Privacy Policy
General Context
The Free. Fair. Forward. website (“Website”) is owned, operated, maintained by Free Fair Forward, LLC (“Website Owner”), which is incorporated in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Any disputes that may arise with regard to this privacy policy will be subject to the laws and regulations of Massachusetts and will be enforced in courts in Middlesex County in Massachusetts.
The Website Owner may use cookies and other similar methods embedded in the navigational links for the purpose of receiving referral fees (e.g. if a visitor buys a book listed in the annotated bibliography after visiting this site, the Website Owner may receive a modest amount of compensation) or other means of financial compensation.
Any Website visitors may to decline to use cookies or may avoid those cookies by simply looking up any referenced materials using an alternative means other than clicking the embedded links on this Website.
Any Website visitor who accepted the use of cookies and wants to remove them may use the normal means in their own web browser or device to delete such local cookies.
Any Website visitor who accepted cookies and/or submitted information using a form on this Website, who later wishes to have that data deleted may email help@FreeFairForward.com to request the deletion of any personally identifiable data that was recorded by the Website Owner. The Website Owner will delete such data to the extent it is legally allowed to do so while continuing to fulfill any orders for specific products or services purchased on this website or via any referrals prior to the deletion request being made.
Official Privacy Policy
Free Fair Forward, LLC
Effective Date: June 27, 2026
Last Updated: June 27, 2026
---
How to Contact Us
Free Fair Forward, LLC
Attn: Privacy Policy Request
PO Box 540033
Waltham, MA 02454
Email: help@freefairforward.com
---
Plain-Language Summary
We are Free Fair Forward, LLC ("we," "us," or "our"). This Privacy Policy tells you what personal information we collect, how we use it, who we share it with, and what choices you have. We want this to be easy to understand, so we have written it in simple language. Some legal terms are required by law, but we explain them when we use them.
This policy applies to:
- Our website: www.freefairforward.com
- Our newsletter/Substack: Building Common Knowledge (https://buildingcommonknowledge.substack.com)
- Purchases of books (physical copies via Barnes & Noble Press, e-books via Barnes & Noble Nook, Amazon Kindle, and Apple Books, and audiobooks)
- Podcast and media subscriptions
- Merchandise purchases (clothing, tote bags, stickers, and similar items)
- Events hosted by us
By using our website or services, you agree to this Privacy Policy.
---
Table of Contents
1. Who We Are
2. What Information We Collect
3. How We Collect Information
4. How We Use Your Information
5. Affiliate Links and Cookies
6. Who We Share Information With
7. How Long We Keep Your Information
8. How We Protect Your Information
9. Children's Privacy
10. Your Privacy Rights
- United States (Federal and State-Specific)
- Canada
- European Union and United Kingdom
- Australia
- New Zealand
- South Africa
11. International Data Transfers
12. Data Breach Notification
13. Do Not Track
14. Changes to This Policy
15. Contact Us
---
1. Who We Are
Free Fair Forward, LLC is a publishing services company based in Waltham, Massachusetts, United States. We publish books, produce podcasts, run a newsletter, sell merchandise, and host events.
For the purposes of privacy laws in Europe and the United Kingdom, we are the data controller. That means we are the company that decides how and why your personal information is used.
---
2. What Information We Collect
We only collect information that is necessary to provide our services to you. Depending on how you interact with us, we may collect:
Information You Give Us
- Contact information: Your name, email address, mailing address, and phone number
- Account information: Username, password, and preferences (if you create an account on our website or Substack)
- Purchase information: Billing address, shipping address, and payment method details (we do not store full credit card numbers; payment processors handle that)
- Order details: The specific books, merchandise, or other products you buy
- Subscription information: Whether you subscribe to our newsletter, podcast, or other media
- Event information: Your registration details and any information you provide when signing up for an event
- Communications: Messages you send us via email or our website contact form
Information We Collect Automatically
When you visit our website, we may automatically collect:
- Device and browser information: The type of device, browser, and operating system you use
- IP address: A number that identifies your internet connection (this may be used to estimate your general location)
- Usage data: Pages you visit, links you click, and how long you spend on our site
- Referral information: The website or link that brought you to our site
- Cookies and similar technologies: Small files placed on your device (see Section 5 for details)
Information from Third Parties
When you purchase our books through third-party platforms (Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Apple), those platforms handle your transaction and share limited information with us, such as your general purchase location (but typically not your full personal details). Please review those platforms' privacy policies directly.
