Changes to Policy
1. Introduction
This document outlines amendments to DirConnect Directory’s Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, and Business Listing Guidelines. These changes are designed to enhance user experience, ensure regulatory compliance, and maintain platform integrity as we scale globally.
2. Summary of Changes
The following key areas have been modified in this update:
- Data Retention & Deletion: Clear timelines for user data archival and permanent deletion upon account closure.
- Listing Verification: Enhanced verification requirements for healthcare, legal, and financial service providers.
- Review Moderation: Updated algorithmic and human review standards to combat spam and ensure authenticity.
- Fee Structure: Introduction of tiered premium listing options with transparent billing cycles.
- Dispute Resolution: Streamlined arbitration process for business-merchant and user-platform conflicts.
3. Detailed Amendments
3.1 Data Privacy & Retention
Per evolving data protection standards, DirConnect will now retain active account data for 180 days post-cancellation before permanent erasure. Businesses may request immediate deletion via the account dashboard. Analytics data will be anonymized within 30 days of account closure.
3.2 Enhanced Verification
All businesses operating in regulated industries must now submit valid professional licenses, insurance certificates, and government-issued ID verification prior to publishing listings. Failure to comply within 14 days of notification may result in temporary suspension.
3.3 Review System Updates
To maintain trust, DirConnect has implemented a two-stage review validation process. Automated filters now detect pattern-based spam, while a human moderation team handles flagged content within 48 hours. Businesses retain the right to dispute reviews through our official appeals portal.
3.4 Premium & Billing
Standard listings remain free. Premium tiers (Pro, Enterprise) now include monthly performance analytics, priority support, and SEO optimization. All billing will follow a pro-rated renewal cycle, with cancellation effective at the end of the current period.
4. Change Log
A complete history of policy modifications can be referenced below:
| Date | Section | Description | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 10, 2025 | 3.1, 3.2 | Updated data retention & verification rules | Updated |
| Sep 22, 2025 | 3.3 | Introduced two-stage review validation | New |
| Aug 05, 2025 | 2.4 | Removed legacy ad-placement clauses | Removed |
| Jul 14, 2025 | 3.4 | Restructured premium billing tiers | Updated |
5. Notification Process
DirConnect will notify affected users and business owners via:
- Email sent to the registered account address at least 14 days prior to the effective date.
- Dashboard banner notifications for logged-in users.
- Public changelog updates on this policy page.
Material changes requiring explicit consent will prompt an in-app acknowledgment screen. Continued use without explicit rejection constitutes acceptance.
6. Contact & Support
If you have questions regarding these policy changes, need assistance with verification, or wish to exercise your data rights, please contact our compliance team:
- 📧 policy@dirconnect.com
- 📞 +1 (800) 555-0199 (Mon–Fri, 9 AM–6 PM EST)
- 📍 DirConnect Directory HQ, 100 Commerce Drive, Suite 400, Austin, TX 78701
This document is version 9.2.1 and supersedes all prior policy change notices. DirConnect reserves the right to update this page as needed to reflect ongoing improvements and legal requirements.