Privacy Policy

The Ismaili Warrior Alliance (IWA) is committed to protecting the privacy and security of our members. This policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and how we protect it.

Last Updated: October 2025

Our Commitment:

Your privacy is paramount. We collect only what's necessary to verify membership and maintain a secure community. We never sell, share, or monetize your personal information.

Information We Collect

Membership Verification

To maintain the integrity and safety of our community, we collect:

  • DD-214 or equivalent military discharge documentation: To verify honorable service in the U.S. Armed Forces
  • Name and contact information: To communicate with members and coordinate activities
  • Service branch and approximate service dates: To understand our community composition
  • Signal contact information: To add verified members to our secure group

Voluntary Information

Members may choose to share additional information such as:

  • Professional background and current occupation
  • Interests and skills relevant to community activities
  • Personal stories and experiences (shared in Signal group or at gatherings)

How We Use Your Information

  • Membership verification: To confirm eligibility and maintain community integrity
  • Communication: To share updates, coordinate gatherings, and facilitate member connections
  • Community safety: To maintain a secure environment for all members
  • Support and resources: To connect members with relevant resources and opportunities

We never use your information for:

  • Commercial purposes or advertising
  • Selling or sharing with third parties
  • Political campaigns or lobbying
  • Any purpose unrelated to IWA's mission

How We Protect Your Information

Data Security Measures

  • Encrypted communication: Primary communication through Signal, an end-to-end encrypted platform
  • Limited access: Only designated leadership has access to verification documents
  • Secure storage: DD-214s and sensitive documents are stored securely and deleted after verification when possible
  • No public databases: Member information is never published or made publicly accessible
  • OPSEC compliance: All members are expected to follow operational security guidelines

Physical Security

  • Documentation is kept in secure, password-protected storage
  • Physical documents (if any) are stored in locked, secure locations
  • Access logs are maintained for accountability

Information Sharing

Within IWA

Your contact information may be shared with other verified members for:

  • Signal group participation
  • Event coordination and invitations
  • Member-to-member support (with your consent)

Outside IWA

We do not share member information with external parties except:

  • When legally required by court order or law enforcement
  • To protect the safety and security of our members (e.g., credible threats)
  • With your explicit written consent

Your Rights and Choices

As an IWA member, you have the right to:

  • Access your information: Request a copy of what information we have about you
  • Correct your information: Update or correct any inaccurate information
  • Opt out of communications: Choose not to receive certain types of updates (while remaining a member)
  • Request deletion: Ask us to delete your information if you leave IWA
  • Withdraw consent: Revoke permission for specific uses of your information

To exercise any of these rights, contact IWA leadership via Signal or email.

Data Retention

  • DD-214 verification documents: Deleted immediately after verification when possible, or retained securely for recordkeeping
  • Contact information: Retained while you are an active member
  • Signal group history: Subject to Signal's disappearing message settings as configured by the group
  • Upon leaving IWA: Your information is deleted within 30 days unless retention is legally required

Third-Party Services

IWA uses the following third-party services:

  • Signal: End-to-end encrypted messaging platform. Signal has its own privacy policy, which prioritizes user privacy and security
  • Email providers: For initial contact and coordination. We use reputable providers with strong privacy protections
  • This website: May use basic analytics to understand site usage. No personal information is collected without your consent

We carefully vet all third-party services to ensure they meet our security and privacy standards.

Children's Privacy

IWA membership is limited to veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces who are 18 years or older. We do not knowingly collect information from individuals under 18.

International Considerations

IWA operates primarily in the United States. Members located internationally should be aware that their information may be transferred to and processed in the United States. By joining IWA, you consent to this transfer and processing.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this privacy policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. Significant changes will be communicated to members via Signal or email. Continued membership after changes indicates acceptance of the updated policy.

Questions and Concerns

If you have questions about this privacy policy or how your information is handled:

Our Promise

IWA exists to serve our members, not to profit from them. Your privacy and security are core values, not afterthoughts. We treat your information with the same care and discretion you exercised in uniform—because once a warrior, always a warrior.

We're a brotherhood built on trust. Protecting your privacy is how we honor that trust.

Questions or Concerns?