Your data, your choice

Effective Date: January 31, 2025
Last Updated: February 4, 2025

Welcome to Higher Conscious Network ("HCN," "we," "us," or "our"). We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring a secure, transparent user experience. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your information, particularly as it relates to our WordPress-based platform, PeepSo integration, Pro Membership Plus, third-party plugins, and AI services (including ChatGPT).

By accessing or using Higher Conscious Network, you agree to the terms outlined in this Privacy Policy.

We collect and process information to provide you with personalized, secure, and seamless access to our platform. This includes:

1.1. Personal Information (Provided by You)

• Full Name
• Email Address
• Account Credentials (Username & Password) (stored securely with encryption)
• Payment Details (processed via Stripe, never stored on our servers)
• Profile Information (such as bio, profile picture, and personal interests)
• Age Verification Data (to comply with legal requirements)
• Messages & Content (forum posts, comments, and uploaded files)

1.2. Automatic Information (Collected via Technology)

• Device & Browser Data (IP address, operating system, browser type, and version)
• Usage & Activity Logs (pages visited, time spent, interactions, and preferences)
• Metadata on Uploaded Content (including timestamps and file formats)
• Security & Access Logs (to monitor unauthorized access attempts)

1.3. AI & Chatbot Interactions (ChatGPT Integration)

We use ChatGPT to enhance user experience. Conversations with our AI assistant may be stored and analyzed to improve AI performance. However, we do not use AI for decision-making that significantly affects users without human oversight.

Your AI Data Protections:

• ✅ We do not sell AI chat data.
• ✅ We do not use AI chat data to profile users.
• ✅ AI data is stored only for internal improvements and is deleted periodically.

We process your data for the following purposes:

2.1. Platform Operations & User Experience

• To create and manage your account
• To process subscription payments and memberships
• To personalize your user experience

2.2. Security & Compliance

• To detect and prevent fraud, security threats, and abuse
• To enforce platform policies and prevent harmful behavior
• To comply with legal requirements and regulatory obligations

2.3. AI & Chatbot Functionality

• To provide AI-powered responses using ChatGPT
• To improve AI models while ensuring responsible use

2.4. Marketing & Communication (Opt-In Required)

• We only send marketing emails if you opt in
• You can unsubscribe at any time

We implement advanced security measures to protect your data:

3.1. Security Measures (Aligned with NIST Guidelines)

• ✅ Encryption: We encrypt sensitive data at rest and in transit (AES-256 & TLS 1.3).
• ✅ Zero-Trust Security: We verify every login attempt and API request.
• ✅ Access Controls: Only authorized personnel can access administrative data.
• ✅ Regular Security Audits: We conduct penetration testing and compliance reviews.

3.2. Data Retention Policies

• Personal data is retained only as long as necessary for operational, legal, and security purposes.
• If you request account deletion, we will remove your profile data but may retain limited records for fraud prevention or compliance.

We do not sell or trade user data. However, we may share data under the following conditions:

Your data will never be shared with advertisers or third-party marketers.

You have full control over your data. Your rights include:

5.1. Access & Correction

• ✅ You may request a copy of your personal data.
• ✅ You can update or correct your profile details anytime.

5.2. Data Deletion & Account Removal

• ✅ You can delete your account at any time via settings or by contacting us.
• ❌ Exceptions: Some data may be retained for legal compliance or fraud prevention.

5.3. Opting Out of Data Processing

• ✅ You can disable AI chatbot interactions in your settings.
• ✅ You can unsubscribe from emails at any time.

• You must be at least 18 years old to use Higher Conscious Network.
• We do not knowingly collect data from minors. If discovered, the account will be deleted immediately.

• Data is stored in the United States.
• If you access from the EU, UK, or other regions, you consent to cross-border data transfer.

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. If changes significantly affect your rights, we will notify you via email or site notification.

• Last updated: February 4, 2025
• Effective Date: January 31, 2025

• ✅ Legal Compliance Strengthened: Covers NIST, GDPR, CCPA
• ✅ AI Transparency: Clearly defines how ChatGPT data is handled
• ✅ PeepSo & Plugin Disclosures: Ensures full transparency of third-party tools
• ✅ Security Enhancements: Aligns with Zero-Trust and encryption best practices
• ✅ Expanded User Rights: Clear data access, deletion, and opt-out options

Effective Date: January 31, 2025
Last Updated: February 4, 2025

1. Purpose of This Addendum

Higher Conscious Network ("HCN") operates as a separate entity from Divine Alignment Center ("DAC"), a mental health and wellness provider under God's Spiritual Plan LLC.

This HIPAA Privacy Addendum ensures that clients receiving therapy, counseling, or wellness services from DAC understand how their information is handled if they choose to participate in Higher Conscious Network.

• 🚨 Higher Conscious Network is NOT a healthcare provider and does not store, process, or transmit Protected Health Information (PHI) under HIPAA.
• 🚨 Your use of HCN is separate from your therapeutic relationship with DAC.

2. What Information Is Covered Under HIPAA?

• Medical history & treatment plans
• Mental health diagnoses & therapy notes
• Prescriptions & health records
• Identifiable session details (dates, provider names, progress reports, etc.)
• Any health-related information linked to your identity

• ❌ Higher Conscious Network does NOT collect, store, or process PHI.
• ❌ Your participation in HCN is voluntary and separate from DAC’s clinical services.

3. How Higher Conscious Network Protects Your Privacy

✅ 1. No PHI Is Shared Between DAC & HCN

• Your therapist or counselor at DAC will NOT share any clinical records, diagnoses, or health-related data with HCN.
• Therapists do NOT engage in therapy via HCN forums, groups, or AI chat interactions.
• Your participation in HCN will never affect your therapy or treatment at DAC.

✅ 2. Clear Separation Between Therapy & Community Participation

• HCN is a public community platform with social features (PeepSo), memberships (Pro Membership Plus), and AI chat (ChatGPT).
• If you choose to discuss personal topics on HCN, this is voluntary and not protected under HIPAA.

✅ 3. No PHI Is Stored in AI Chat or Community Discussions

• HCN’s ChatGPT integration is NOT HIPAA-compliant. Do NOT enter therapy-related details in chatbot interactions.
• Community discussions & forum posts are NOT private therapy sessions.

✅ 4. Confidential Therapy Services Remain Private

• If you are a therapy client at DAC, your sessions remain 100% confidential and are never shared with HCN staff or members.

4. Your Rights & Choices

🚨 If you are a therapy client, you do NOT have to use Higher Conscious Network. Therapy at Divine Alignment Center is fully independent of HCN.

5. Data Protection Measures

• 🔒 End-to-End Encryption (AES-256) for all website connections
• 🔒 Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for Admins
• 🔒 Automated Security Monitoring & Breach Detection
• 🔒 Strict Role-Based Access (No Therapists Engaging in HCN Community Discussions)