Privacy policy

1. Our privacy commitment

USA Adoption Registry is designed to help adults search for family while limiting unnecessary disclosure. We do not sell personal information. We do not display member email addresses in registry results or contact requests.

2. Information we collect

We collect account data such as username, email address, password hash, display name, consent records, and service preferences. Search profiles may include birth and adoption dates or ranges, locations, hospitals, agencies, names, relationship roles, and notes. We also collect messages, safety reports, security logs, IP addresses, and basic technical records needed to operate and protect the service.

3. Sensitive profile information

Birth names, adopted names, birth-parent names, and private notes are application-encrypted before storage. Some non-identifying search fields must remain searchable in the database to provide registry functions. No internet service can guarantee absolute security.

4. How we use information

• Operate accounts, searches, matching, notifications, and private communication.
• Detect abuse, enforce rules, investigate reports, and secure the service.
• Maintain backups, audit trails, and service reliability.
• Comply with lawful legal process and protect rights or safety.

5. Visibility choices

Searchable profiles expose limited non-contact information to signed-in members. Private and exact-match-only profiles are not available through ordinary browsing. A matching member may still see limited clues and match explanations. Members may pause or delete individual profiles.

6. Sharing

We may share information with infrastructure and email providers acting on our instructions, with authorized administrators handling safety or support, or when legally required. We may disclose information to protect a person from credible harm or to address fraud and abuse.

7. Retention and deletion

Deleting a search profile removes the active profile and related match records. Some audit, safety, backup, and legal records may remain for a limited period. Deactivating an account pauses profiles but does not immediately erase the account. A future verified deletion request process may be provided for full-account deletion.

8. Security

We use HTTPS, restricted administrative access, password hashing, application encryption for selected fields, database backups, firewall rules, and security logging. Members are responsible for protecting account credentials and for avoiding sensitive disclosures in messages.

9. Adults only

The launch service is intended for people age 18 and older. Do not submit a minor’s direct contact information or create an account for a minor.

10. Changes

We may update this policy as the service develops or laws change. Material updates will be dated and presented through the website.

11. Contact

Administrative privacy contact: privacy@usadoptionregistry.com. This address must be configured and monitored before launch.