Privacy Policy

Alternative Standards
Effective Date: 10/01/2025
Last Updated: 10/01/2025

1. Introduction

Alternative Standards is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website and use our services.

By accessing or using our website, you agree to this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with the terms of this Privacy Policy, please do not access the site.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information You Provide

We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us, including:

Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, mailing address
Account Information: Username, password, and account preferences
Payment Information: Billing address and payment card details (processed securely by our payment processors)
Communications: Information you provide when you contact us, subscribe to newsletters, or participate in surveys
User Content: Comments, feedback, testimonials, or other content you submit

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website, we automatically collect certain information about your device and browsing activity:

Device Information: IP address, browser type and version, operating system, device identifiers
Usage Data: Pages viewed, time spent on pages, links clicked, referring website addresses
Location Data: General geographic location based on IP address
Cookies and Tracking Data: Information collected through cookies and similar technologies

3. Google Analytics and Data Processing

3.1 Use of Google Analytics

We use Google Analytics, a web analytics service provided by Google LLC ("Google"), to help us understand how visitors use our website. Google Analytics uses cookies and similar technologies to collect and analyze information about website usage.

Information Collected by Google Analytics:

Pages visited and navigation patterns
Time spent on pages and bounce rates
Traffic sources and referral information
Device type, browser, and operating system
General geographic location (country, city)
Demographic information (age range, gender, interests) when available

3.2 How Google Processes Your Data

Google Analytics processes data on our behalf according to Google's terms of service. The data collected is used to:

Generate statistical reports about website traffic and usage
Help us improve website content and user experience
Understand visitor demographics and interests
Measure the effectiveness of our marketing campaigns

3.3 Data Retention

Google Analytics data is retained according to our configured retention settings. We have set our data retention period to [specify period, e.g., "26 months"]. After this period, the data is automatically deleted.

3.4 Google Analytics Features We Use

We have enabled the following Google Analytics features:

Demographics and Interests Reporting: Provides aggregate information about visitor age, gender, and interests
Remarketing: Allows us to show relevant ads to visitors who have previously visited our website
Google Signals: Enables cross-device tracking and reporting when users are signed into their Google accounts

3.5 Data Sharing with Google

By using our website, you acknowledge that Google will process your data as described in Google's Privacy Policy. Google may use the collected data to contextualize and personalize ads within its advertising network.

3.6 Your Choices Regarding Google Analytics

You can opt out of Google Analytics tracking through several methods:

Browser Add-On: Install the Google Analytics Opt-Out Browser Add-on
Cookie Settings: Adjust your browser settings to block or delete cookies
Google Ad Settings: Manage your ad personalization preferences at Google Ad Settings
Network Advertising Initiative: Opt out at NAI Opt-Out Page

4. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

4.1 Types of Cookies We Use

Essential Cookies: Required for website functionality
Analytics Cookies: Used to understand website usage (including Google Analytics)
Functional Cookies: Remember your preferences and settings
Advertising Cookies: Used for targeted advertising and remarketing

4.2 Managing Cookies

Most web browsers automatically accept cookies, but you can modify your browser settings to decline cookies. However, disabling cookies may affect website functionality.

5. How We Use Your Information

We use collected information for the following purposes:

Service Delivery: Provide, maintain, and improve our services
Communications: Send you updates, newsletters, marketing materials, and respond to inquiries
Personalization: Customize your experience and deliver relevant content
Analytics: Analyze usage patterns and improve website performance
Security: Protect against fraud, unauthorized access, and security threats
Legal Compliance: Comply with legal obligations and enforce our terms
Business Operations: Process transactions, manage accounts, and conduct business activities

6. How We Share Your Information

We may share your information in the following circumstances:

6.1 Service Providers

We share information with third-party service providers who perform services on our behalf, including:

Web hosting and infrastructure providers
Payment processors
Email and communication platforms
Analytics providers (including Google Analytics)
Marketing and advertising partners
Customer support tools

6.2 Business Transfers

If we are involved in a merger, acquisition, sale of assets, or bankruptcy, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction.

6.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose information when required by law, court order, or government request, or when necessary to:

Comply with legal obligations
Protect our rights, property, or safety
Prevent fraud or security threats
Enforce our terms and policies

6.4 With Your Consent

We may share information for any other purpose with your explicit consent.

We do not sell your personal information to third parties.

7. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:

Encryption of data in transit (SSL/TLS)
Secure server infrastructure
Access controls and authentication
Regular security assessments
Employee training on data protection

However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

8. Your Privacy Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights regarding your personal information:

8.1 General Rights

Access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you
Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information (right to be forgotten)
Restriction: Request that we limit how we use your information
Portability: Request a copy of your data in a structured, machine-readable format
Objection: Object to our processing of your information for certain purposes
Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent for processing where we rely on consent

8.2 California Privacy Rights (CCPA)

If you are a California resident, you have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act:

Right to know what personal information is collected, used, shared, or sold
Right to delete personal information
Right to opt-out of the sale of personal information (we do not sell personal information)
Right to non-discrimination for exercising your privacy rights

8.3 European Privacy Rights (GDPR)

If you are in the European Economic Area (EEA), you have rights under the General Data Protection Regulation, including those listed in Section 8.1 above.

8.4 Exercising Your Rights

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at hello@altstd.co. We will respond to your request within the timeframe required by applicable law.

9. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence, including the United States. These countries may have different data protection laws than your jurisdiction.

When we transfer data internationally, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, such as:

Standard contractual clauses approved by relevant authorities
Data processing agreements with third parties
Compliance with applicable data protection frameworks

10. Children's Privacy

Our website and services are not intended for children under the age of 13 (or the applicable age in your jurisdiction). We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we become aware that we have collected information from a child without parental consent, we will take steps to delete that information.

11. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites, applications, or services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third parties. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any information.

12. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law. When determining retention periods, we consider:

The nature and sensitivity of the information
The purposes for which we process the information
Legal and regulatory requirements
Our legitimate business interests

When information is no longer needed, we securely delete or anonymize it.

13. Do Not Track Signals

Some browsers have "Do Not Track" features that allow you to tell websites not to track you. We do not currently respond to Do Not Track signals, as there is no industry-standard for how to respond to such signals. However, you can opt out of tracking through the methods described in Section 3.6.

14. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. When we make changes, we will:

Update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy
Notify you of material changes through email or a prominent notice on our website
Obtain your consent if required by law

Your continued use of our website after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the revised Privacy Policy.

15. Contact Us

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

Alternative Standards
Email: hello@altstd.co
Location: San Diego, CA

We will respond to your inquiry within a reasonable timeframe.

16. Consent

By using our website, you consent to our Privacy Policy and agree to its terms.