SMS privacy policy

How messaging information is handled

Effective and last updated July 31, 2026.

This policy applies to the H BAR LLC — The Informed Working Group Messages SMS program. H BAR LLC is the legal sender and program operator. The Informed is an invite-only collaborative working group sponsored and administered by H BAR LLC. The group brings together invited environmental scientists and other collaborators.

Information we collect

For the SMS program, H BAR LLC may collect and retain:

the participant's name and mobile telephone number;
the inbound START message and the date and time of consent;
messages exchanged with the participant, including questions and replies;
message delivery, opt-out, HELP, and error records; and
limited working-group research, project, schedule, task, account, or reminder information needed to send a requested message.

How we use the information

H BAR LLC uses this information only to operate and secure the invite-only messaging program; help participants stay current with relevant environmental-science research, projects, and working-group activity; send the informational messages the participant individually agreed to receive; reply to participant questions; honor HELP and STOP requests; maintain consent records; troubleshoot delivery; and comply with applicable law and carrier requirements.

H BAR LLC does not use this SMS program for advertising, promotions, lead generation, or sale of participant data.

How we disclose information

H BAR LLC may provide the limited information necessary to telecommunications, hosting, security, and other service providers that process it solely to operate the program on H BAR LLC's behalf. H BAR LLC may also disclose information when legally required or to protect the security and integrity of the service.

Mobile information and SMS consent are not sold or shared for marketing.

No mobile information will be shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes. Text-messaging originator opt-in data and consent will not be sold, rented, transferred, or shared with any third parties, except the aggregators and telecommunications providers required to deliver the text-message service.

Retention

Consent and messaging records are retained only as long as reasonably necessary to operate the program, document consent, honor opt-outs, resolve disputes, meet carrier requirements, and comply with law. H BAR LLC may retain a suppression record after an opt-out so the number is not messaged again without new consent.

Security

H BAR LLC uses reasonable administrative and technical safeguards to protect messaging information. No storage or transmission method is completely secure, but access is limited to the people and service providers who need it to operate the program.

Your choices

Reply STOP to cancel recurring SMS messages at any time.
Reply HELP for assistance.
Email info@theinformed.org to ask about, correct, or request deletion of your messaging information, subject to records H BAR LLC must retain for legal or compliance purposes.

Children

The working-group messaging program is intended for invited adults and is not directed to children under 18.

Changes and contact

H BAR LLC may update this policy and will post the revised effective date here. Material changes to the subject matter of the SMS program will require new consent where applicable.

Questions may be sent to info@theinformed.org.