We may also receive limited information about your activity on our website from our affiliate marketing partners (see Section 5).
---
3. How We Collect Information
We collect information:
- Directly from you when you fill out forms, make purchases, sign up for our newsletter, register for events, or contact us
- Automatically when you visit our website (via cookies and similar technologies)
- From third-party platforms when you purchase our products through those platforms
- From affiliate marketing networks when you click on affiliate links on our website, on our substack, or in our emails (see Section 5)
---
4. How We Use Your Information
We use your information for the following purposes. Where required by law, we identify the legal basis for each purpose (this is required under GDPR and similar laws):
| Purpose | Legal Basis |
|---------|-------------|
| To process your purchases and fulfill your orders | Performance of a contract |
| To send you order confirmations and updates | Performance of a contract |
| To deliver your newsletter subscription | Performance of a contract / Consent |
| To send you podcast and media content | Performance of a contract / Consent |
| To register you for events and communicate about them | Performance of a contract / Consent |
| To respond to your questions and support requests | Legitimate interests / Performance of a contract |
| To improve our website and services | Legitimate interests |
| To comply with legal obligations | Legal obligation |
| To send you marketing emails (only with your consent) | Consent |
| To track affiliate link performance and pay commissions | Legitimate interests / Consent |
| To detect and prevent fraud | Legitimate interests / Legal obligation |
We will never sell your personal information to third parties.
We will never use your personal information for purposes incompatible with the purposes listed above without first asking for your consent.
---
5. Affiliate Links and Cookies
Affiliate Marketing Disclosure
Our website contains affiliate links. This means that when you click on certain links and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This is how we support the work we do. We only link to products and companies we believe in.
We participate in affiliate programs operated through:
- CJ Affiliate (Commission Junction), operated by Commission Junction LLC, which tracks referrals to Barnes & Noble (www.barnesandnoble.com) via www.cj.com
- Impact.com, which tracks referrals to Mill (mill.com) via app.impact.com
- Referral links to Noble Mobile (noblemobile.com)
- Other affiliate programs that may be added from time to time
When you click an affiliate link, the affiliate network (such as CJ Affiliate or Impact.com) places a cookie on your device. This cookie tracks whether you complete a purchase, so the affiliate network can credit us for the referral and pay us a commission. This tracking is done by the affiliate network, not by us directly.
For more information about how CJ Affiliate collects and uses your data, please visit CJ's Privacy Policy at https://www.cj.com/legal/privacy.
What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit a website. They help websites remember your preferences and understand how you use them.
Types of Cookies We Use
Strictly Necessary Cookies: These cookies make our website work. Without them, you cannot use basic features like shopping carts or login. These cookies do not require your consent.
Functional Cookies: These remember your preferences (such as language or region) to make your experience better.
Analytics Cookies: These help us understand how visitors use our website (for example, which pages are most popular). We may use tools like Google Analytics or other similar tools for this purpose.
Affiliate/Tracking Cookies: These are placed by our affiliate marketing partners (CJ Affiliate, Impact.com) when you click an affiliate link. They track whether you complete a purchase so we can receive commissions. These cookies are placed by third parties and are subject to those third parties' privacy policies.
Your Cookie Choices
You can control cookies in several ways:
- Browser settings: Most web browsers allow you to refuse or delete cookies. Consult your browser's help section for instructions.
- Opt-out tools: You can opt out of CJ Affiliate's tracking by visiting https://www.cj.com/legal/privacy and following their opt-out instructions.
- Cookie consent banner: Depending on where you are located, when you first visit our website, you may see a cookie consent banner that lets you choose which types of cookies to allow.
Please note that disabling certain cookies may affect the functionality of our website. If you opt out of affiliate tracking cookies, we may not receive credit for purchases you make through affiliate links.
A Note on Software and Browser Extensions
We do not use downloadable software, browser plugins, or browser extensions to deliver affiliate links or track your activity. All affiliate tracking on our website is done through standard hyperlinks and cookies placed by our affiliate network partners. We comply with CJ Affiliate's Software Publishers Policy, which requires transparency and user consent for any software-based affiliate tracking.
