Privacy Policy
This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, share, and protect information for the [Directory Name] website (the “Site”), including the public directory and the chat feature that helps users search the directory.
What this policy covers
- Information submitted through our intake form (e.g., directory entries)
- Information collected when you browse the Site
- How the directory chat feature works and what data it uses
Information we collect
When you submit a directory entry or contact us, we may collect:
- Name of the entry (project, organization, or individual)
- Short and full descriptions you submit
- Category selections (e.g., topic areas)
- Technologies/methods you list
- Website URL(s)
- Contact information (such as an email address)
- Any other information you choose to include in free-text fields
How we use information
We use information to:
- Create and maintain directory listings
- Display directory content publicly (if you submitted it for inclusion)
- Respond to messages or support requests
- Improve the Site’s content and usability
- Maintain security, prevent abuse, and troubleshoot issues
What is public vs. private
Public directory content
Information intended for the directory (e.g., Name, Headline, summaries, descriptions, website link, categories, and technologies/methods) may be displayed publicly on the Site.
Contact information
If you provide an email address or other contact details, we may:
- Use it internally to follow up about your submission, corrections, or questions
- Display it publicly only if the form clearly indicates it will be public and you choose to include it for that purpose
If you want contact info to remain private, do not include it in fields labeled as public.
Directory chat feature (LLM-assisted search)
The Site may include a chat tool that helps users find relevant directory entries using natural-language questions.
- The chat tool is designed to use the directory database as its source and return matching entries.
- User prompts/questions may be logged for quality, safety, and troubleshooting, depending on how the feature is configured.
- We recommend not entering sensitive personal information into the chat (e.g., private health information, passwords, or confidential details).
If the chat feature is powered by a third-party service provider, that provider may process chat inputs and outputs to deliver the feature. We aim to limit what is shared and configure the tool to support privacy and security.
Cookies and analytics
We may use cookies or similar technologies to:
- Keep the Site functioning properly
- Remember preferences (if enabled)
- Understand aggregate traffic and usage
You can control cookies through your browser settings. Some Site features may not work properly if cookies are disabled.
Sharing information
We do not sell personal information. We may share information:
- With service providers who help operate the Site (hosting, analytics, search/chat tooling), under appropriate safeguards
- If required by law, regulation, or legal process
- To protect the security and integrity of the Site (e.g., investigating abuse)
Public directory entries are, by design, visible to anyone visiting the Site.
Your choices and requests
You can request to:
- Update or correct a directory entry
- Remove a directory entry
- Clarify whether a field is public or internal
To make a request, contact us at: joshua@step-consulting.info
Please include the listing name and the change you’re requesting.