Privacy Policy | 5th Echelon

1. Introduction

5th Echelon Media ("we," "us," "our," or "Company") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website and use our services. Please read this policy carefully. If you do not agree with our policies and practices, please do not use our services.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

Account registration information (name, email, password)
Profile information (avatar, bio, preferences)
Communications (messages, support requests, feedback)
Payment information (billing address, payment methods)
Content you create, upload, or share

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

Device information (IP address, browser type, operating system)
Usage data (pages visited, time spent, videos watched)
Cookies and similar tracking technologies
Geolocation data (if permitted)
Analytics and performance data

3. How We Use Your Information

To provide, maintain, and improve our services
To process transactions and send related information
To send promotional communications (with your consent)
To personalize your experience and recommend content
To detect, prevent, and address fraud and security issues
To comply with legal obligations and enforce agreements
To conduct analytics and improve user experience

4. GDPR Compliance (European Users)

For users in the European Union, United Kingdom, and EEA, the following applies:

4.1 Legal Basis for Processing

We process your data based on:

Contract Necessity: To fulfill our agreement with you
Legitimate Interests: To operate and improve our services
Consent: For marketing and non-essential communications
Legal Compliance: To meet regulatory requirements

4.2 Your Rights

Right to access your personal data
Right to rectify inaccurate data
Right to erasure ("Right to be Forgotten")
Right to restrict processing
Right to data portability
Right to object to processing
Right to withdraw consent at any time

To exercise these rights, contact us at privacy@5thechelon.com with your request.

5. North American Privacy Laws

5.1 California Privacy Rights (CCPA/CPRA)

California residents have the right to: (1) know what personal information is collected, (2) delete personal information collected, (3) opt-out of the sale of personal information, and (4) non-discrimination for exercising these rights. We do not sell personal information. To exercise your rights, submit a request to privacy@5thechelon.com.

5.2 Other U.S. State Laws

We comply with Virginia (VCDPA), Colorado (CPA), Connecticut (CTDPA), and Utah (UCPA) privacy laws where applicable. Your rights under these laws include access, deletion, correction, and opt-out of targeted advertising.

5.3 Canada (PIPEDA)

For Canadian users, we comply with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA). You have the right to access, correct, and request deletion of your personal information.

6. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your personal information, including:

Encryption of data in transit and at rest
Secure authentication protocols
Regular security audits and penetration testing
Access controls and role-based permissions
Incident response procedures

However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security of your information.

7. Data Retention

We retain personal information only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy, or as required by law. Account information is retained for the duration of your account and for 12 months after deletion. Backup copies may be retained for up to 90 days.

8. Sharing Your Information

We may share your information with:

Service Providers: Third parties who perform services on our behalf (hosting, analytics, payment processing)
Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or government request
Business Transfers: In case of merger, acquisition, or sale of assets
With Your Consent: When you explicitly authorize sharing

We do not sell your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes.

9. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies, web beacons, and similar technologies to enhance your experience, remember preferences, and analyze usage. You can control cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling cookies may limit your access to certain features.

EU Users: We use consent-based cookie management. You will be prompted to accept or reject non-essential cookies upon first visit.

10. Contact Us

For privacy inquiries, data requests, or concerns, contact:

5th Echelon Media

Email: privacy@5thechelon.com

Postal: 5th Echelon Media, Washington, D.C., USA

Response Time: 30 days

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Significant changes will be communicated via email or prominent notice on our website. Your continued use of our services constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.