Bear Witness

Privacy Policy

Last updated: August 19, 2026

Bear Witness ("Bear Witness," "we," "us," or "our") respects your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, who we share it with, and the choices you have. It applies to bearwitness.app and related services (the "Site").

By using the Site, you agree to the collection and use of information as described in this policy.

1. Information We Collect

Information you provide directly:

  • Account information: name, email address, password, phone number
  • Profile information (Doulas): certifications and training (e.g., INELDA or equivalent), bio, service area, photos, experience, and other information you choose to include on your public profile
  • Profile information (Families): general information about your needs and location, used to help match you with a Doula
  • Communications: messages you send through the Site or to our support team
  • Payment information: processed by our payment provider, Stripe (see Section 4)
  • Background check information (Doulas): information submitted to and returned by our background check provider, Checkr, as needed to verify eligibility to be listed on the Site

Information collected automatically:

  • Device and usage data, such as IP address, browser type, pages visited, and timestamps
  • Cookies and similar technologies (see Section 6)

2. How We Use Information

We use the information we collect to:

  • Create and maintain your account
  • Match Families with Doulas and facilitate connections between them
  • Process payments for match fees
  • Run background checks on Doulas prior to publishing their profile
  • Communicate with you about your account, transactions, and platform updates
  • Maintain the safety, security, and integrity of the Site
  • Improve and develop the Site
  • Comply with legal obligations

We do not use your information to make automated decisions that produce legal or similarly significant effects about you, other than the background check eligibility screening described above for Doulas.

3. How We Share Information

We share information only as described below. We do not sell your personal information.

  • Between Families and Doulas: When a match is made, relevant profile and contact information is shared between the Family and the Doula so they can communicate and arrange services directly.
  • Service providers: We share information with third parties who perform services on our behalf, including:
  • Stripe (payment processing)
  • Checkr (background check screening for Doulas)
  • Hosting, analytics, and email service providers

These providers are authorized to use your information only as necessary to provide their services to us and are bound by their own privacy and security obligations.

  • Legal and safety reasons: We may disclose information if required by law, subpoena, or legal process, or if we believe disclosure is necessary to protect the safety of any person, investigate fraud, or enforce our Terms of Service.
  • Business transfers: If Bear Witness is involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction, subject to this policy or a successor policy.

4. Payments

Payment card information is collected and processed directly by Stripe. Bear Witness does not store your full card number. Please review Stripe's privacy policy for details on how it handles your payment data.

5. Background Checks

If you are a Doula, information you submit for a background check is sent to Checkr, which conducts the screening and returns a result to Bear Witness. Bear Witness uses this result solely to determine eligibility to be listed on the Site. Please review Checkr's privacy policy for details on how it handles your data, and note that background check screenings are subject to the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and applicable state law, including your right to receive a copy of your report and dispute inaccurate information.

6. Cookies

We use cookies and similar technologies to keep you logged in, remember your preferences, and understand how the Site is used. You can control cookies through your browser settings, though disabling them may affect Site functionality.

7. Data Retention

We retain your information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide the Site, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements. You may request deletion of your account and associated data as described in Section 8, subject to any legal retention requirements (for example, records related to background checks or payment transactions).

8. Your Choices and Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the right to:

  • Access the personal information we hold about you
  • Correct inaccurate information
  • Request deletion of your information
  • Object to or restrict certain processing
  • Request a copy of your data in a portable format

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at jtiff510@gmail.com. We will respond in accordance with applicable law.

9. Children's Privacy

The Site is not directed to individuals under 18, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children.

10. Data Security

We use reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect your information. No method of transmission or storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. If we make material changes, we will provide reasonable notice, such as by posting the updated policy on the Site with a new "Last updated" date.

12. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your information, contact us at jtiff510@gmail.com.

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*By logging into or using Bear Witness, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy.*