Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

My Clean Ocean (“we,” “our,” or “us”) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Southern California. We are committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website at mycleanocean.org or interact with our programs, including our SMS messaging service.

2. Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of information:

• Personal Information: Name, email address, mobile phone number, and other contact details you voluntarily provide.
• SMS Consent Data: When you opt in to our SMS program, we record your consent, the date and time of opt-in, and the source of your opt-in.
• Donation Information: If you make a donation, payment processing is handled securely by Shopify Payments. We do not store your full payment card details.
• Usage Data: IP address, browser type, pages visited, and time spent on our website, collected automatically via cookies and analytics tools.

3. SMS Messaging & Mobile Numbers

When you opt in to our SMS program:

• Your mobile number will never be sold, rented, or shared with third parties for their marketing purposes. Period.
• Message frequency varies. You may receive approximately 2–4 messages per month depending on program activity.
• Message and data rates may apply. Please check with your mobile carrier for details about your messaging plan.
• You may opt out at any time by replying STOP to any message. You will receive one final confirmation message and no further texts.
• Reply HELP for assistance, or contact us at hello@mycleanocean.org.

Our SMS program complies with the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) and applicable CTIA Messaging Principles and Best Practices.

4. How We Use Your Information

• To send you SMS updates, expedition alerts, event invitations, and conservation news you have consented to receive.
• To process donations and send donation receipts and tax acknowledgment letters.
• To respond to inquiries and provide support.
• To improve our website, programs, and communications.
• To comply with legal obligations.

5. Sharing of Information

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. We may share information only in these limited circumstances:

• Service Providers: Trusted third-party vendors who help us operate our website and programs (e.g., payment processing, email delivery, SMS delivery), bound by confidentiality agreements.
• Legal Requirements: If required by law, subpoena, or other legal process.
• Protection of Rights: To protect the rights, property, or safety of My Clean Ocean, our community, or the public.

6. Data Security

We implement reasonable technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

7. Your Rights & Choices

• Opt out of SMS: Reply STOP to any text message at any time.
• Access or delete your data: Email us at hello@mycleanocean.org to request access to, correction of, or deletion of your personal information.
• California residents: You may have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). Contact us to exercise your rights.

8. Children's Privacy

Our website is not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 without verifiable parental consent. If you believe we have inadvertently collected such information, please contact us immediately.

9. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of material changes by posting the new policy on this page with an updated effective date. Your continued use of our website or SMS program after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

10. Contact Us

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

My Clean Ocean
501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization
Southern California
Email: hello@mycleanocean.org
Website: mycleanocean.org

SMS Summary: Mobile numbers are never sold or shared with third parties. Message frequency varies (approx. 2–4/month). Msg & data rates may apply. Reply STOP to cancel. Reply HELP for help.