Privacy Policy

Last updated: March 25, 2026

Dear Crisis (“we,” “us,” or “our”) is a community based in New York City. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect information when you interact with us through our website (dearcrisis.com), Instagram (@dear.crisis), and related tools.

Information We Collect

Information you provide directly

  • Name and email address when you sign up for events or newsletters
  • Messages you send us via Instagram, WhatsApp, or email (hi@vonwong.com)
  • Event RSVPs and participation through Luma

Information collected automatically

  • Basic analytics data (page views, referral sources) through our website
  • Instagram profile information and engagement data for users who interact with our public content, accessed through the Instagram Graph API

Information from third-party platforms

When you interact with our Instagram account, we may access publicly available profile information and engagement metrics through Meta's APIs, in accordance with Meta's Platform Terms.

How We Use Your Information

  • Organize and promote community events (Metacrisis Salons, The Deepening, community-generated events)
  • Respond to messages and collaboration inquiries
  • Publish event recaps, speaker highlights, and community stories on Instagram
  • Understand which content resonates with our community to improve our storytelling
  • Send event announcements and community updates (with your consent)

Instagram & Meta API Usage

We use Meta's Instagram Graph API to manage our own Instagram account (@dear.crisis). Specifically, we use it to:

  • Read our account profile and media information
  • Publish event recaps and community content
  • View insights on our own posts to understand engagement
  • Manage and respond to direct messages from community members
  • Moderate comments on our posts

We do not sell, share, or transfer any data obtained through Meta's APIs to third parties. Data accessed through Meta's APIs is used solely for the purposes described above and is handled in compliance with Meta's Platform Terms and Developer Policies.

Data Sharing

We do not sell your personal information. We may share information only in these circumstances:

  • With event platforms (Luma) to manage RSVPs — governed by their own privacy policies
  • With WhatsApp for community chat groups — governed by WhatsApp's privacy policy
  • If required by law or to protect the safety of our community

Data Retention

  • Instagram API data is accessed in real-time and is not stored beyond what is necessary for immediate use
  • Email addresses and event signups are retained as long as you remain part of our community. You can request removal at any time
  • We delete data obtained through Meta's APIs if requested by Meta or if you revoke access

Your Rights

  • Request to see what information we have about you
  • Ask us to delete your information
  • Unsubscribe from communications at any time
  • Revoke our Instagram access through your Facebook Business Integrations settings

To exercise any of these rights, email us at hi@vonwong.com.

Data Security

We take reasonable measures to protect your information. However, Dear Crisis is an unfunded volunteer community — not a corporation with a security team. We use industry-standard practices but cannot guarantee absolute security.

Children's Privacy

Our community events and online presence are not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect information from children under 13.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy as our community evolves. We'll note the date of the last update at the top.

Contact

For any questions about this Privacy Policy, email hi@vonwong.com.