What we collect & why.
Plain English first, legalese second. Both apply.
The short version
We collect: your quiz answers, your ZIP (if you give it), your email (if you give it), your IP address, your browser type, and basic interaction data (which screens you view, which cards you tap).
We use it to: match you to representatives, send vote alerts you opted into, and improve the product (aggregate analytics).
We do not: sell your data to third parties, share it with campaigns or PACs, target you with political ads, or use it to manipulate your vote.
1. Information we collect automatically
When you visit Govona, our servers automatically log: your IP address, browser user-agent, device type, the pages you visit, the time of each visit, and how you got here (referrer URL). This is standard server-log data and is retained for up to 24 months for security, fraud prevention, and aggregate analytics.
We use first-party cookies and localStorage to remember your quiz progress and preferences. We do not use third-party advertising trackers, Facebook Pixel, or Google Ads tags.
2. Information you give us
Quiz answers.Every answer you tap is saved — even if you don't finish the quiz. We do this so you can resume where you left off, and so we can improve question quality from aggregate (anonymized) patterns. If you never give us an email, your answers stay tied only to a randomly-generated session ID and your IP.
ZIP code. Optional. Used to look up your federal and state representatives. Not shared.
Email. Optional. Used only to send vote alerts and product updates you opted into. Unsubscribe anytime.
Name. Optional. Used only to personalize your dashboard.
3. How we use it
- Match your stated positions to your representatives' voting records.
- Send the alerts and updates you signed up for.
- Aggregate analytics (e.g. “70% of Texas users care most about healthcare”) — never identifying any individual.
- Detect abuse, spam, and fraud.
- Comply with legal requirements (subpoena, court order).
4. Who we share it with
Service providers — companies that host our servers, send our emails, and run our analytics, under contract terms that prohibit them from using your data for any other purpose.
That's the entire list. We do not share, sell, rent, lease, trade, or otherwise transfer your personal information to advertisers, campaigns, PACs, political parties, data brokers, or any other third party for marketing, fundraising, or political targeting purposes.
5. Aggregate & de-identified data
We may publish or share aggregate, de-identified statistics (e.g. “the average Govona user matches 38% with their senator”). This data cannot reasonably be used to identify any individual.
6. Your rights
You can: (a) view your data, (b) export it, (c) delete it, (d) correct it, or (e) opt out of analytics. Email hello@govona.org with your request. We respond within 30 days. California (CCPA), EU (GDPR), and other state privacy-law residents have additional rights — same address.
7. Security
We use TLS in transit, encryption at rest, and standard access controls. No system is perfectly secure; we'll notify you within 72 hours of any breach affecting your data.
8. Children
Govona is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect their data. If you believe we have, email us and we'll delete it.
9. Changes
If we materially change this policy, we'll post the change and update the “Last updated” date at the top. Continued use after a change means you accept it.
10. Contact
Questions? Privacy concerns? Subpoenas? hello@govona.org.