This Privacy Policy explains how Lawrence Ragan Communications, Inc. (“Ragan,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) collects, uses, discloses, and retains information when you access or use the Ragan Awards Vault (the “Service”). It applies to the Awards Vault website and the features available through it. It does not govern other Ragan properties, which may have their own privacy policies.
By accessing or using the Service, you agree to the collection and use of information as described in this Policy.
Information We Collect
You may browse portions of the Service anonymously. We collect information in the following ways:
- Account information. When you sign in or register, our authentication provider (Auth0) processes your name, email address, and login credentials on our behalf. We do not store your password.
- Membership and billing information. When you purchase a membership, our payment processor collects and processes payment details. We receive confirmation of your purchase and membership status, not your full payment card number.
- Content you create.Entries you save, the vaults (“My Vaults”) you build, and other selections you make within the Service.
- AI chat inputs and outputs. If you use AI-assisted features, we and our AI provider process the questions, prompts, and related vault content you submit, along with the responses generated. See AI Features and Data Retention below.
- Usage and device data. Cookies and similar technologies collect information such as your browser type, pages viewed, referring pages, and general usage patterns.
How We Use Information
- Provide, operate, and secure the Service and your account.
- Deliver membership access and process transactions.
- Power AI-assisted features you choose to use.
- Measure interest in features and improve the Service.
- Communicate with you about your account, purchases, and support requests.
- Comply with legal obligations and enforce our Terms of Use.
AI Features and Data Retention
The Service offers optional AI-assisted features that let you ask questions about the entries saved in your vaults. When you use these features, your prompts and the relevant vault content are sent to a third-party AI provider to generate a response.
Inputs and outputs associated with AI features are retained indefinitely. We may keep the prompts you submit and the responses generated for an indefinite period in order to operate, secure, evaluate, and improve the AI features. Please do not enter confidential information into AI prompts that you would not want retained on this basis. This retention period is separate from, and may be longer than, the retention periods for other categories of data described below.
Cookies
We use cookies and similar technologies to keep you signed in, remember preferences, and understand how the Service is used. Most browsers let you refuse or delete cookies; disabling them may limit some features. We honor Global Privacy Control (GPC) signals where required by law.
How We Share Information
We do not sell your personal information. We share information with:
- Service providers who help us operate the Service, including authentication (Auth0), cloud hosting (Microsoft Azure), payment processing, and AI features. These providers may process your information only to perform services for us.
- Legal and safety recipients when we believe disclosure is required by law or reasonably necessary to protect the rights, property, or safety of Ragan, our users, or others.
- Business transfers — if Ragan is involved in a merger, acquisition, financing, or sale of assets, information may be transferred as part of that transaction.
Data Retention
We retain personal information for as long as your account is active and as needed to provide the Service, comply with our legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements. As noted above, data associated with AI features is retained indefinitely. When information is no longer needed, we take reasonable steps to delete or de-identify it.
Security
We use reasonable administrative and technical measures to protect personal information. However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
Your Privacy Rights
Depending on where you live, you may have rights to access, correct, delete, or obtain a copy of your personal information, and to opt out of certain processing. Residents of California, Nebraska, Texas, and other states with applicable privacy laws may exercise these rights by contacting us using the details below. We will respond within the time required by applicable law (generally 45 days, with an extension where permitted). We will not discriminate against you for exercising your rights.
Children’s Privacy
The Service is intended for professionals and is not directed to children under 16. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided us information, please contact us so we can delete it.
Links to Other Sites
The Service may link to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the content or privacy practices of those sites, which are governed by their own policies.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Policy from time to time. When we do, we will revise the “Last updated” date above. Your continued use of the Service after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the updated Policy.
Contact Us
If you have questions about this Policy or wish to exercise your privacy rights, contact Lawrence Ragan Communications, Inc. at 312-960-4100 or 800-878-5331.