---
6. Who We Share Information With
We share your information only as necessary and only with trusted parties:
Service providers: We work with companies that help us run our business, including:
- Email service providers (to send newsletters and transactional emails)
- Payment processors (to securely process your payments)
- E-commerce platforms (for merchandise sales)
- Event registration platforms
- Website hosting and analytics providers
These service providers are only allowed to use your information to perform services on our behalf and are required to keep it confidential.
Book distribution platforms: When you purchase our books through Barnes & Noble, Amazon Kindle, or Apple Books, those platforms process your purchase and may share limited transaction data with us. Each platform has its own privacy policy.
Affiliate networks: We share limited data (such as referral clicks and completed transactions) with CJ Affiliate and Impact.com to track affiliate commissions. This data does not include your name or payment details.
Substack: Our newsletter is hosted on Substack. Substack's privacy policy governs the data it collects in connection with your subscription. We encourage you to review Substack's Privacy Policy at https://substack.com/privacy.
Legal requirements: We may disclose your information if required by law, court order, or government request. We will only do so to the extent legally required and will not make massive or indiscriminate disclosures.
Business transfers: If Free Fair Forward, LLC is ever sold, merged, or acquired, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction. We will notify you before your information is transferred and becomes subject to a different privacy policy.
With your consent: We may share your information with other parties if you give us your permission.
We do not sell your personal information to any third party.
---
7. How Long We Keep Your Information
We keep your information only as long as necessary for the purposes described in this policy or as required by law.
| Type of Information | How Long We Keep It |
|--------------------|---------------------|
| Purchase records | 7 years (required for tax and accounting purposes) |
| Newsletter subscriber information | Until you unsubscribe, plus up to 30 days to process |
| Event registration information | Up to 1 year after the event |
| Website analytics data | Up to 26 months (standard analytics retention) |
| Affiliate/referral tracking data | As required by affiliate network agreements |
| Support communications | Up to 3 years |
| Account information | Until you delete your account, plus up to 30 days |
When we no longer need your information, we will delete it securely or anonymize it so it can no longer be used to identify you.
---
8. How We Protect Your Information
We take reasonable steps to protect your information from unauthorized access, loss, misuse, or disclosure. These steps include:
- Using secure (HTTPS) connections on our website
- Limiting access to your information to employees and contractors who need it to do their jobs
- Using reputable, industry-standard payment processors that are PCI-DSS compliant (meaning they meet high standards for handling payment card data)
- Regularly reviewing our data security practices
However, no method of transmitting or storing information over the internet is 100% secure. While we do our best to protect your information, we cannot guarantee its absolute security.
---
9. Children's Privacy
Our services are not directed at children under the age of 13 (or 16 for users in the European Union and certain other jurisdictions). We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under these ages.
If you are a parent or guardian and believe we have inadvertently collected information from your child, please contact us at help@freefairforward.com and we will promptly delete it.
---
10. Your Privacy Rights
Depending on where you live, you may have certain rights regarding your personal information. We will respond to all valid requests within 30 to 45 days (or as required by applicable law). To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at help@freefairforward.com or write to us at the mailing address listed at the top of this policy.
To help us verify your identity before responding, we may ask you to provide certain information. We will not discriminate against you for exercising your privacy rights.
---
United States — General Rights (All Users)
Under various U.S. federal and state laws, including the FTC Act, you have the right to:
- Know what personal information we collect and how we use it
- Opt out of marketing emails at any time using the "unsubscribe" link in any email we send you
- Request that we correct inaccurate information about you
---
Massachusetts
Massachusetts has enacted data security regulations (201 CMR 17.00) that require businesses to implement reasonable security measures to protect residents' personal information. We comply with these requirements. Massachusetts is also developing additional comprehensive privacy legislation. We are committed to updating our practices as new laws take effect.
If there is ever a data breach that may affect your personal information, we will notify you as required by Massachusetts law (M.G.L. c. 93H).
---
California (CCPA/CPRA)
If you are a California resident, you have the following rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) as amended by the California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA):
- Right to Know: You have the right to ask us what personal information we have collected about you, including the categories of information, why we collected it, and who we have shared it with.
- Right to Access: You have the right to request a copy of the personal information we hold about you.
- Right to Delete: You have the right to ask us to delete your personal information (subject to certain exceptions, such as when we need to keep it for legal reasons).
- Right to Correct: You have the right to ask us to fix inaccurate information.
- Right to Opt Out of Sale/Sharing: We do not sell your personal information. However, some affiliate tracking may be considered "sharing" under the CPRA. You can opt out by clicking the "Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information" link on our website or by emailing us.
