Breeder Privacy Settings and Information Disclosure

Profile and Ad Visibility

How can I adjust my privacy settings to control who can view my ads and profile information on the platform?

On AmericanBreeder.com, you have control over who sees your profile and ads. Go to the "Edit My Profile" page under your "Account" dropdown menu, where you can manage visibility settings for various aspects of your profile. Display of sensitive information, like your last name and street address, is disabled by default, but you can opt to make it visible if desired. Additionally, you can limit access to certain details based on user type (e.g., only registered or verified users) by using the “Privacy Settings” options in your profile.

Is it possible to limit my profile visibility to specific users, such as registered members, verified buyers, or those in certain regions?

Yes, AmericanBreeder.com provides options to limit your profile visibility based on user type and location. In your privacy settings, you can select to only allow visibility to registered members, verified buyers, or users from certain regions. This feature ensures your profile and listings are seen by the most relevant audience while protecting your privacy. For assistance setting up these preferences, visit the "Quick Start Guide" video resources under the main menu for a step-by-step walkthrough.

What information is viewable by users who are not logged in, and how can I limit it?

When not logged in, users only see limited information on your profile and ads to protect your privacy. Basic information, such as the breed category and general location, remains visible to attract potential buyers. However, you can further restrict what is shown publicly by customizing your "Privacy Settings" in the "Edit My Profile" section. By keeping certain fields private, only logged-in users will be able to view additional details, ensuring you have control over your exposure.

Can I restrict who can message me directly about my listings, especially for high-demand animals?

Yes, you can control who can reach out to you about your listings. In the “Edit My Profile” section, under your “Account” dropdown, you’ll find options to restrict direct messaging permissions. You can limit messages to verified buyers, registered members, or specific groups. This feature is especially useful if you’re advertising high-demand animals and prefer inquiries from more serious buyers. Once set, only users who meet your criteria will be able to message you directly.

Are there privacy settings that allow me to anonymize my profile while still interacting with buyers and sellers?

Yes, AmericanBreeder.com offers an “Anonymous Mode” that lets you interact with other users without revealing your full profile. By enabling this mode in your privacy settings, your name and other identifying details will be hidden in public views, though you can still receive messages and engage with buyers and sellers directly. This option is perfect for those who value privacy while remaining active on the platform.

How can I control the visibility of my recent activity or online status?

To manage visibility of your recent activity and online status, go to the “Edit My Profile” section under the “Account” dropdown menu. Here, you’ll find options to show or hide your online status and activity updates, such as new ad listings or profile edits. When these are disabled, your activity remains private, giving you control over who can see when you’re active on the site. This setting is useful for those who prefer a more private browsing and posting experience.

Additional Tips for Using Privacy Features on AmericanBreeder.com

For detailed guidance on each privacy setting and customization option, check out our "How to Advertise" video resources under the top menu bar or refer to our Quick Start Guide for more comprehensive instructions.

 

Personal Information and Contact Details

What personal information is required for posting an ad, and how is it displayed to other users?

To post an ad on AmericanBreeder.com, you’ll need to provide basic personal details, including your first name, contact email, and location (city and state). By default, only your first name and city will be displayed in your ad. You have the flexibility to add or hide optional details like your last name, street address, and social media links. These privacy options can be adjusted in the “Edit My Profile” section under the “Account” dropdown menu, allowing you to control how much information other users see in your breeder ad. Our platform is designed to make it easy for users to contact breeders through the “Email Breeder” button, which securely connects you with potential buyers without exposing unnecessary details.

How does the platform handle the privacy of my contact information (email and phone number) when responding to messages from potential buyers or sellers, and can I change these settings?

When you receive messages from buyers or sellers, your email and phone number remain private. Communication is routed through our secure messaging system, so buyers can reach you without direct access to your personal contact information. If you prefer to allow certain details to be visible, you can adjust your privacy preferences in the “Edit My Profile” section under “Account.” For example, you can enable phone number display if you wish to offer immediate contact options or keep it hidden to prioritize security. You can update these settings at any time to suit your preferences, ensuring that your contact information is handled according to your comfort level.

Is it possible to hide location details while still displaying relevant information for nearby buyers?

Yes, AmericanBreeder.com allows you to control how much location information is shared. By default, only your city and state are visible in your ad, giving buyers an idea of your general location. If you prefer, you can further adjust this by unchecking additional location details in your profile settings. This allows you to connect with local buyers without providing specific address information, maintaining privacy while still showcasing your proximity to potential buyers.

If I participate in a platform-sponsored promotion or event, what happens to my contact information?

If you join a platform-sponsored promotion or event on AmericanBreeder.com, your contact details (such as email and phone number) are kept confidential and are not shared publicly or with third parties. Information shared during these events, such as your breeder username, will appear in connection with your promotional ad listing, but your email, phone, and other private contact details remain private. Rest assured, our platform is committed to protecting your privacy, ensuring that your personal information is secure even as you gain visibility through events or promotional listings.

 

Data Disclosure and Security

What information is shared with third-party partners, and can I opt-out of specific data-sharing practices?

AmericanBreeder.com shares limited data with trusted third-party partners to support essential website operations, such as payment processing, ad display optimization, and user experience enhancements. When you create an account or place an ad, we share only the information necessary to facilitate these services. Your personal contact information, like your email or phone number, is never shared publicly unless you choose to include it in your ad. For enhanced control over data-sharing practices, AmericanBreeder.com allows you to manage your privacy settings. In your account settings, you can opt out of certain types of data sharing, such as personalized ad preferences, while still accessing our platform's full range of features.

How does the platform use my data to personalize ads or content, and can I control these preferences?

We use data, such as browsing history and ad interactions, to customize your experience on AmericanBreeder.com. This personalization helps display content and ads relevant to your interests, making it easier to discover animals, breeders, or products aligned with your preferences. You have control over this personalization: in your account settings, you can adjust preferences for tailored content or ads, allowing you to receive only the most relevant updates and insights. For complete control, you can opt out of personalized ads entirely while continuing to access general site content.

Are there special privacy protections for breeders or sellers listing high-value or rare animals?

Yes, AmericanBreeder.com provides extra layers of privacy for breeders and sellers advertising high-value or rare animals. For these listings, personal identifiers such as full names and addresses are concealed by default and only shown if you specifically choose to enable them. Additionally, you have the option to limit visibility of these listings to registered, verified users to ensure greater security. We also have enhanced monitoring on high-value listings to detect and respond swiftly to any suspicious activity, offering a safer experience for breeders of valuable or rare animals.

What specific information is stored when I verify my identity, and is it accessible to other users?

To help maintain a secure marketplace, AmericanBreeder.com may request identity verification for certain account types, especially for breeders listing high-value animals. This process collects basic identity details—such as name and official ID documentation—strictly for verification purposes. Verified information is stored securely and used solely to authenticate your account; it is not accessible to other users or shared in your ad listings. The verification status may be indicated in your profile for buyer assurance, but no specific personal details are displayed.

How does the platform handle disclosures required by law if requested by authorities?

AmericanBreeder.com is committed to safeguarding user privacy and only discloses information to legal authorities when required by law. In such cases, we ensure that only the minimal data necessary to comply with the legal request is shared. Our team reviews each request carefully to confirm its validity and scope, protecting user information to the greatest extent possible. We will notify affected users when legally permissible, maintaining transparency and trust with our community.

How does the platform manage data retention for inactive or suspended accounts?

For inactive accounts, AmericanBreeder.com retains data for a limited period to allow for reactivation, preserving user preferences and ad histories for convenience. If an account remains inactive beyond this period, it may be anonymized or permanently deleted. For suspended accounts, data is retained for the duration of the suspension, after which users may choose to request deletion or reactivation based on the account status. At any time, users can request data removal by contacting support, ensuring that AmericanBreeder.com respects your data preferences throughout your membership.

