Privacy Policy
How we protect your information
Effective Date: August 1, 2025
👋 Hey there! I know nobody likes reading legal documents, so I've written this privacy policy in plain English. It's designed to be honest and straightforward about how I handle your information when we work together.
🤝 What This Policy Covers
This privacy policy explains how Joe Stone Web Development ("I", "me", "my") collects, uses, and protects your personal information when you:
- Visit my website (joestone.co)
- Contact me for web development services
- Work with me as a client
- Use websites I've built for you
📋 Information I Collect
Information You Give Me Directly
- Contact Information: Name, email, phone number, business address
- Business Information: Business name, industry, website needs
- Project Details: What you want your website to do, content, photos
- Payment Information: Billing address (payment processing handled securely by third parties)
Information I Collect Automatically
- Website Analytics: How visitors use your website (anonymous data)
- Technical Information: IP addresses, browser types, device information
- Performance Data: Website speed, uptime, error logs
🛡️ What I DON'T Collect
I don't collect sensitive personal information like social security numbers, financial account details, or health information unless specifically required for your project (like a medical practice website).
🎯 How I Use Your Information
For Our Business Relationship
- Communicate about your project
- Build and maintain your website
- Provide ongoing support and updates
- Send invoices and process payments
- Backup and secure your website data
For Website Operations
- Monitor website performance and uptime
- Prevent security issues and spam
- Improve website functionality
- Provide analytics about your website visitors
📤 When I Share Your Information
Short answer: I don't sell your information to anyone. Ever. Here's when I might share it:
With Your Permission
- Using your business as a portfolio example (only with your approval)
- Sharing success stories or testimonials (with your consent)
With Service Providers
- Hosting Services: To keep your website online
- Email Services: To send project updates
- Payment Processors: To handle invoicing securely
- Backup Services: To protect your website data
When Required by Law
- If subpoenaed or required by court order
- To comply with applicable laws and regulations
- To protect against fraud or security threats
🔒 How I Protect Your Information
Security Measures
- Encryption: All data transmission is encrypted (HTTPS/SSL)
- Secure Hosting: Enterprise-grade hosting with security monitoring
- Regular Backups: Multiple backup copies stored securely
- Access Controls: Limited access to your information
- Regular Updates: All systems kept up-to-date with security patches
⏰ How Long I Keep Your Information
- Active Projects: Throughout our working relationship
- Completed Projects: 7 years for business records and tax purposes
- Website Data: As long as I'm hosting your website
- Analytics: Up to 2 years for performance monitoring
🎛️ Your Rights and Choices
You Can:
- Access: Request copies of information I have about you
- Update: Correct any inaccurate information
- Delete: Request deletion of your information (with some limitations)
- Object: Opt out of certain uses of your information
- Transfer: Get your website data to move to another provider
🤔 Questions About Your Information?
Just email me at [email protected] and I'll help you out. I typically respond within 24 hours.
🍪 Cookies and Website Analytics
I use cookies and similar technologies to:
- Remember your preferences
- Understand how visitors use websites
- Improve website performance
- Prevent spam and security issues
Most browsers let you control cookies. You can disable them, but some website features might not work properly.
👶 Children's Privacy
My services are intended for businesses, not children under 13. I don't knowingly collect information from children. If you're a parent and think I've collected your child's information, please contact me immediately.
🌍 International Data
Your information is primarily stored and processed in the United States. If you're outside the US, your information may be transferred here, where data protection laws might be different.
📝 Changes to This Policy
I may update this privacy policy occasionally to reflect changes in my practices or for legal reasons. I'll notify you of significant changes via email or by posting a notice on my website.
🎯 Bottom Line: I treat your information the same way I'd want my information treated - with respect and care. If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to reach out!
📞 Contact Information
Joe Stone Web Development
Email: [email protected]
Service Area: Kane, Kendall & DeKalb Counties, Illinois