Privacy Policy

1. Scope of This Policy

This Privacy Policy applies to information collected through the Website and any services that link to this policy.

This policy does not apply to:

• Information collected offline
• Information collected by third-party websites linked from our Website
• Services or organizations listed in the resource directory

Organizations listed on Rangefinder operate independently and maintain their own privacy practices.

2. Categories of Information We Collect

We may collect the following categories of information.

A. Identifiers

Examples include:

• Internet Protocol (IP) address
• Account usernames or other identifiers
• Any information voluntarily submitted through contact forms or communications

B. Internet or Electronic Network Activity Information

Examples include:

• Browser type and version
• Device type
• Operating system
• Pages viewed
• Time spent on pages
• Referring URLs
• Interaction with website features

C. Information Provided Voluntarily by Users

Users may voluntarily submit information through:

• Contact forms
• Resource submissions
• Feedback forms
• Requests for information
• Communications with our team

This may include any information contained within those submissions.

D. Location and Search Information

To provide relevant local resources, we may collect:

• Approximate geographic location derived from IP address
• Search queries entered into the Website
• Resources viewed or interacted with
• Geographic areas searched for services

This information helps improve search functionality and understand community resource needs.

E. Chatbot Interaction Information

When users interact with the Rangefinder chatbot or automated assistance tools, we may collect:

• Messages submitted to the chatbot
• Search requests or questions asked through the chatbot
• Interaction data related to chatbot responses
• Technical information such as session data or device information

Chatbot interactions may be logged to improve system performance, refine resource recommendations, and monitor service quality.

Users should avoid submitting sensitive personal information through the chatbot, including Social Security numbers, medical records, financial account numbers, or other confidential information.

3. Sources of Information

We collect information from the following sources:

• Directly from users, when individuals: search for resources; submit forms; contact us; provide feedback; interact with the chatbot
• Automatically through website technologies, including: cookies; analytics tools; server logs
• From partner organizations or public data sources, including: publicly available datasets; partner nonprofit organizations; government agencies; community service providers

4. Purpose for Collecting and Using Information

We may use collected information for legitimate operational and service purposes, including:

• Operating and maintaining the Website
• Providing access to community resource information
• Improving search results and user experience
• Responding to inquiries and support requests
• Assisting users through chatbot interactions
• Improving chatbot responses and automated tools
• Communicating updates or service information
• Monitoring and analyzing platform usage
• Understanding trends in community resource needs
• Preventing fraud, abuse, or unlawful activity
• Protecting the security and integrity of our systems
• Complying with legal obligations

Aggregated or anonymized data may be used to improve the platform or inform research about service availability and community needs.

5. Chatbot and Automated Assistance

Rangefinder may include a chatbot or automated assistance tool designed to help users locate community resources and navigate the platform.

The chatbot provides automated responses based on available data and system logic.

Important notices regarding chatbot use:

• Chatbot responses are informational only.
• The chatbot may generate responses based on available resource data and user input.
• Responses may not always be complete, accurate, or current.
• Users should verify information directly with listed organizations.

Chatbot conversations may be logged and analyzed to: improve chatbot accuracy; improve resource matching; identify gaps in available services; improve overall platform functionality.

The chatbot is not a crisis response service, medical provider, legal advisor, or emergency support service.

Users experiencing emergencies should contact appropriate emergency services or crisis hotlines.

6. Information About Resource Listings

Rangefinder provides information about community programs, organizations, and services.

Information about these services may come from: publicly available sources; partner organizations; government agencies; community providers; data integrations or automated systems.

While we strive to maintain accurate information, Range Lab does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or availability of resource listings.

Users should verify service details directly with the listed organization.

Range Lab does not provide the services listed on the Website and is not responsible for interactions between users and third-party organizations.

7. Disclosure of Information

We do not sell personal information.

We may disclose information to the following categories of recipients where necessary to operate the Website:

• Service Providers — Including providers that assist with: website hosting; analytics; security monitoring; communication tools; chatbot infrastructure; infrastructure and technical support
• Contractors and Vendors — Organizations that help operate, maintain, or improve the platform.
• Government or Legal Authorities — Where disclosure is required by law, regulation, or legal process.
• With User Consent — Where individuals choose to share information with third parties or request assistance connecting with service providers.

All service providers are required to maintain appropriate safeguards to protect information.

8. Data Retention

We retain personal information only as long as reasonably necessary to: provide the Website and services; fulfill the purposes described in this Privacy Policy; comply with legal obligations; resolve disputes; enforce agreements.

Chatbot interaction logs may be retained to improve system performance and service quality.

Aggregated or anonymized data may be retained for longer periods for research, analytics, or system improvement.

9. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

The Website may use cookies, web beacons, and similar technologies to: improve website functionality; analyze user behavior; monitor website performance; enhance user experience.

Users may configure their browser settings to reject cookies. However, some features of the Website may not function properly if cookies are disabled.

10. Third-Party Websites and Services

The Website may contain links to third-party websites operated by service providers, nonprofits, or other organizations.

Range Lab does not control and is not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those websites.

Users are encouraged to review the privacy policies of any external websites they visit.

11. Children's Information

The Website is not directed to children under the age of 13.

We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 without verifiable parental consent.

If we become aware that information from a child under 13 has been collected without consent, we will take steps to delete the information.

12. Security Measures

We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction.

However, no method of internet transmission or electronic storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

13. California Privacy Rights

Under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) as amended by the California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA), California residents may have certain rights regarding their personal information.

These rights may include:

• The right to know the categories of personal information collected
• The right to access personal information maintained about them
• The right to request deletion of personal information
• The right to correct inaccurate personal information
• The right to opt out of the sale or sharing of personal information
• The right to limit the use of sensitive personal information where applicable
• The right to non-discrimination for exercising privacy rights

Range Lab does not sell personal information and does not knowingly share personal information for cross-context behavioral advertising.

Requests to exercise privacy rights may be submitted using the contact information below.

14. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time.

When changes are made, the updated policy will be posted on this page with a revised "Last Updated" date.

Continued use of the Website after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

15. Contact Information

Questions regarding this Privacy Policy or requests related to personal information may be directed to: