1. Introduction
Citizen Advocates Network (“CAN,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your personal information when you visit our website at www.citizens.network or subscribe to our publications. By using the Site, you consent to the practices described here.
2. Information We Collect
2.1 Information You Provide Directly. We collect personal information you voluntarily provide, including: name and email address (when subscribing to newsletters or mailing lists); professional affiliation and job title; contact information submitted through forms or event registrations; and comments or messages submitted through the Site.
2.2 Information Collected Automatically. When you visit the Site, we may automatically collect: IP address and general geographic location; browser type and version; operating system; pages visited, time spent on pages, and navigation paths; referring website URLs; and date and time of your visit.
2.3 Cookies and Tracking Technologies. We use cookies and similar technologies, which may include essential cookies required for Site functionality, analytics cookies (e.g., Google Analytics), and preference cookies. You can control cookie settings through your browser, though disabling certain cookies may affect Site functionality.
3. How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect to: deliver newsletters, publications, and research updates you have requested; respond to your inquiries and communications; process event registrations; analyze Site traffic to improve our content and user experience; comply with legal obligations; and prevent fraud and ensure Site security. We will not use your information for purposes incompatible with those described here without your prior consent.
4. How We Share Your Information
4.1 We Do Not Sell Your Data. Citizen Advocates Network does not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties for their marketing purposes.
4.2 Service Providers. We may share your information with trusted third-party service providers — such as email delivery services, analytics providers, and web hosting companies — who are contractually obligated to protect your information and use it only as directed.
4.3 Legal Requirements. We may disclose your information if required by law or in the good-faith belief that such action is necessary to comply with a legal obligation, protect our rights, prevent fraud, or protect user safety.
4.4 Organizational Transfers. In the event of a merger, acquisition, or dissolution of Citizen Advocates Network, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction, and we will notify you of any such change in ownership.
5. Data Retention
We retain your personal information only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes described in this Policy, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements. When no longer needed, your information will be securely deleted or anonymized.
6. Your Rights and Choices
6.1 Opt-Out of Communications. You may unsubscribe from our emails at any time by clicking the “unsubscribe” link in any message or by contacting us directly.
6.2 Access, Correction, and Deletion. Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have the right to request access to, correction of, or deletion of your personal information; to object to or restrict certain processing; and to request data portability. To exercise these rights, contact us. We will respond within 30 days.
6.3 California Residents (CCPA). If you are a California resident, you have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act, including the right to know what personal information we collect, the right to delete it, and the right to non-discrimination for exercising your rights. Contact us using the information in Section 11.
6.4 EEA/UK Residents (GDPR). If you are in the European Economic Area or United Kingdom, you have rights under the GDPR or UK GDPR. Our lawful bases for processing include your consent, contract performance, legal obligations, and legitimate interests. You may also lodge a complaint with your local supervisory authority.
7. Data Security
We implement appropriate administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your information against unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. However, no method of internet transmission or electronic storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
8. Children’s Privacy
The Site is not directed to children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child has submitted information to us, please contact us at and we will delete it promptly.
9. Third-Party Services
Our Site may use third-party services such as Google Analytics, social media plugins, or embedded external content. These services may collect information about you subject to their own privacy policies, which we encourage you to review.
10. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we make material changes, we will update the “Last Updated” date above and notify you by email or a prominent site notice where appropriate. Continued use of the Site constitutes acceptance of the revised Policy.
