Privacy Policy

1. Information we collect

Information you provide

We collect information submitted through our forms and communications, including a business name, description, category, services, address, city, telephone number, website, social-media or booking links, images, submitter name, contact email, and other listing details. Some business information is intended to appear publicly on a directory profile. Fields identified as private, including a submitter or business contact email, are used for administration and are not intentionally displayed on the public profile.

Payments

Featured-listing payments are processed by Stripe. We receive transaction details such as payment status, amount, customer email, and Stripe transaction identifiers. We do not receive or store the complete payment-card number.

Usage and technical information

Our systems and service providers may automatically process IP address, browser and device information, requested pages, timestamps, security logs, and similar technical information. We also count interactions with directory contact links, such as website, telephone, directions, booking, and social links. These counts may be associated with a business profile.

Badge verification

For free listings, we process the submitted business website address and may automatically request or render the website to determine whether the Northern VA Directory badge is present. We store verification status, check dates, and unsuccessful-check counts.

2. How we use information

We use information to operate and improve the directory; review, publish, update, verify, feature, archive, or remove listings; process payments; send submission, payment, review, and administrative messages; respond to inquiries; measure listing interactions; prevent fraud and abuse; protect the website; comply with law; and enforce our Terms of Service.

3. Public directory information

Published profiles are public and may be viewed, copied, linked to, cached, or indexed by search engines and AI-enabled services. Removing or changing a profile on our website does not guarantee immediate removal from third-party search indexes, archives, or services. Do not submit private or sensitive information for publication.

4. How we disclose information

We may disclose information to vendors that help us operate the service, including Cloudflare for hosting and infrastructure, Stripe for payments, Resend for automated email, SiteGround for business email, and Google Maps Platform for Places-assisted administrative review, embedded maps, and directions. These providers process information under their own terms and privacy notices. We may also disclose information when required by law, to protect rights or safety, to investigate misuse, or as part of a merger, financing, sale, or transfer of the service.

We do not sell personal information for money. We do not use personal information submitted through listing forms for third-party targeted advertising.

5. Cookies and local storage

The directory and its service providers may use cookies, local storage, and similar technologies that are necessary for security, authentication, preferences, checkout, and reliable operation. Stripe may use its own technologies when you open its hosted checkout.

6. Data retention and security

We retain information for as long as reasonably necessary to operate the directory, maintain business and transaction records, resolve disputes, prevent abuse, and satisfy legal obligations. We use reasonable administrative and technical safeguards, but no website, transmission, or storage system can be guaranteed completely secure.

7. Your choices and privacy requests

You may request access to, correction of, or deletion of personal information associated with you, or request an update or removal of a business listing. We may need to verify your identity or authority over the listing. Certain information may be retained when required for transactions, security, recordkeeping, legal compliance, or the establishment or defense of legal claims.

Send requests to hello@northernvadirectory.com. We will consider and respond to applicable privacy requests as required by law.

8. Third-party websites

Directory profiles contain links to independently operated websites and services. We are not responsible for their content, availability, security, or privacy practices. Review the policies of a third party before providing information to it.

9. Children

The directory is intended for business owners, representatives, and general audiences and is not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information directly from children under 13.

10. Changes to this policy

We may update this Privacy Policy as the directory or applicable requirements change. The effective date at the top identifies the latest version. Material changes may also be communicated through the website or by email when appropriate.

11. Contact

Northern VA Directory
hello@northernvadirectory.com
northernvadirectory.com