Privacy Policy

Last updated: March 2026

Your privacy matters to us

Build Your Next is designed with privacy first. We believe you should have complete control over your data. This policy explains how we handle information when you use our tools.

What data we collect

All your data is stored locally in your browser using localStorage. Nothing is sent to our servers.

We store the following keys when you use our tools:

• byn_runway_data — Financial calculations and runway planning
• byn_timeline_data — Your timeline and milestones
• byn_timeline_progress — Progress tracking for your timeline
• byn_energy_profile — Your energy and workload preferences
• byn_values_profile — Your personal values and priorities
• byn_story_bank — Stories and narratives you've saved
• byn_skills_data — Your skills inventory
• byn_values_results — Your top ranked values
• byn_output_* — Cached AI-generated outputs from the Output Hub
• byn_ai_* — Cached AI responses from individual workshop tools
• byn_theme — Your light/dark theme preference

This data never leaves your device unless you use an AI feature, in which case only the minimum data needed is sent to generate a response (see "AI-powered features" below).

Email collection

We offer an optional email subscription after you complete one of our workshop tools. If you choose to subscribe, here is what happens:

• Opt-in only: We never collect your email without your explicit consent. The subscription prompt only appears after you've completed a tool, and you can dismiss it permanently.
• Your preferences: You choose what types of emails you receive (progress reminders, new resources, tips & motivation) and how often (weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly).
• What we store: Your email address, selected preferences, and a snapshot of which workshop areas you had completed at sign-up. This is stored securely via Netlify Forms.
• Unsubscribing: You can unsubscribe at any time by replying to any email or contacting us at buildingwhatsnext@gmail.com.
• No selling or sharing: Your email address is never sold, shared with third parties, or used for advertising.

You can reach us at buildingwhatsnext@gmail.com for any questions about your data or privacy.

AI-powered features

Several tools on Build Your Next include optional AI features that generate personalized career guidance. When you use these features, a small amount of your workshop data is sent to our server to generate a response. Here is how it works:

• What is sent: Only the data needed for the specific output you request — for example, your skill ratings, energy profile categories, or top values. We never send your full localStorage contents.
• The Career Lab may combine data from multiple completed workshops into a single request to generate personalized career content such as resume summaries, interview prep, and career direction briefs.
• Processing: Your data is sent to a Netlify serverless function, which forwards it to Anthropic's Claude API to generate a response. We do not store your data on any server — it is used only to produce the AI response and is not retained.
• Caching: AI responses are cached locally in your browser's localStorage so that repeated requests for the same data do not require additional API calls.
• Rate limiting: We limit AI requests to 30 per hour per IP address to prevent abuse. Your IP address is used only for rate limiting and is not logged or stored.
• Third-party processing: Anthropic processes your data according to their API data policy. Anthropic does not use API inputs to train their models. You can review their policy at anthropic.com/policies/privacy.

You can use all workshop tools without the AI features. The AI buttons are always optional.

Third-party services

We use the following third-party services:

• Google Fonts — We load fonts from fonts.googleapis.com. Google may collect your IP address per their privacy policy. You can review their policy at google.com/policies/privacy.
• Netlify — Our site is hosted on Netlify, which processes form submissions and runs our serverless functions. Netlify's privacy policy is available at netlify.com/privacy.
• Anthropic (Claude API) — Powers our AI features. Your workshop data is sent to Anthropic's API only when you click an AI button. Anthropic does not use API data for model training. Their privacy policy is at anthropic.com/policies/privacy.

Privacy-first analytics

We use lightweight, privacy-first analytics to understand how our tools are used in aggregate. This helps us improve the site. Here is how it works:

• No cookies: We do not set any cookies or use browser fingerprinting.
• No personal data: We collect only page paths, referrer domains, and anonymous event names (like "completed skills inventory"). We do not collect your IP address, user agent, screen size, or any identifying information.
• IP hashing: Your IP address is hashed server-side into a non-reversible token solely to count unique visitors. The raw IP is never stored.
• No third-party trackers: We do not use Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel, or any advertising trackers.

Deleting your data

You have full control over your data. You can delete everything in two ways:

• Visit /data and use the data management tools
• Clear your browser's localStorage manually in your browser settings

Each tool also has its own reset option if you want to clear individual sections without losing everything.

Children's privacy

Build Your Next is not directed at children under 13 years old. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware that a child under 13 has provided us with personal information, we will delete it immediately.

Changes to this policy

We may update this privacy policy from time to time. If we make material changes, we will update this page and the "Last updated" date at the top. Your continued use of Build Your Next after any changes means you accept the new policy.

Contact us

If you have any questions about this privacy policy or how we handle your data, please reach out to chase_dawkins@mac.com.