 

Privacy in Breeder-Specific Information

How do privacy settings affect the visibility of animal health records, breeder certifications, or breed lineage included in my ad?

On AmericanBreeder.com, privacy settings give you control over which aspects of your animal's health records, breeder certifications, and breed lineage are visible to potential buyers. In the ad setup process, you can decide which specific documents or details you want to include and selectively display. For instance, you might choose to share full lineage and health certifications for buyer transparency or limit details to only essential health verifications. This flexibility helps balance your privacy with buyer trust, especially important for sensitive information about breeding stock and lineage.

To configure these settings, log in, navigate to your “Ad Manager” under the ACCOUNT menu dropdown, select your ad, and adjust visibility options under the “Animal Info & Certifications” section. Privacy settings let you showcase vital information securely, while keeping certain specifics confidential.

If I’m a breeder, are there specific privacy settings related to the information I’m required to disclose about my animals?

Yes, AmericanBreeder.com allows breeders to disclose key animal details, such as health screenings and pedigree, without compromising privacy. Depending on the breed or category, certain disclosures might be encouraged or required for buyer trust and compliance with ethical breeding standards. For example, if you’re advertising a high-demand or rare breed, sharing health screenings and lineage details can help assure buyers of quality and adherence to ethical breeding practices.

While essential details are recommended for buyer confidence, you retain control over what information you publish. Breeders can adjust these settings through their “Ad Manager” in their ACCOUNT dropdown. This option ensures that required disclosures are made visible, while protecting your privacy and promoting a positive buyer experience.

Are there privacy guidelines or requirements for sellers who want to keep certain details about their breeding practices confidential?

AmericanBreeder.com respects breeders' privacy when it comes to specific breeding practices. While transparency in animal health and lineage is encouraged, private practices—like breeding methods, kennel setup, or feed routines—are not required to be publicly disclosed. For breeders who wish to maintain confidentiality around these details, our privacy settings allow you to omit any information about your breeding practices from your ad.

For more guidance on balancing transparency with privacy, you may consult the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy pages on our website, which outline responsible disclosure practices that protect both your confidentiality and buyer interests.

Are there privacy settings for managing group or joint accounts for breeding programs or business profiles?

Yes, AmericanBreeder.com offers flexible account management for group or joint breeding programs. If you operate a shared account as part of a breeding business or collaborative program, our privacy settings let you control individual access levels and visibility preferences for each member. In the “Account” dropdown, under “Edit My Profile,” you can set permissions to designate which details are shown publicly in ad listings and which are managed privately within your account.

These settings are especially helpful for teams or family-run breeding programs, as they allow you to present a unified public profile while securing internal information. Only designated members can edit, update, or add animal records, and social media links for a cohesive public-facing brand. Additionally, each account member can maintain their privacy settings based on individual preferences, ensuring that private details remain confidential.

Getting Started with Your Privacy Settings

To explore privacy settings, create a free account by selecting “Advertise” on the homepage or “Register” in the top menu bar. You can also view our comprehensive “How to Advertise” video library, accessible under the “Quick Start Guide” in the top menu bar, to learn about ad management, privacy options, and setting up a breeder profile tailored to your privacy needs.

 

Account Security and Protection

What security measures are in place to prevent unauthorized access to my account and personal data?

At AmericanBreeder.com, we are committed to providing a secure platform to protect your account and personal data. To prevent unauthorized access, we use several advanced security measures:

1. Encrypted Passwords and SSL Certification: Our platform uses encryption for all stored passwords and operates with SSL certification, ensuring that all data transferred between you and the site is encrypted and protected.
2. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): We recommend users enable two-factor authentication for an additional layer of security. This setting can be managed in your account settings and helps protect your account even if your password is compromised.
3. Login Notification and Improved Login Module: Using the Offlajn Improved Login module, American Breeder employs security measures that monitor login attempts and notify users if there are any unusual activities on their accounts. You will receive notifications if attempts are made to access your account from unknown locations or devices, allowing you to take action quickly if anything looks suspicious.
4. Secure Payment System: Sensitive payment information is securely managed through third-party payment processors like PayPal. Our system does not store payment details directly, so your financial data remains private and inaccessible to others.
5. Session Management and Auto Logout: We use session management to automatically log out inactive accounts, reducing the risk of unauthorized access on public or shared devices.

