Privacy Policy

1. What we collect

• Account information: username, email address, and a hashed password (or your Google account ID if you sign in with Google -- we never see or store your Google password).
• Profile information you choose to add: an avatar image and a short bio, if you add them.
• Content: forum posts, threads, and reactions you create.
• Technical data: standard server logs (IP address, browser type, timestamps) used for security, abuse prevention, and troubleshooting.
• Cookies: a session cookie to keep you logged in, and a CSRF-protection cookie required for secure form submissions. We don't use advertising or third-party tracking cookies.

2. What we don't do

We do not sell your personal information to anyone. We do not show your email address to other members or on any public page -- it's used only to verify your account and, if you request it, to help you recover access.

3. How we use your information

• To create and secure your account, and verify you're a real person before you can post
• To operate the forum -- displaying your username and posts to other members
• To respond to support requests or reports you send us
• To detect and prevent abuse, spam, and violations of our Terms of Service

4. Pen Pal profiles

Pen Pal profiles are a separate case from ordinary member accounts: they're entered by our staff, on behalf of an incarcerated person, from information they've chosen to share with us for the specific purpose of being published and contacted. A profile's legal name and BOP register number are shown because that information is already public record via the federal inmate locator, and a phone number is only published when that person has specifically asked for it to be public. If you are an inmate (or someone writing on their behalf) and want a profile removed or corrected, email alert@inmateforum.com.

5. Who can see your information

Your username, avatar, bio, and posts are public to anyone who visits the forum. Your email address and account activity are visible only to you and to InmateForum staff for moderation and support purposes. We don't share your data with advertisers or data brokers.

6. Data retention

We keep your account information for as long as your account is active. If you delete your account, your login credentials and email are removed; forum posts may remain (attributed to a generic "deleted user") so that conversations other members were part of stay intact, unless you specifically request full removal.

7. Children's privacy

InmateForum is restricted to users 18 and older and is not directed at children. We do not knowingly collect personal information from anyone under 18. If we learn that we have, we will delete it.

8. Your choices

You can update your profile, change your password, or delete your account at any time from your account settings. You can also email us to request a copy of, correction to, or deletion of your personal information.

9. Changes to this policy

We may update this policy as the site evolves. Continuing to use InmateForum after a change means you accept the updated policy.

10. Contact

Questions about this policy, or a privacy request? Email support@inmateforum.com.