Privacy and Cookie Policy

Last updated: November 13, 2025 

The Open Sidewalk Project (“we,” “us,” or “our”) respects your privacy and the stories you choose to share.
 This policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and how cookies may be used on this site.

By using opensidewalkproject.org, you agree to the practices described below.

  1. INFORMATION WE COLLECT

We may collect two types of information:

Information You Voluntarily Provide

This includes:

  • Your name (optional)
  • Your email address (if you request updates, register a book, or contact us)
  • Book release information you submit (location, reflection text, photos)
  • Any comments or reflections you publish through the project

You choose what to share.
 You may request removal at any time.

Automatically Collected Data

When you browse the site, we may automatically receive:

  • Your IP address
  • Your browser type and version
  • Basic usage data (pages visited, time on site, referring link)

This helps us understand how visitors interact with the Project so we can improve it.

We do not sell personal data.

  1. HOW WE USE YOUR INFORMATION

We use your information to:

  • Track the journey of books released through the Project
  • Display public reflections and location markers you choose to share
  • Contact you regarding updates or project participation (only if you opt in)
  • Improve website functionality and visitor experience
  • Respond to your inquiries or requests

We do not use your information for targeted advertising.

  1. SHARING YOUR INFORMATION

We do not sell or rent personal information.

We may share information only:

  • With trusted service providers who help us operate the website (e.g., email providers, map services)
  • If required to comply with the law
  • If you intentionally make information public (e.g., posting a reflection)
  1. COOKIE USE

This site may use cookies — small text files stored on your device — for:

  • Basic site functionality
  • Analytics to understand website usage
  • Embedded third-party tools (maps, forms, video players)

We do not use cookies for advertising or social media tracking.

You may disable cookies in your browser settings.
 Some features may not work correctly if cookies are disabled.

  1. THIRD-PARTY SERVICES

This site may use or link to third-party tools such as:

  • BookCrossing (for book journey tracking)
  • Map tools (such as OpenStreetMap or MapTiler)
  • Email services or form providers

These services have their own privacy terms.
 We are not responsible for their practices.

  1. DATA SECURITY

We take reasonable steps to protect your information.
 However, no method of online transmission is completely secure.
 By using this site, you acknowledge this risk.

  1. CHILDREN’S PRIVACY

This site is not directed to children under 13.
 We do not knowingly collect personal information from children.

  1. YOUR CHOICES

You may request to:

  • Access, update, or delete your information
  • Remove reflections or location logs you submitted
  • Unsubscribe from project emails at any time

To request changes, contact:
 📧 team@opensidewalkproject.org

  1. INTERNATIONAL VISITORS

If you access this site from outside the United States, you consent to processing under U.S. laws and regulations.

  1. CHANGES TO THIS POLICY

We may update this policy periodically.
 Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated revision date.

Continued use of the site after changes means you accept the updated policy.

  1. CONTACT

For privacy questions or data requests:

team@opensidewalkproject.org