Privacy Policy

Introduction

WriteACon ("we", "us") runs a prison pen-pal directory and messaging service. This policy explains what information we collect, why, and the choices you have. By using the site you agree to it.

Information we collect

• Browsing data. Standard server logs (IP address, browser, pages viewed, timestamps) used for security, performance and aggregate analytics.
• Phone registration. If you register a phone to text pen pals, we store your phone number, the verification code we send, and the time it was verified. We keep a record of which text numbers you have revealed.
• Member accounts. If you create an account: your email address, a hashed password, your name if you give one, favorites and saved searches.
• Profile listings. Information submitted to publish a pen pal profile — name, age, photos, bio, facility and mailing details, and registration number. This is published on the site by design.
• Payments. Listing fees and reveal credits are processed by a third-party payment provider. We receive a confirmation and the last four digits of the card; we never store full card numbers.
• Messages you send. Texts sent through the service pass through our messaging provider. We retain message metadata (who, when) and may retain content where required to operate the service, investigate abuse, or comply with facility and legal requirements.

How we use it

• To operate the directory, phone registration, messaging and accounts.
• To verify you control the phone number you register.
• To process payments and send receipts and service notices.
• To prevent abuse, spam and misuse of pen pals' contact details.
• To comply with the law and with correctional facility requirements.
• To improve the site, using aggregate, de-identified analytics.

We do not sell your personal information, and we do not send marketing texts.

What pen pals see

When you text someone through WriteACon, your own phone number is not shown to them. They see the message and the name you choose to sign it with. Letters you send by mail are between you and the facility; we have no part in them.

Sharing

We share information only with:

• Service providers that help us run the site (hosting, messaging, payments, email), bound by contract to use it only for us.
• Correctional facilities or law enforcement where required by law, a valid legal request, or to address a credible safety threat.
• A successor if the service is sold or merged, under this same policy.

Security

The site is served over TLS, passwords are hashed, and access to personal data is limited to people who need it. No method of transmission or storage is completely secure, so we cannot guarantee absolute security.

Retention

We keep account and phone registration data while your account or registration is active and for a reasonable period afterwards for security and legal purposes. Profile listings are removed from public view when they expire or are withdrawn. You can ask us to delete your data at any time.

Your rights

• Access, correct or delete the information we hold about you.
• Withdraw a phone registration or close an account.
• Ask for a listing to be removed, if you are the person in it or their authorised representative.

To exercise any of these, contact us. We may ask you to verify your identity first.

Children

The service is for adults. We do not knowingly collect information from anyone under 18; if you believe we have, please tell us and we will delete it.

Changes

We may update this policy. The date at the top shows the current version; material changes will be announced on the site.

Contact

Questions about privacy? Get in touch.