Overview

CrowdSourceIntel is a secure evidence intake platform used by agencies and organizations to collect photos, video, and tips from the public during critical incidents. This policy describes what information we collect, how we use it, and how it may be shared.

Information we collect

• Content you submit (photos, videos, and text tips).
• Incident identifiers included in the link you used to access a submission page.
• Basic technical data needed to operate the service (timestamps, request IDs, error logs).
• Network metadata (IP address and browser/device info) for security and abuse prevention.
• Optional contact information if enabled by the organization (name, email, phone).
• If you submit a tip via SMS or MMS: your mobile phone number, message content, any attached media, and carrier-provided metadata.

How we use information

• To route submissions to the correct incident and make them available to authorized reviewers.
• To maintain system security, prevent abuse, and investigate misuse.
• To operate audit logging and accountability features when enabled.
• To troubleshoot issues and improve reliability.

SMS / text message communications

CrowdSourceIntel offers an optional SMS/MMS tip line so members of the public can submit tips and media by text message to a published number associated with a specific incident. SMS delivery is provided through our messaging carrier, Twilio Inc., who acts as a processor on our behalf.

Opt-in. You opt in to SMS communications by voluntarily texting a tip code to the published incident number. We do not auto-enroll anyone, and we do not send unsolicited marketing text messages. The only messages you will receive are transactional replies confirming your tip, requesting clarification, or providing required regulatory responses (such as HELP and STOP replies).

Opt-out. You can opt out at any time by replying STOP to any message from our number. You will receive a single confirmation message and will not receive further texts from that number unless you re-initiate contact. Reply HELP at any time for assistance or contact us at the email below.

Message frequency & rates. Message frequency varies and depends entirely on your own outbound activity (we only reply to messages you send us). Message and data rates may apply according to your mobile carrier's plan. CrowdSourceIntel does not charge a fee for the SMS service.

How we use SMS information. Phone numbers, message content, and any attached media submitted via SMS are used solely to (1) route your tip to the correct incident, (2) make the tip available to the authorized agency or organization operating that incident, (3) send required transactional replies, and (4) maintain security, audit, and abuse-prevention records. Media files submitted via MMS are scanned for malware, encrypted at rest, and handled under the same safeguards as web submissions.

No sale or marketing sharing. We do not sell, rent, or trade your phone number, SMS content, or any personal information to third parties. Mobile information collected through the SMS program — including phone numbers and opt-in status — is never shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes. Information is only shared with the agency or organization operating the incident you contacted, with subprocessors strictly necessary to deliver the service (such as Twilio for message transport and cloud infrastructure providers for storage), or where disclosure is required by law.

Data sharing

We do not sell submitted content. Submissions are shared with the agency or organization that created the incident and with users they authorize to access that incident.

We may disclose information if required by law or legal process, or when necessary to protect the safety, rights, or property of users, the public, or our systems.

Storage and security

We apply reasonable safeguards to protect stored data, including access controls and monitoring. No method of storage or transmission is 100% secure, but we work to reduce risk.

Retention

Retention periods are determined by the organization operating the incident and may vary by case type, policy, and applicable law. For incident-specific retention questions, contact the organization that provided your submission link.

Contact

For questions about this Privacy Policy, contact support@crowdsourceintel.com.