- Right to Limit Use of Sensitive Information: We do not collect sensitive personal information (such as government IDs, financial account numbers, racial or ethnic origin, precise geolocation) beyond what is needed to fulfill your orders.
- Right to Non-Discrimination: We will not discriminate against you for exercising any of your CCPA rights.
You may submit a verified consumer request by emailing help@freefairforward.com. You may also designate an authorized agent to make a request on your behalf; we will require written proof of authorization.
We will respond to verifiable requests within 45 days. If we need more time, we will notify you.
---
Texas (TDPSA)
If you are a Texas resident, you have rights under the Texas Data Privacy and Security Act (TDPSA), including the right to:
- Confirm whether we are processing your personal data and access that data
- Correct inaccuracies in your personal data
- Delete your personal data
- Obtain a portable copy of your personal data
- Opt out of processing for targeted advertising or sale of personal data
We will respond to requests within 45 days (extendable by another 45 days if necessary). If we deny your request, you may appeal by emailing us. If your appeal is denied, you may submit a complaint to the Texas Attorney General.
---
Other U.S. States
Many other U.S. states have enacted or are considering comprehensive privacy laws. We are committed to honoring the rights of all users and will honor requests consistent with applicable law regardless of your state of residence, to the extent reasonably practicable.
---
Canada (PIPEDA)
If you are a Canadian resident, your personal information is protected by Canada's Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and applicable provincial privacy laws.
Under PIPEDA, you have the right to:
- Access: Know what personal information we hold about you and how we use it
- Correct: Request correction of inaccurate information
- Withdraw Consent: Withdraw your consent to the processing of your personal information (subject to legal or contractual limitations)
- Lodge a Complaint: File a complaint with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada if you believe we have violated your rights
We collect, use, and disclose your personal information only with your consent and only for the purposes we have identified. We are the organization accountable for your information. Please contact help@freefairforward.com with any privacy questions or complaints.
If your personal information is transferred outside of Canada (for example, to the United States where our company is based), it may be subject to the laws of that country. We take reasonable steps to ensure your information is protected consistently with Canadian standards.
---
European Union (EU GDPR)
If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA), the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) gives you the following rights:
- Right to be Informed: You have the right to know how we use your personal data (this policy fulfills that right)
- Right of Access: You can ask for a copy of the personal data we hold about you
- Right to Rectification: You can ask us to correct inaccurate data
- Right to Erasure ("Right to be Forgotten"): You can ask us to delete your data in certain circumstances
- Right to Restrict Processing: You can ask us to limit how we use your data
- Right to Data Portability: You can ask for your data in a machine-readable format
- Right to Object: You can object to certain types of processing, including direct marketing
- Rights Related to Automated Decision-Making: You have the right not to be subject to decisions made solely by automated processes if those decisions significantly affect you
To exercise these rights, contact us at help@freefairforward.com. We will respond within one month (30 days). In complex cases, we may extend this by an additional two months and will notify you.
Legal Bases for Processing (EU/UK GDPR): We process your personal data only when we have a lawful basis to do so:
- Contract: To fulfill your order or subscription
- Consent: For marketing communications, certain cookies, and affiliate tracking
- Legitimate Interests: For fraud prevention, website analytics, and improving our services
- Legal Obligation: To comply with applicable laws
Right to Withdraw Consent: Where we rely on your consent, you can withdraw it at any time. Withdrawing consent does not affect the lawfulness of processing before withdrawal.
Right to Lodge a Complaint: You have the right to file a complaint with your national data protection authority. You can find your local authority at https://edpb.europa.eu/about-edpb/about-edpb/members_en.
Consent Mechanism for Tracking Technologies (EU/EEA): Consistent with our obligations under the CJ Affiliate Publisher Service Agreement and the EU GDPR, we implement a consent mechanism on our website for visitors from the EU/EEA. Before any CJ Affiliate tracking technologies (Device Tracking Technologies) are deployed on your device, we will:
- Clearly notify you that our website uses such technologies
- Provide a link to CJ's privacy notice
- Obtain your consent before any tracking cookies are placed
- Offer an opt-out mechanism
---
United Kingdom (UK GDPR)
If you are located in the United Kingdom, the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018 apply to you. Your rights are the same as those described in the EU GDPR section above. The UK GDPR is a retained version of the EU GDPR that applies following the UK's exit from the European Union.