What steps should I take if I suspect my account has been compromised or my private information misused?

If you suspect any suspicious activity or misuse of your personal information, please take the following steps immediately:

1. Change Your Password: Go to the "Edit My Profile" section under the "Account" dropdown in the top menu bar and update your password to a strong, unique one. Avoid using passwords similar to those on other websites.
2. Review Account Settings: Check your recent account activity and ensure that all information, including email, phone number, and social media links, is accurate.
3. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): If you have not already, activate two-factor authentication in your account settings. This extra step can prevent unauthorized access even if someone has obtained your password.
4. Contact Support: Report any issues directly to our support team using the “Contact Us” link at the bottom of the website. Our support team is here to help restore your account’s security and investigate any potential misuse.
5. Monitor Your Account: Keep an eye on your account for any new activity and immediately report any unauthorized actions to our team.

Can I receive alerts for attempts to access my account from unknown devices or locations?

Yes, AmericanBreeder.com prioritizes your account’s security by offering alert notifications for access attempts from unrecognized devices or locations. This feature provides real-time notifications through email, helping you monitor your account activity and act quickly in case of unauthorized attempts. If you receive an alert about an unfamiliar login, please follow the recommended steps above to secure your account.

How does the platform handle the protection of sensitive payment information, and is this information ever visible to other users?

Your sensitive payment information is protected through secure, third-party processors like PayPal, meaning that AmericanBreeder.com does not store your payment details directly on our site. This ensures your financial information remains confidential and secure. Only the details necessary to confirm your transaction are stored on the platform for your records and are visible only to you; they are never displayed to other users.

If you need more control over your payment history, you can access, review, and print your invoices at any time from the “Invoices” section in your account dropdown.

 

Ad and Data Management

Can I control how often and where my ads appear on the site or in targeted marketing?

Absolutely. The primary way to control where your ad appears on AmericanBreeder.com is by accurately selecting the breed category when you create a new breeder ad listing. During the ad setup, you’ll be asked to "SEARCH & SELECT YOUR BREED"—this is the most important step for placing your ad in the correct breed category. As you begin typing the breed name, a dropdown list will display relevant options. Choosing the correct breed ensures that your ad appears in the right section of the site, increasing its visibility to buyers specifically interested in that breed. If an incorrect breed is selected, your ad could be miscategorized, impacting its reach.

In addition to this standard placement, you can further enhance your ad's visibility with upgrade options like "Highlight Ad" or "Featured Ad in Carousel." The Highlight Ad option visually distinguishes your listing by adding a highlight color to your ad, helping it stand out within listings. Meanwhile, the Featured Ad in Carousel option showcases your ad prominently on category pages. Both options can attract more attention and make your ad more noticeable to potential buyers browsing the website.

Are there privacy settings to manage how other users can share or save my listings?

Yes, on AmericanBreeder.com, you have control over how your listings are shared and saved by other users. When you create a listing, you’ll find social share settings that allow you to decide whether others can share your ad on social media or save it within their account. You can manage these options in your profile settings, ensuring that your listings are shared only in ways you’re comfortable with. Additionally, for extra privacy, you can adjust profile settings to limit the visibility of your contact details and personal information displayed with your ad.

Can I selectively remove certain information from older ads without deleting the entire listing?

Yes, you can edit or remove specific details from your older ads without deleting them entirely. Simply access your ad in the "Ad Manager" section under your account, where you can update contact information, remove certain details, or add new content as needed. This feature allows you to keep your ad relevant to potential buyers while tailoring the information displayed based on your current needs.

