Privacy Policy

Last updated: January 2026

First Layer Digital LLC ("First Layer Digital," "the Company," "we," "us," or "our") respects your privacy and is committed to protecting the personal information you share with us. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect information when you visit our website at www.firstlayer.digital or contact us about our services.

By using our website or submitting information through it, you agree to the practices described in this Privacy Policy.

1. Who we are

First Layer Digital LLC is a single‑member web design and development company based in Maryland, United States. We provide website design, development, and related digital services to businesses.​

Our website address is: https://www.firstlayer.digital.

2. Information we collect

2.1 Information you provide directly

We may collect personal information you voluntarily provide, including:

  • Name and contact details (such as email address, phone number, and company name)
  • Project details and business information submitted through our contact form or during project discussions
  • Any files, content, or assets you share with us for project work

If you become a client, we may also collect:

  • Billing and invoice-related information (managed through third‑party accounting or invoicing tools such as Wave Apps)
  • Access credentials you provide (e.g., hosting, domain, or platform logins) so we can perform development and deployment work.​

We do not collect or store payment card numbers directly on our website. Any payments are handled through third‑party providers or invoicing systems.

2.2 Information collected automatically (analytics)

When you visit our website, we and our service providers may automatically collect certain technical information, such as:

  • IP address
  • Browser type and version
  • Device type and operating system
  • Pages viewed, time on page, and referring URLs
  • General location information based on IP (where available)

We may use tools such as Google Analytics, Netlify Analytics, Cloudflare, or similar services to gather this information and understand how visitors use our site.

2.3 Cookies and similar technologies

Our website may use cookies or similar tracking technologies to improve functionality, measure performance, and understand usage patterns. At this time, we do not rely heavily on cookies for personalization, but we may implement cookies or similar technologies in the future as our site evolves.

You can usually control cookies through your browser settings, including blocking or deleting them. Doing so may affect certain features of the website.

3. How we use your information

We may use the information we collect for the following purposes:

  • To respond to your inquiries and communicate with you about your project or request
  • To evaluate whether we are a good fit to work together
  • To provide, manage, and deliver our web design and development services under our agreements with clients
  • To manage client relationships, invoicing, and accounting through tools such as Wave Apps or similar systems
  • To monitor and analyze website traffic and usage so we can improve our site and services
  • To maintain the security and integrity of our systems and data
  • To comply with legal obligations and enforce our agreements

If we implement newsletters or marketing emails in the future, we will use your email address in accordance with applicable laws and will provide a way to opt out.

4. How we store and protect data

4.1 Storage locations

Client and project data may be stored:

  • In a locally owned database and file system controlled by First Layer Digital
  • In secure cloud storage or backup systems used by the Company
  • In third‑party tools used for accounting, client management, project collaboration, or file sharing.

4.2 Access control

Access to client data is limited to:

  • The Company owner and authorized members
  • Contractors or freelancers who need access to specific information in order to perform work on a project.

All such contractors are expected to follow confidentiality and security obligations consistent with this Policy and our contracts.

4.3 Security measures

We take reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect personal information, including:

  • Encrypted file systems and secure backup practices
  • Access controls and authentication for systems and tools
  • Use of up‑to‑date security practices and tools to reduce the risk of unauthorized access, disclosure, or loss.

However, no method of transmission or storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

5. Data retention

5.1 Project and client data

Unless otherwise agreed with the client, project-related data (such as files, source code, credentials, and project documentation stored by us) is generally retained for up to 1 year after project completion. After that period, we may delete, archive, or anonymize such data, subject to legal, contractual, or operational requirements.​

5.2 Contact form submissions

Information sent through the contact form may be retained as long as necessary to:

  • Respond to your inquiry
  • Maintain records of communications
  • Manage client relationships and potential future work.

5.3 Analytics data

Analytics and technical data may be retained according to the default or configured retention periods of the analytics services we use (for example, Google Analytics, Netlify Analytics, Cloudflare, or similar providers). These periods may change over time based on service provider settings and our configuration.

6. Third‑party services and sharing

We may share or store information with third‑party service providers who help us operate our business, including:

  • Analytics providers (e.g., Google Analytics, Netlify Analytics, Cloudflare)
  • Accounting and invoicing platforms (e.g., Wave Apps or similar tools)
  • Hosting, deployment, or infrastructure providers
  • Email and communication tools (for support, transactional emails, or future newsletters)
  • Project management or file-sharing services.

These providers process data on our behalf and are only given access to the information necessary to perform their functions. We do not sell your personal information.

We may also disclose information:

  • When required by law, regulation, or legal process
  • To protect our rights, property, or safety, or that of others
  • In connection with a business transfer (such as a merger or sale of assets), subject to confidentiality protections.

7. International visitors

Our website may be accessed by visitors from outside the United States, but our services are primarily intended for clients within the United States. By using our website and providing information, you understand that your data may be processed and stored in the United States, where privacy laws may be different from those in your country.

8. Your choices and rights

Depending on your location and applicable law, you may have certain rights regarding your personal information, such as the right to:

  • Request access to the personal information we hold about you
  • Request correction or updating of inaccurate information
  • Request deletion of certain information, subject to legal or contractual obligations.

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at hello@firstlayer.digital. We may need to verify your identity before processing your request.

You can also limit certain tracking by adjusting browser settings, declining cookies, or using opt‑out tools provided by analytics services when available.

9. Children's privacy

Our website and services are not directed to children under the age of 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us so we can delete it.

10. Contractors and collaborators

From time to time, we may engage independent contractors or freelancers to assist with project work. These individuals may have access to client or project information only to the extent necessary to perform their tasks and are expected to comply with confidentiality and data protection obligations consistent with our agreements and this Policy.

11. Changes to this Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, services, or legal requirements. The "Last updated" date at the top of this page will be revised when changes are made. Your continued use of the website after any changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated Policy.

12. Contact us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your information, please contact us.