You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO): https://ico.org.uk or by calling 0303 123 1113.
The age of valid consent for data processing in the UK is 13 years old.
---
Australia
If you are located in Australia, the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs), as amended by the Privacy and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2024, govern how we handle your personal information.
You have the right to:
- Access the personal information we hold about you
- Request correction of inaccurate or out-of-date information
- Make a complaint about our handling of your personal information
We will not use your personal information for automated decision-making that significantly affects you without providing appropriate notice.
To make a complaint, please first contact us at help@freefairforward.com. If you are not satisfied with our response, you may contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC): https://www.oaic.gov.au or by calling 1300 363 992.
---
New Zealand
If you are located in New Zealand, the Privacy Act 2020 applies to how we handle your personal information.
You have the right to:
- Ask whether we hold personal information about you and to access that information
- Request correction of that information
- Make a complaint about our privacy practices
If we collect your information, we will provide you with the information required by the Privacy Act 2020 (including the fact of collection, how we will use it, and whether disclosure overseas is possible). If we transfer your data outside of New Zealand, we will take reasonable steps to ensure it receives comparable protection.
To make a complaint, please contact us at help@freefairforward.com. You may also contact the Privacy Commissioner of New Zealand: https://www.privacy.org.nz or by calling 0800 803 909.
---
South Africa (POPIA)
If you are located in South Africa, the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 (POPIA) applies to your personal information.
Under POPIA, you have the right to:
- Know whether we hold personal information about you
- Request access to your personal information
- Request correction or deletion of your personal information
- Object to the processing of your personal information
- Not be subject to decisions made solely by automated means that significantly affect you
- Lodge a complaint
We collect personal information only for the specific purposes stated in this policy. We process your information lawfully, fairly, and in a transparent manner. We take reasonable measures to ensure the quality and security of the personal information we hold.
To make a complaint, please contact us at help@freefairforward.com. You may also lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator of South Africa: https://www.justice.gov.za/inforeg or email inforeg@justice.gov.za.
---
11. International Data Transfers
Free Fair Forward, LLC is based in the United States. If you are located outside the United States, your information will be transferred to and processed in the United States, where data protection laws may differ from those in your country.
For users in the EU and EEA: Transfers of your personal data from the EEA to the United States are made in compliance with applicable EU GDPR requirements. Where CJ Affiliate (Commission Junction LLC / Epsilon International UK Ltd.) is involved in processing your data, such transfers are subject to Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) as required by the CJ Publisher Service Agreement.
For users in the UK: Transfers are made in compliance with UK GDPR requirements and applicable standard data protection clauses.
For users in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa: We take reasonable steps to ensure that any transfer of your personal information outside your home country is protected in a manner consistent with your home country's laws.
---
12. Data Breach Notification
If a data breach occurs that is likely to result in harm to you, we will notify you as required by applicable law. In Massachusetts, we will notify the Massachusetts Attorney General and the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation. In other states, we will comply with applicable state breach notification laws. For EU/UK/EEA users, we will notify the relevant supervisory authority within 72 hours of becoming aware of the breach (where feasible) and will notify you without undue delay if the breach is likely to result in a high risk to your rights and freedoms.
---
13. Do Not Track
Some browsers have a "Do Not Track" feature. Our website does not currently respond to "Do Not Track" signals because there is no universally accepted standard for how websites should respond. We will update this policy if that changes.
California users: please see the opt-out rights described in Section 10 above.
---
14. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we make changes, we will:
- Post the updated policy at https://www.freefairforward.com/privacy-policy
- Update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy
- If changes are significant, we may notify you by email or by a notice on our website
Your continued use of our services after we post changes means you accept those changes.
---
15. Contact Us
If you have any questions, concerns, or requests related to this Privacy Policy, please contact us:
Email:help@freefairforward.com
Mail:
Free Fair Forward, LLC
Attn: Privacy Policy Request
PO Box 540033
Waltham, MA 02454
We will make every reasonable effort to respond to your inquiry within 30 days.
---
This Privacy Policy was prepared for Free Fair Forward, LLC and is posted at https://www.freefairforward.com/privacy-policy. This document is provided for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Free Fair Forward, LLC recommends consulting qualified legal counsel regarding compliance with all applicable laws.
---
© 2026 Free Fair Forward, LLC. All rights reserved.