Privacy Policy
Last updated: September 27, 2026
EMC Local ("we," "us," or "our") operates a local business directory for New Caney and Splendora, Texas. This policy explains what information we collect, why, and how it's handled.
Information We Collect
- Account information: username, email address, and password (stored as a one-way hash, never in plain text) when you create an account.
- Business claim information: when you claim a listing, we collect your claimed role at the business, a work email, a phone number, your chosen verification method, and any supporting document you upload as evidence of ownership.
- Business listing information: when you submit a new business through "Add a Business," we collect the business details you provide (name, description, category, location, contact information).
- Session data: a session cookie is used to keep you logged in.
- Analytics data: we use Google Analytics to understand site traffic and how visitors use the directory (pages viewed, general location, device type). Google Analytics uses cookies and collects data such as your IP address. We do not use this data to identify you personally. You can opt out using the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.
How We Use Information
- To operate the directory and display business listings publicly.
- To verify that someone claiming a business listing is genuinely authorized to manage it.
- To contact you about your account, a claim, or a listing you submitted, if needed.
Who Sees Your Information
Claim evidence and the contact details you provide when claiming a business are reviewed only by EMC Local's site administrators — they are never published publicly. Business listing information you submit for the public directory (name, category, description, public contact info) is, by design, displayed publicly once approved.
Data Retention and Deletion
We keep account and claim information for as long as your account is active. You can request deletion of your account and associated personal information at any time by contacting us at the address below.
Children's Privacy
EMC Local is not directed at children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect information from children under 13.
Changes to This Policy
If this policy changes, we'll update the date at the top of this page. Continued use of the site after a change means you accept the updated policy.
SMS / Text Messaging Data
If you provide your phone number to verify a business claim or to submit an "Add a Business" listing, we may use it to send you a one-time verification code or account-related text messages. If you provide your phone number to EMC Local for phone verification or account-related text messages, we do not sell or share your SMS opt-in data or personal information with third parties for marketing purposes. Your phone number and SMS consent are used solely to verify your identity and to communicate with you about your EMC Local account and business listing.
Contact Us
Questions about this policy or a request to delete your data can be sent to contact@emclocal.org.