If I update my privacy settings, will these changes apply retroactively to all my previous listings and interactions?

Updating your privacy settings will apply to all your future listings, but may not fully apply to past interactions if they were shared or saved by other users. Adjusting privacy settings will affect existing ads in terms of visibility and information shared publicly, but it’s important to note that if previous listings were shared externally or saved by other users, those copies may remain unaffected.

Can I restrict access to my profile’s history, such as past listings or reviews?

Yes, you have the option to limit access to your profile’s history, including past listings and reviews. By adjusting the privacy settings under your "Edit My Profile" section, you can control the visibility of your older listings and choose whether or not they are viewable to other users. This feature provides you with flexibility over your profile's historical data, helping you manage the level of access that others have to your past listings, especially if they no longer reflect your current availability or services.

 

Data Privacy and Legal Rights

How does AmericanBreeder.com handle requests for data deletion or the “right to be forgotten” under data protection regulations?

At AmericanBreeder.com, we prioritize your right to privacy and comply with data protection regulations. If you wish to delete your data or exercise your "right to be forgotten," you can submit a data deletion request by contacting our support team through the "Contact Us" page. Upon receiving your request, we will promptly initiate the data removal process, which includes permanently deleting your personal information, ad listings, and account-related data from our system. However, please be aware that some transactional data, such as completed invoices and payment records, may be retained as required by law for record-keeping purposes. If you have any concerns or specific needs regarding data privacy, our support team is here to assist you in navigating these processes with full transparency.

If I wish to delete my account, what happens to my data, ad listings, and transaction history?

Deleting your AmericanBreeder.com account is a straightforward process, but it’s important to understand how this impacts your data. When you request account deletion, all personal data, including your profile details, social media links, and ad listings, will be permanently removed from our system. However, your transaction history, such as payment details and invoice records, may be retained as part of our compliance with financial and legal regulations, solely for record-keeping purposes. Once your account is deleted, any active or archived ad listings associated with your profile will no longer be visible on the site. This ensures that all personal and ad-related data is fully removed, providing you with peace of mind regarding your privacy. Should you need assistance with deleting your account, please contact our support team, who can guide you through the process.

How does AmericanBreeder.com handle data retention for inactive or suspended accounts?

For accounts that become inactive or are temporarily suspended, AmericanBreeder.com follows a balanced approach to data retention. Inactive accounts may retain their data and profile information within our system for a specific period, allowing users the flexibility to reactivate their account without losing any information. However, if an account remains inactive beyond this period, it may be flagged for deletion to maintain data accuracy and security. In cases of suspended accounts, we retain the necessary data until the suspension status is resolved or upon legal requirement. At all times, users can reach out to our support team if they wish to make adjustments to their account status, ensuring we align with both data retention regulations and individual preferences.

 

Notifications and Activity Tracking

How can I control whether my ad analytics, engagement data, or feedback are visible to other users?

On AmericanBreeder.com, your privacy and control over your ad’s data are a priority. By default, ad analytics, engagement metrics, and feedback are only visible to you as the ad owner, accessible through your account dashboard. If you’d like to share certain data with other users, such as showcasing the popularity of a listing, you can enable this selectively through your "Ad Manager" settings. Simply go to your “Account” dropdown in the top menu, select “Ad Manager,” and find the listing you’d like to adjust. Look for the visibility options next to your ad’s analytics to choose what metrics you want visible to other users. This feature lets you decide exactly what to display, whether it’s limited engagement highlights or complete feedback, keeping you in control of how your ad data is shared.

What options do I have if I want to limit data collection during my browsing sessions?

At AmericanBreeder.com, we offer options to help you browse with privacy in mind. While we collect minimal, essential data to ensure a smooth browsing experience, you can adjust your cookie preferences to limit the tracking of non-essential data. To do so, navigate to our Privacy and Cookie Policy, where you’ll find detailed information about how to manage your cookie settings. You’ll also have the option to browse without logging in to limit data collection to the most basic, anonymous level. This setting is ideal if you’re just exploring listings without planning to interact immediately. Additionally, enabling browser privacy settings or choosing incognito mode may further restrict data collected during your visit, providing you with extra browsing privacy.

