Authority Network America: Data Privacy Policy
This page describes how Authority Network America handles data across its network of reference content sites. The network publishes informational content about US service industries — it does not collect consumer data, process transactions, or maintain provider databases. This policy addresses the limited data interactions that occur through normal site operation.
What the network collects
Authority Network America's topic sites are static reference content pages. The network does not require user accounts, login credentials, or form submissions to access content. The data interactions that occur are limited to:
- Standard web server logs — IP addresses, browser type, pages visited, and timestamps are recorded in server access logs as part of normal web hosting operations. These logs are used for security monitoring and aggregate traffic analysis. They are not linked to individual identities.
- Contact form submissions — Where a contact page accepts written inquiries, the submitter's name, email address, and message content are collected for the purpose of responding to the inquiry. This data is retained only for the duration needed to process and respond to the inquiry.
- Search queries — The network's internal search function records search terms for the purpose of improving content coverage. Search queries are not linked to individual users.
The network does not collect, store, or process:
- Social Security numbers, financial account information, or payment data
- Health information or other sensitive personal data
- Location data beyond what is present in standard web server logs
- Behavioral tracking data for advertising or profiling purposes
Third-party services
The network uses Cloudflare for DNS, SSL, and content delivery. Cloudflare's data handling practices are governed by Cloudflare's privacy policy. No other third-party analytics, advertising, or tracking services are embedded in the network's pages.
The network does not sell, share, or transfer user data to third parties for marketing, advertising, or data brokerage purposes.
Applicable legal frameworks
Data privacy in the United States is governed by a combination of federal statutes and state laws. The frameworks most relevant to a reference content network include:
- Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. § 45) — Prohibits unfair or deceptive practices in commerce, including misrepresentations about data collection and use. The FTC's data privacy guidance establishes baseline expectations for transparency in data handling.
- California Consumer Privacy Act / CPRA (Cal. Civ. Code § 1798.100 et seq.) — Establishes consumer rights including the right to know what data is collected, the right to deletion, and the right to opt out of data sales. Because the network does not sell data or maintain consumer profiles, most CCPA obligations are not triggered.
- Virginia Consumer Data Protection Act, Colorado Privacy Act, Connecticut Data Privacy Act, Texas Data Privacy and Security Act — Comparable state privacy statutes with varying definitions, thresholds, and enforcement mechanisms.
For a reference content network that does not process transactions, maintain user accounts, or collect sensitive personal data, the primary legal obligation is transparency — accurately describing what data is collected and how it is used, which this page provides.
Data retention
- Server access logs — Retained for 90 days, then purged automatically
- Contact form submissions — Retained for the duration needed to respond, then deleted within 30 days of resolution
- Search query logs — Retained in aggregate form without user identifiers
Rights and requests
Individuals who wish to inquire about data the network may hold related to their interactions can submit a request through the contact page. Requests are processed within 30 days consistent with applicable state privacy law timelines.