SMS Policy and Privacy Policy
Introduction
The Montana Group, Ltd. (“The Montana Group,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) respects your privacy. This policy explains what information we collect through montanagroup.net (the “Site”), how we use it, and the choices available to you.
By using the Site, you agree to the practices described here. If you do not agree, please do not use the Site.
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Information We Collect
Information You Provide
We collect information you voluntarily give us, including when you:
– Contact us by email, phone, or through a form on the Site
– Subscribe to updates or communications
– Provide your mobile number for text messaging
– Engage our services or correspond with us about a potential engagement
This may include your name, email address, mailing address, telephone number, organization or employer, and the contents of your message.
Information Collected Automatically
When you visit the Site, certain information is collected automatically:
– IP address and general geographic location
– Browser type and version
– Operating system and device type
– Pages viewed, time spent, and navigation paths
– Referring website or search terms
– Date and time of access
Cookies and Similar Technologies
The Site uses cookies and similar technologies to operate, to remember preferences, and to understand how visitors use the Site.
Most browsers accept cookies automatically. You can set your browser to refuse cookies or to alert you when cookies are being sent. Some parts of the Site may not function properly if cookies are disabled.
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Third-Party Analytics and Advertising
We use third-party services that collect information about your use of the Site:
Google Analytics — measures traffic and usage patterns. Google’s practices are described at [policies.google.com/privacy](https://policies.google.com/privacy). You can opt out using the [Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on](https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout).
Google Ads and Google Tag Manager — used for advertising measurement and to understand how visitors arrive at the Site. Google may use cookies to serve ads based on prior visits. You can manage ad personalization at [adssettings.google.com](https://adssettings.google.com).
These providers may collect information directly from your browser, governed by their own privacy policies rather than this one.
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Text Messaging (SMS) Policy
Consent
By providing your mobile telephone number, you consent to receive text messages from The Montana Group related to the campaigns, advocacy efforts, or services for which you signed up. Consent is not a condition of purchase or of receiving any service.
Message Frequency
Message frequency varies depending on the campaign or program.
Costs
Message and data rates may apply. Contact your mobile carrier for details on your plan.
Opting Out
You may cancel at any time by replying **STOP** to any message. You will receive a confirmation that you have been unsubscribed and will receive no further messages unless you opt back in.
Help
Reply **HELP** to any message for assistance, or contact us using the information below.
Carriers
Mobile carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages.
Privacy of Mobile Information
No mobile information will be shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes. All categories of information sharing described elsewhere in this policy exclude text messaging originator opt-in data and consent; this information will not be shared with any third parties.
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How We Use Information
We use the information we collect to:
– Respond to inquiries and communicate with you
– Provide, maintain, and improve our services
– Send information, updates, or advocacy communications you have requested
– Understand how visitors use the Site and improve its content and performance
– Measure the effectiveness of advertising and outreach
– Comply with legal obligations, including lobbying disclosure and campaign finance reporting requirements
– Protect the security and integrity of the Site
– Establish, exercise, or defend legal claims
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How We Share Information
We do not sell your personal information.
We may share information in the following circumstances:
**Service providers** — vendors who perform functions on our behalf, such as website hosting, email delivery, analytics, and text messaging platforms. These providers are permitted to use the information only to perform services for us.
**Legal and regulatory requirements** — where required by law, regulation, subpoena, court order, or other legal process. As a government affairs firm, we are subject to lobbying disclosure and reporting obligations that may require disclosure of certain client and activity information to state authorities.
**Protection of rights** — where we believe disclosure is necessary to protect our rights, your safety, or the safety of others, or to investigate fraud or respond to a government request.
**Business transfers** — in connection with a merger, acquisition, reorganization, or sale of assets, subject to this policy.
**With your consent** — where you have directed or authorized us to share information.
As stated above, text messaging opt-in data and consent are never shared with third parties.
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Data Retention
We retain personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes described in this policy, to comply with our legal and regulatory obligations, to resolve disputes, and to enforce our agreements. Retention periods vary depending on the type of information and the purpose for which it was collected.
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Data Security
We use reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect the information we collect. However, no method of transmission over the internet or method of electronic storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
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## Your Choices and Rights
You may:
– **Opt out of text messages** by replying STOP
– **Unsubscribe from email** using the link in any message, or by contacting us
– **Disable cookies** through your browser settings
– **Opt out of Google Analytics** using the browser add-on linked above
– **Request access, correction, or deletion** of personal information we hold about you
Depending on your state of residence, you may have additional rights under applicable privacy law, including the right to know what personal information we collect, the right to request deletion, and the right not to be discriminated against for exercising these rights. To make a request, contact us using the information below. We may need to verify your identity before responding.
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Do Not Track
Some browsers offer a “Do Not Track” signal. Because no common industry standard for responding to these signals has been adopted, the Site does not currently respond to them.
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Third-Party Links
The Site may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policy of any site you visit.
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Children’s Privacy
The Site is not directed to children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us and we will delete it.
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Changes to This Policy
We may update this policy from time to time. Changes take effect when the revised policy is posted, and the “Last Updated” date above will be revised. Your continued use of the Site after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.
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Contact Us
Questions about this policy, or requests regarding your personal information, may be directed to:
**The Montana Group, Ltd.**
1200 Highland Street
Helena, MT 59601
Phone: (406) 495-8383
Email us.