Can I choose not to display specific details about the animals I’m selling, such as breed lineage or certifications?

Absolutely. AmericanBreeder.com understands that certain details, like breed lineage or certifications, may be private or not relevant to all potential buyers. When creating or editing your ad, you can choose which details to share. For example, breed lineage and certifications are optional fields that you can either fill out or leave blank based on your preference. To manage these details, go to your “Account” dropdown and select “Ad Manager.” From there, choose the specific ad you want to edit and uncheck or leave blank any fields related to lineage, certification, or other sensitive information you’d prefer not to display. This flexibility ensures that your ad showcases only the information you wish to make public, while still giving buyers essential information to help them in their decision-making process.

 

Account Recovery and Support

What should I do if I suspect my account has been compromised?

If you believe your account on AmericanBreeder.com has been compromised, taking immediate action can help secure your information and prevent further access by unauthorized parties. Here’s a step-by-step guide to regaining control of your account:

1. Change Your Password: Start by logging into your account and selecting the “Edit My Profile” option from the “Account” dropdown menu at the top of the page. From here, update your password to something unique and strong, using a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters. If you’re unable to log in, click on the “Forgot Password” link on the login page to reset it securely.
2. Enable Additional Security Options: Once your password is changed, explore the security settings under “Edit My Profile” to review your account privacy preferences. Ensuring these settings align with your privacy needs can prevent unauthorized visibility of your profile.
3. Verify Contact Information: Confirm that all email addresses and contact details linked to your account are correct. This step ensures that recovery emails or updates are sent to you directly and not to unauthorized parties.
4. Monitor Your Ad Listings: If you are a breeder with active listings, review each ad by selecting “Ad Manager” from your account menu. Confirm that none of your listings have been altered. If you notice changes, edit or remove the affected ads as needed.
5. Report Suspicious Activity: If you still believe your account has been compromised or you notice unfamiliar actions on your account, contact our Support Team immediately for assistance. Include a brief summary of the suspected breach so that our team can take appropriate steps to help secure your account. You can reach us by clicking on the “Help” button located at the bottom of the screen, or by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

By acting quickly and following these steps, you can safeguard your account and prevent further access by unauthorized users. Our team is here to support you, so please don’t hesitate to reach out for additional help.

How can I report a user if I feel my privacy has been compromised through unsolicited or inappropriate messages?

If you receive unsolicited or inappropriate messages that compromise your privacy on AmericanBreeder.com, we encourage you to report it promptly so that we can investigate and take appropriate action. Follow these steps to report the issue:

1. Document the Message: Take a screenshot or copy the message content, including the sender’s username and any other relevant details. This documentation helps our support team review the nature of the message and respond accordingly.
2. Report the User: To report a user, click the “Report” button located near the message thread in your inbox. This action will direct your report to our Support Team for review. If the message was received outside of the AmericanBreeder.com messaging system, please email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the details of the incident.
3. Review Privacy Settings: If you are concerned about further privacy issues, consider reviewing and adjusting your profile settings. You can hide certain details from your public ad listings, such as your last name or street address, by selecting “Edit My Profile” under your account menu. This can reduce the likelihood of unwanted contact.
4. Block Future Messages: In addition to reporting, you may block the user to prevent them from sending you further messages. This option is available in your inbox settings.
5. Stay Updated on Privacy Resources: For more tips on keeping your account secure, we recommend watching our “How to Advertise” and “Quick Start Guide” videos in the Quick Start Library, which provide additional insights on managing your account and maintaining privacy on AmericanBreeder.com.

Our team takes privacy and security concerns very seriously and strives to create a safe, respectful environment for all users. Once you’ve reported a user, we will investigate thoroughly and take appropriate action as necessary.