Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy explains how Digital Accessibility Protection & Education Network, LLC (“DAPEN,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) collects, uses, and protects your information when you visit DAPEN.org, use our online tools, or participate in the DAPEN Partner Program.

By using DAPEN.org, you agree to the practices described in this Privacy Policy.

1. Information We Collect

1.1. Information You Provide

We collect information directly from you when you:

• Register for a DAPEN Partner or Business Owner account;
• Submit a website for audit, certification, or legal protection;
• Contact us through email, forms, or support requests;
• Subscribe to newsletters or marketing communications.

This may include:

• Name, company name, and contact details (email, phone, address);
• Account login credentials;
• Payment information (processed securely through third-party processors such as Stripe);
• Website URLs, accessibility reports, and related data you upload or submit.

1.2. Information Collected Automatically

When you visit DAPEN.org, we automatically collect:

• Browser type, operating system, IP address, and device information;
• Pages visited, time spent, and referring websites;
• Cookies or similar technologies used for session management and analytics.

This data helps us improve site performance, prevent fraud, and personalize your experience.

1.3. Information from Third Parties

If you sign up through or integrate with third-party services (such as analytics or payment platforms), those providers may share limited data with us in accordance with their own privacy policies.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use collected information to:

• Provide and manage your account;
• Process certifications and coordinate legal protection services;
• Communicate updates, renewals, and audit findings;
• Improve website functionality, user experience, and security;
• Comply with legal obligations and respond to lawful requests.

We may also use aggregated, anonymized data for educational or research purposes related to accessibility trends.

3. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)

For users in the European Economic Area (EEA), we process your personal data based on:

• Contractual necessity (to provide DAPEN services you request);
• Legal obligations (to comply with applicable law);
• Legitimate interests (to improve services and prevent misuse);
• Consent (for marketing communications, which you may withdraw at any time).

4. How We Share Information

DAPEN does not sell or rent your personal information.
We may share limited information with:

• Service providers (e.g., hosting, payment processing, email delivery, and legal partners) who are bound by confidentiality agreements;
• Legal representatives or law firms engaged to respond to ADA or digital accessibility claims under active DAPEN Certificates;
• Regulatory authorities if required by law, subpoena, or legal process.

5. Data Retention

We retain personal data for as long as necessary to provide our services, comply with our legal obligations, or resolve disputes.
Certification records and associated website data may be retained for up to seven (7) years after account closure.

You may request deletion of your account or data by contacting privacy@dapen.org.

6. Cookies and Tracking

DAPEN.org uses cookies to:

• Maintain session logins;
• Analyze site traffic (via tools such as Google Analytics);
• Remember preferences and improve usability.

You may disable cookies in your browser settings, but some features of DAPEN.org may not function properly.

7. Data Security

DAPEN implements reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your data against unauthorized access, alteration, or disclosure.
However, no system is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security of your information.

8. International Data Transfers

If you are located outside the United States, your information may be transferred to and processed in the U.S., where data protection laws may differ from those in your country.
By using DAPEN.org, you consent to such transfers.

9. Your Rights

Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have the right to:

• Access and receive a copy of your data;
• Request correction or deletion of inaccurate information;
• Object to or restrict processing of your data;
• Withdraw consent for marketing at any time.

To exercise these rights, email privacy@dapen.org with your request.

10. Children’s Privacy

DAPEN.org is not intended for individuals under 18. We do not knowingly collect data from minors.
If you believe we have inadvertently collected such data, please contact us for deletion.

11. Third-Party Links

DAPEN.org may link to external sites (e.g., partners, educational resources).
We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of third-party websites.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically.
Any changes will be posted on this page with the updated date. Continued use of DAPEN.org after updates indicates your acceptance of the revised policy.

13. Contact Us

For any privacy-related questions or requests:

Digital Accessibility Protection & Education Network, LLC
📧 privacy@dapen.org
📍 Huntington Beach, California

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