This policy explains what information BlackNear collects through blacknear.com, how we use it, and the choices you have. BlackNear is in a pre-launch stage; we'll update this policy as new features launch.
Information you give us
Early access: first name, email, ZIP code, optional city/state, and interests.
Business submissions and claims: business name, contact name, email, phone, website, social profiles, category, address, description, business story, and your ownership selection and attestation when you request verification.
Customer reports: the issue you report, any notes, and an optional email for follow-up.
Scout submissions: details about the business you recommend and, optionally, your name and email.
Contact messages: your name, email, topic, and message.
Account information
If you create an account (for example, to claim a business), we store your email address and sign-in details. If you sign in with Google, we receive your name and email from Google.
ZIP code and location
On the website we use the ZIP code and city you provide to plan launches and share relevant local updates. We do not collect your device's precise location on the website. Any precise or background location features in a future BlackNear app will require your permission and opt-in, and you'll be able to turn them off in your device settings at any time.
User-generated content
Business stories, descriptions, and other listing content you submit may be published on BlackNear after review. Customer reports and Scout recommendations are reviewed internally and are not published with your name.
How we use information
To operate early access, review and publish listings, review ownership verification requests and community reports, respond to you, improve the site, prevent fraud and abuse, and send updates you've asked for. You can unsubscribe from marketing emails at any time.
Analytics
We use basic analytics (such as pages visited, device type, and approximate region) to understand how the site is used and to improve it.
Sharing
We do not sell your personal information. We share information only with service providers that help us run BlackNear (such as hosting, database, authentication, and email providers) under obligations to protect it, or when required by law.
Data retention
We keep information for as long as needed for the purposes above—for example, while your listing is active or while you remain on the early-access list—and then delete or de-identify it.
Your choices and deletion requests
You can ask us to access, correct, or delete your information by contacting us through the Contact page. We'll respond within a reasonable time.
Security
We use reasonable safeguards to protect information, but no method of transmission or storage is completely secure.
Children
BlackNear is not directed to children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect their information.
Changes
We may update this policy as BlackNear grows. We'll post the updated version here with a new date.