Privacy Policy

Last Updated: March 11, 2025

This Privacy Policy describes how The Understanding Engine ("we", "our", or "us") collects, uses, and protects your information when you use our service.

SMS Communications & A2P 10DLC Registration

The Understanding Engine uses Application-to-Person (A2P) 10-digit long code (10DLC) messaging to communicate with our users. In compliance with telecommunications regulations and carrier requirements, we have registered our brand and messaging campaigns with the appropriate authorities.

What is A2P 10DLC?

A2P 10DLC is a messaging channel used by businesses to send SMS messages to consumers from 10-digit phone numbers. This registration system helps protect consumers from unwanted messages and ensures that you receive legitimate communications from verified businesses like ours.

How We Use SMS Communications

We may send you SMS messages for the following limited purposes:

  • Two-factor authentication (2FA) when requested
  • Facilitating rapid communication between users (only if specifically opted in)
  • Service updates and announcements (only for beta users who explicitly opt in)

Consent to Receive SMS Messages

Opt-In Process

We obtain your explicit consent before sending you SMS messages. You may opt in to receive our SMS communications by:

  • Checking the appropriate box during account creation
  • Submitting your phone number through our website forms with consent
  • Texting a designated keyword to our service number
  • Providing verbal consent during customer service interactions

When you opt in, we will send a confirmation message detailing the type of messages you will receive and how to opt out.

Opt-Out Process

You may opt out of receiving SMS messages from us at any time by:

  • Replying "STOP" to any message we send
  • Adjusting your communication preferences in your account settings
  • Contacting our customer support team

Once you opt out, we will send a confirmation message and cease sending you SMS communications.

Information We Collect

When you use The Understanding Engine, we collect certain information to provide, improve, and protect our services:

  • Account Information: When you register, we collect your username, email address, and password.
  • Phone Number: Only when you opt in for 2FA or rapid communication features.
  • Conversation Data: We store the content of conversations and mediation sessions conducted through our platform.
  • Usage Information: We collect information about how you interact with our service, including sub-issue selections, coin allocations, and agreement patterns.

SMS-Related Information

When you use our SMS services, we only collect:

  • Your mobile phone number (if you've opted in)
  • Opt-in and opt-out actions
  • Minimal delivery confirmation data

We do not collect or store the content of messages exchanged between users.

How We Use Your Information

We use your information for the following purposes:

  • Provide Our Services: To operate and maintain the platform, facilitate communication, and deliver mediation assistance.
  • Improve Our Services: To understand how users interact with our platform and enhance the user experience.
  • Research Communication Patterns: Human communication fascinates us, and with your permission, we anonymize and study conversation patterns to advance our understanding of effective communication techniques.
  • Two-Factor Authentication: To verify your identity when you use 2FA.
  • Rapid Communication: To enable communication between users who have opted in to this feature.
  • Service Updates: To send important updates to beta users who have explicitly opted in.

Message Frequency and Charges

For 2FA users: You will only receive SMS messages when authenticating your account.

For rapid communication users: Message frequency will depend on your interaction with other users. You have complete control over this feature and can opt out at any time.

For beta users who opt in to updates: We will send occasional service announcements, limited to important information.

Standard message and data rates may apply based on your mobile carrier's terms. We are not responsible for any fees charged by your mobile service provider.

Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell your personal data or conversation content to third parties. Your information may be shared only in the following limited circumstances:

  • With Your Consent: When you explicitly approve sharing your information.
  • Service Providers: With trusted service providers who help us operate our platform (all bound by confidentiality agreements).
  • SMS Provider: We share your phone number only with our SMS provider (Twilio) when necessary to deliver the SMS service.
  • Legal Requirements: When required by law, or to protect our rights and safety.

We do not sell your personal information to third parties under any circumstances.

Research and Data Use

As communication experts, we are passionate about understanding human interaction patterns. With your permission, we may analyze anonymized conversation data for research purposes. All research data is stripped of personally identifiable information and is used solely to improve our understanding of effective communication techniques.

Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, modification, disclosure, or destruction. Since we collect minimal data, this reduces the risk of data exposure.

For our A2P 10DLC messaging services, we use Twilio as our SMS provider, which maintains industry-standard security practices. However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

Your Rights

You have the right to:

  • Access, correct, or delete your personal information
  • Withdraw consent for research use of your data
  • Request export of your conversation data
  • Close your account and have your personal data deleted

Disclaimer of Responsibility

The Understanding Engine provides communication tools and mediation assistance but is not responsible for any decisions made or not made as a result of using our application. Neither we as individuals nor The Understanding Engine as an entity assume responsibility for outcomes resulting from the use of our platform.

Our platform is designed to facilitate better communication but does not replace professional mediation, therapy, legal advice, or other professional services. Users are solely responsible for their actions and decisions based on information exchanged through our platform.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes by email or through the platform.

Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us at privacy@understandingengine.com.