Name and contact information (email address, phone number)
• Mobile phone number (when you opt in to the Disaster Recovery Coach program via SMS or WhatsApp)
• Organization or community affiliation
• Disaster impact information
• Messages and communications with our AI support system
• Feedback and survey responses

Usage Information

We automatically collect certain information about your use of our services, including:

• Device information (IP address, browser type, operating system)
• Usage patterns and interaction data
• Platform preferences (web, mobile, messaging apps)
• Session duration and frequency of use

Disaster Recovery Coach — Messaging (SMS & WhatsApp)

This section describes the Disaster Recovery Coach messaging program operated by The After Collective. It applies when you opt in to receive messages from us via SMS/text message and/or WhatsApp, in addition to the rest of this Privacy Policy.

Mobile phone number collection and use

We collect your mobile phone number (and, on WhatsApp, the phone number associated with your WhatsApp account) when you provide it and consent to receive messages through the Disaster Recovery Coach program. We use this information only to deliver the messages you agreed to receive, to respond to your messages, and to operate and improve disaster recovery support through the program.

We do not sell or share mobile numbers for marketing

We do not sell, rent, lease, or share your mobile phone number or WhatsApp contact information with third parties for their own marketing or promotional purposes. We may share your number only with service providers that help us deliver SMS or WhatsApp messages (for example, our SMS or WhatsApp Business platform providers) and only as needed to provide the messaging service you requested, subject to confidentiality obligations. We do not share your mobile number with unrelated third parties for lead generation or affiliate marketing.

Message frequency

Message frequency depends on how you use the Disaster Recovery Coach program. When you send messages or otherwise interact with us (by SMS or WhatsApp), we may send additional messages in response to your requests and ongoing support needs—the number of messages generally increases with the level of interaction you initiate. If you are not actively interacting with us, we may send outbound reminders or check-ins at most approximately once per week. We do not send more messages than reasonably necessary for the service you requested.

Costs

Message and data rates may apply to SMS and mobile data use. WhatsApp messages are generally sent over the internet; your carrier may still charge for mobile data. Check with your mobile carrier for details about your text and data plan.

Security by channel

We protect data stored in the Disaster Recovery Coach program using appropriate technical and organizational safeguards. However, SMS is not an encrypted channel—standard text messages are not end-to-end encrypted and may be processed by wireless carriers and SMS providers in the course of delivery. Once message content is received by our systems, we handle and store it in accordance with this Privacy Policy and our Data Security practices. WhatsApp messages are protected in transit according to WhatsApp's platform; our handling of data after receipt follows the same storage and access controls described above.

Opt-out and help (SMS)

For SMS, you can cancel messages at any time by replying STOP to any message. After you send STOP, we will send a confirmation message and you will no longer receive SMS from the Disaster Recovery Coach program unless you opt in again. Reply HELP for help.

Opt-out (WhatsApp)

For WhatsApp, you may stop messages by replying STOP where supported, blocking our WhatsApp business number in the WhatsApp app, or contacting us at privacy@theaftercollective.org. You may also adjust notifications in your WhatsApp settings.

Carriers (SMS)

For SMS, wireless carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages.

WhatsApp

Use of WhatsApp is also subject to WhatsApp's own terms and privacy policy. We are not responsible for WhatsApp platform outages or policy changes.

Program terms

For more information, see our Terms of Service at https://www.theaftercollective.org/terms (including the Disaster Recovery Coach — Messaging Program section).

How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Provide personalized AI support and recovery guidance
• Connect you with relevant resources and services
• Improve our AI system and user experience
• Conduct research to enhance disaster recovery support
• Communicate with you about our services
• Ensure the security and integrity of our platform

Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. Our security measures include:

• Encryption at rest and in our systems: Personal information and conversation data stored on our systems is protected using industry-standard encryption and access controls, with HIPAA-aligned practices where applicable
• Encryption in transit (varies by channel): Web and app connections use encrypted transport (e.g., TLS). SMS/text messages are not end-to-end encrypted by nature of the SMS protocol; you should not send highly sensitive information via SMS if you require that level of protection
• WhatsApp: Messages sent via WhatsApp are subject to WhatsApp's own encryption and security model for messages on that platform
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Access controls and authentication measures

Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information only in the following circumstances:

• With your consent: When you explicitly authorize us to share your information
• Service providers: With trusted partners who help us deliver our services, including SMS and WhatsApp delivery providers (to send Disaster Recovery Coach messages you requested; not for third-party marketing)
• Legal requirements: When required by law or to protect our rights and safety
• Research purposes: In anonymized, aggregated form for research and improvement

Your Rights and Choices

You have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information
• Portability: Request transfer of your data to another service
• Opt-out: Withdraw consent for certain data processing activities

Data Retention

We retain your personal information only as long as necessary to provide our services and fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy. We may retain certain information for research purposes in anonymized form.

Children's Privacy

Our services are not intended for children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us.

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.

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 our website and updating the “Last updated” date.

Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us at: