Privacy Policy
We take your privacy seriously. This policy explains what we collect, why, and how we protect it.
Who We Are
Friends Ahoy is a platonic friendship platform operated by Friends Ahoy LLC, based in Longmont, Colorado. Our website is friendsahoy.com. If you have questions about this policy or your data, email us at connect@friendsahoy.com.
What We Collect
When you sign up (Join the Crew)
We collect your first name and email address. We use this to send you updates about Connection Circles, new resources, and community news. We never sell your email or share it with advertisers.
When you take the Connection Profile
The Connection Profile asks 30 questions about how you connect with others. This includes your name, email, location (city/state), age range, quiz answers across 6 scored dimensions, friendship values, dealbreakers, dream friend activities (open text), what brought you to Friends Ahoy, anything you want a potential friend to know (open text), three words that describe you, and Island preferences.
Your Crew Role results (the radar chart, dimension scores, and Crew Role assignment) are calculated entirely in your browser. This data is not sent to our servers during the quiz. If you choose to submit your profile for matching, your responses are stored in a secure Google Form that populates a private Google Sheet accessible only to Friends Ahoy administrators.
When you visit our website
Like most websites, we may collect standard web data including your IP address, browser type, pages visited, and time spent on the site. If we use analytics tools (such as Google Analytics), cookies may be placed on your device. You can control cookies through your browser settings or our cookie consent banner.
How We Use Your Data
We use your data to provide your Connection Profile results, connect you with compatible community members (with your consent), send you updates about events and resources you have opted into, and improve our website and programs. We do not use your data for advertising, sell your data to third parties, share your open-text responses (dream friend day, personal notes) with anyone without your explicit permission, or use automated decision-making that produces legal effects.
Who Has Access
Your data is accessible only to the founders of Friends Ahoy LLC (currently two people). Connection Profile responses are stored in a Google Sheet with restricted access. If we ever use third-party services (email platforms, analytics), those services have their own privacy policies and we choose providers with strong data protection practices.
How We Protect Your Data
Our website uses SSL encryption (HTTPS) so all data transmitted between your browser and our servers is encrypted. Our WordPress installation is protected by Wordfence security plugin with firewall, malware scanning, and brute-force protection. We maintain automated daily backups via Hostinger and UpdraftPlus. Administrative access requires strong passwords and is limited to authorized personnel only.
Sensitive Information
We understand that some information you share is deeply personal. Things like social anxiety, lost friend groups, or struggles making friends are shared with us in trust. We treat this data with extra care. Open-text vulnerability responses are never displayed publicly, never shared with other users without your explicit consent, and never used for marketing purposes.
Your Rights
You have the right to access the personal data we hold about you, correct any inaccurate information, delete your data entirely, and opt out of email communications at any time. To exercise any of these rights, email connect@friendsahoy.com with your request. We will respond within 30 days.
Cookies
Our website may use cookies for essential site functionality, analytics (if enabled), and remembering your preferences. You can control or disable cookies through your browser settings. If we use analytics services, we will provide a cookie consent banner that allows you to opt in or opt out.
Children and Privacy
Friends Ahoy is designed for adults aged 18 and older. We do not knowingly collect personal information from anyone under 18. If we learn that we have collected data from someone under 18, we will delete it immediately.
Third-Party Services
We may use the following third-party services: Google Forms / Google Sheets (data collection and storage), Google Analytics (website analytics, if enabled), Hostinger (web hosting), and email service providers (for newsletters, if applicable). We select providers with strong privacy practices.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this privacy policy as our services evolve. When we make changes, we will update the "Last updated" date at the bottom of this page.
Contact
If you have any questions about this privacy policy or your data, contact us at connect@friendsahoy.com.