Data Retention Policy

Effective Date: [Insert Date]

Light Keepers Global Community (“we,” “our,” “us”) is committed to handling personal information responsibly, securely, and in accordance with applicable data protection laws. This Data Retention Policy explains how long we keep information collected through https://www.lightkeepersgc.org and the principles that guide our retention practices.

1. Purpose of This Policy

This policy outlines:

  • What types of data we retain
  • How long we keep different categories of information
  • Why certain data must be stored
  • When and how data is securely deleted

Our goal is to retain personal information only for as long as it is necessary for legitimate purposes, legal compliance, and the proper functioning of our ministry and website.

2. General Retention Principles

We follow these core principles when retaining data:

  • Minimal Retention: We keep only the information we genuinely need.
  • Purpose‑Based Retention: Data is stored only as long as required for the purpose it was collected.
  • Security: All retained data is protected using reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards.
  • Deletion: When data is no longer needed, we securely delete or anonymize it.

3. Categories of Data and Retention Periods

Account Information (if applicable)

Information such as names, email addresses, and login details is retained for as long as the account remains active. If an account is deleted, associated data is removed within a reasonable timeframe unless legal obligations require longer retention.

Email Subscriptions and Devotional Sign‑Ups

Email addresses and subscription preferences are retained until the user unsubscribes or requests deletion.

Donations and Financial Records

Donation records, transaction details, and receipts are retained for legal and tax compliance, typically 6–7 years, depending on jurisdictional requirements.

User‑Generated Content

Comments, testimonies, prayer requests, and other submissions may be retained as long as they remain publicly visible or relevant to the community. Users may request removal of their content at any time.

Technical and Analytics Data

Non‑identifiable analytics data (such as page views, device type, or general location) may be retained for up to 24 months to help us improve site performance and user experience.

Communication Records

Emails or messages sent to our support team may be retained for up to 24 months for quality assurance and reference.

4. Data We Do Not Intentionally Retain

We do not knowingly collect or store:

  • Personal information from children under 13
  • Sensitive personal data unless voluntarily provided (e.g., prayer requests)
  • Payment card numbers (these are processed by secure third‑party providers)

5. Secure Deletion and Anonymization

When data is no longer needed:

  • It is permanently deleted from our systems, or
  • It is anonymized so it can no longer be linked to an individual

We use reasonable and industry‑standard methods to ensure secure disposal.

6. Legal Requirements

Certain laws may require us to retain specific information for a defined period. Where such obligations exist, legal requirements override our standard retention timelines.

7. User Rights and Requests

Users may request:

  • Access to their personal data
  • Correction of inaccurate information
  • Deletion of their data (where legally permitted)
  • Clarification about how long specific data is stored

Requests can be submitted to: support@lightkeepersgc.org

We will respond within a reasonable timeframe and in accordance with applicable laws.

8. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Data Retention Policy to reflect changes in our practices, legal requirements, or website functionality. Any updates will be posted on this page with a revised effective date.