The American Film Association ("AFA," "we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website, register for membership, attend our events, or otherwise interact with us. Please read this policy carefully. By using our services, you agree to the practices described here.
Information We Collect
We collect information you provide directly to us and information collected automatically when you use our services.
- Contact information — name, email address, phone number, mailing address
- Membership information — membership tier, professional role, organization affiliation, years in the industry
- Payment information — billing details processed securely through our payment processor (we do not store full card numbers)
- Event registration data — attendance preferences, dietary restrictions, guest information
- Communications — messages you send us, survey responses, feedback
- Phone number and SMS consent — when you opt in to receive text messages from us
- Usage data — pages visited, time spent, links clicked, referring URLs
- Device information — browser type, operating system, IP address, device identifiers
- Cookies and similar technologies — as described in the Cookies section below
How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect to operate and improve our services, including to:
- Process membership applications and renewals
- Send event invitations, confirmations, and updates
- Communicate with you about your membership, benefits, and AFA news
- Send SMS/text messages when you have opted in (see Section 3)
- Process payments and maintain billing records
- Respond to your inquiries and provide member support
- Improve our website, events, and programs
- Comply with legal obligations
- Enforce our terms and protect the rights and safety of AFA and its members
SMS / Text Messaging
The American Film Association operates an SMS messaging program to keep members informed about events, membership activity, and important updates. This section describes your rights and our practices with respect to text messaging.
By providing your phone number and checking the SMS consent box on any AFA form, you expressly consent to receive recurring automated text messages from the American Film Association at the phone number provided. These messages may include:
- Event updates, invitations, and registration confirmations
- Appointment and RSVP reminders
- Membership information, renewal notices, and benefit updates
- Important announcements from the AFA
- Message frequency varies based on your activity and the AFA event calendar.
- Message and data rates may apply. Standard carrier rates for SMS and data apply depending on your mobile plan.
- To opt out, reply STOP to any text message you receive from us at any time. You will receive a final confirmation message and no further SMS messages will be sent.
- For help, reply HELP to any text message or contact us at [email protected].
- Consent is not a condition of membership, event registration, or any purchase. You may participate in all AFA programs without opting in to SMS.
We will not share, sell, or rent your phone number to third parties for their marketing purposes. Your phone number is used solely to send you messages as described in this section and in accordance with this Privacy Policy.
SMS messaging is available through all major US carriers. Carrier support may vary. The AFA is not responsible for delays or failures in message delivery caused by your carrier.
How We Share Your Information
We do not sell your personal information. We may share your information in the following limited circumstances:
- Service providers — we work with trusted third-party vendors who assist us in operating our website, processing payments, sending emails, and managing our CRM. These vendors are contractually required to protect your information and may only use it to perform services on our behalf.
- Legal requirements — we may disclose your information if required by law, court order, or government authority, or when we believe disclosure is necessary to protect our rights or the safety of others.
- Business transfers — in the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction.
- With your consent — we may share your information for any other purpose with your explicit consent.
We will never share your phone number with third parties for their own marketing purposes.
Data Security
We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, use, alteration, or destruction. Payment transactions are processed through PCI-compliant processors and we do not store full payment card numbers on our servers.
No method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we work hard to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security. If you have reason to believe your interaction with us is no longer secure, please contact us immediately.
Cookies & Tracking
We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to operate and improve our website. Cookies are small text files stored on your device that help us recognize you on return visits, understand how you use our site, and personalize your experience.
- Essential cookies — required for the website to function. These cannot be disabled.
- Analytics cookies — help us understand how visitors interact with our site so we can improve it.
- Marketing cookies — used to deliver relevant content and track the effectiveness of our campaigns.
You can control cookies through your browser settings. Disabling certain cookies may affect the functionality of our website.
Your Rights & Choices
You have the following rights with respect to your personal information:
You may request access to the personal information we hold about you and ask us to correct any inaccuracies. To make a request, contact us at [email protected].
You may opt out of receiving marketing communications from us at any time:
- Email: Click the "unsubscribe" link at the bottom of any marketing email we send you.
- SMS / Text messages: Reply STOP to any text message from AFA. You will receive a single confirmation and no further messages will be sent. You may also email [email protected] to request removal from our SMS list.
- Phone: Contact us directly at [email protected] to be removed from any contact list.
Please note that opting out of marketing communications does not affect transactional messages related to your active membership or event registrations.
You may request deletion of your personal information by contacting us. We will honor deletion requests to the extent permitted by law. Certain information may be retained for legal, financial, or operational purposes.
If you are a California resident, you may have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), including the right to know what personal information we collect, the right to delete your personal information, and the right to opt out of the sale of personal information (we do not sell personal information). To exercise these rights, contact us at [email protected].
Children's Privacy
Our services are not directed to individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have inadvertently collected information from a minor, please contact us immediately and we will take steps to delete it.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, or legal requirements. When we make material changes, we will update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page and, where appropriate, notify you by email or through our website. Your continued use of our services after any changes constitutes your acceptance of the updated policy.
We encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed about how we are protecting your information.
Contact Us
If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:
American Film Association
Email: [email protected]
Website: americanfilmassociation.com
For SMS opt-out requests: reply STOP to any text message or email the address above.