fma

Data Retention & Deletion Policy
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At Find Me Alive (FMA), we recognize that the information entrusted to us—especially when it involves personal safety, sensitive recordings, and missing person support—is highly valuable and must be treated with the utmost care. This Data Retention & Deletion Policy explains how long we retain user data, why we retain it, and the processes in place for secure deletion.
Our goal is to strike a careful balance: retaining data only as long as it is necessary for the safety of our users, the fulfillment of our services, and compliance with legal obligations, while also respecting each individual’s right to privacy.
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Types of Data Covered
This policy applies to all data collected and managed by Find Me Alive, including:
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User Account Data: Basic information provided when creating an account (e.g., name, email).
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Recording Service Data: Audio or text submissions created by users for safety purposes.
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Missing Person Kit Data: Information, documents, or media stored for potential use in emergencies.
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Communications: Emails, messages, or inquiries sent to customer support.
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Technical Data: Logs, device identifiers, and other metadata used for security and service optimization.
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Data Retention Standards
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Active Accounts
Data is retained for as long as an account remains active and the user continues to use Find Me Alive services. -
Recording Service
Safety recordings and their transcripts are retained for a defined period (e.g., 12 months) unless otherwise requested by the user. These records may be extended if linked to an ongoing investigation or legal process. -
Missing Person Kit
Information within the kit is retained until the user updates, deletes, or deactivates their account. -
Legal or Regulatory Requirements
Certain data may be retained longer if required by law, regulatory authority, or to resolve disputes.
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Data Deletion Standards
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User Requests
Users have the right to request deletion of their personal data at any time. Requests will be verified and processed within a reasonable period (typically 30 days). -
Automatic Deletion
Inactive accounts may be flagged for deletion after a defined period of inactivity (e.g., 18–24 months). Users will be notified in advance before deletion occurs. -
Secure Deletion Methods
All data deleted from Find Me Alive systems is permanently removed or anonymized using secure industry-standard deletion practices. -
Partial Deletions
Where certain records must be retained for legal reasons, data will be restricted or anonymized rather than fully deleted, to minimize exposure while fulfilling obligations.
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Safeguards and Accountability
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Access Controls
Only authorized personnel may access user data for retention or deletion purposes. -
Documentation
All deletion requests and actions are logged to ensure accountability and compliance. -
Regular Audits
Retention timelines and deletion practices are reviewed regularly to align with industry standards, evolving regulations, and user expectations.
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User Rights
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Access and Review
Users may request a copy of the data retained under their account. -
Correction or Updates
Users may update or correct retained data at any time. -
Deletion or Withdrawal
Users may withdraw consent and request deletion in full, subject to legal limitations.
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Our Commitment
Find Me Alive is committed to ensuring that user data is retained only for as long as it serves a legitimate purpose and is deleted when it is no longer needed. By upholding this standard, we protect both the safety of our users and their right to privacy.
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