Your Safety Is Our Priority.
How ShootingTalk protects your account, your privacy, and the community you're part of.
How We Protect You
Account Security
Available nowYour account is protected with industry-standard security practices including bcrypt password hashing and secure session management.
- Encrypted passwords (never stored in plain text)
- Secure session tokens with expiration
- Two-factor authentication (TOTP authenticator app)
- Login activity log with device and location
- Log out of all other sessions
- Password-change notification
- Download My Data
- Delete My Account workflow
- SOONSuspicious login email alerts (requires email provider configuration)
Privacy Controls
Available nowYou control what information is visible on your profile. Your email address is never displayed publicly and is never sold to third parties.
- Email address never publicly displayed
- Control profile visibility settings
- Choose what personal info to share
- No data sold to advertisers
Identity Verification
Available nowFFL dealers and professionals can apply for verified badges. Verification helps the community identify trusted members and legitimate businesses.
- Verified FFL badge for licensed dealers
- Club and range representative verification
- Community reputation badges (Helpful Answer, Solved Answer)
- ShootingTalk Club member badge
- Founding Member and Moderator badges
- SOONInstructor and gunsmith verification (coming soon)
Content Moderation
Available nowOur moderation team reviews flagged content and enforces community guidelines. We take illegal activity reports seriously and cooperate with law enforcement when required.
- Report button on all posts, listings, and profiles
- Human moderator review with assignment and status tracking
- Automated content screening for threats, hate speech, spam, and illegal content
- Severity levels: critical, high, normal
- Evidence preservation on all flagged content
- Emergency escalation for credible threats
- User warnings, suspensions, and bans
- Moderator audit trail
- Law enforcement cooperation when required
Data Retention
Available nowWe retain your data only as long as necessary to provide the service. You can request account deletion at any time.
- Account data deleted upon request
- Posts may be anonymized rather than deleted
- No indefinite data retention
- Download My Data available in account settings
Reporting Tools
Available nowEvery post, listing, and user profile has a Report button. Reports are reviewed by moderators and acted upon promptly.
- One-click reporting on all content
- Anonymous reporting available
- Confirmation number issued on every report
- Report status tracking: new, under review, action taken, resolved, escalated
- Moderator assignment and internal notes
- Duplicate report grouping
- Resolution reason and appeals
Protect Your Account
Use a Strong, Unique Password
Use a password that is at least 12 characters and unique to ShootingTalk. A password manager makes this easy.
Never Share Your Credentials
ShootingTalk staff will never ask for your password. Do not share your login with anyone.
Watch for Phishing
Be cautious of emails claiming to be from ShootingTalk. We will never ask you to click a link to verify your password.
Report Suspicious Activity
If you notice unusual activity on your account, change your password immediately and contact support. You can also review your active sessions and login history in Account Settings.
Keep Your Email Secure
Your ShootingTalk account is tied to your email. Keeping your email account secure protects your ShootingTalk account.
Log Out on Shared Devices
Always log out of ShootingTalk when using a shared or public computer.
What to Report & How
Harassment or Threats
High PriorityReport immediately using the Report button. For credible threats, contact local law enforcement.
Illegal Activity Discussion
High PriorityReport using the Report button. Include context. Moderators will review and escalate if needed.
Spam or Advertising
Low PriorityReport using the Report button. Moderators will remove and warn the user.
Misinformation
Medium PriorityReply with correct information and report if the misinformation is dangerous (e.g., unsafe reloading data).
Suspicious Marketplace Listing
High PriorityDo not complete the transaction. Report the listing and contact the moderation team.
Compromised Account
High PriorityChange your password immediately. Contact support if you cannot access your account.
Privacy Summary
What We Collect
- Email address (private)
- Display name
- Posts and content you create
- IP address for security purposes
What We Don't Do
- Sell your data to advertisers
- Share your email publicly
- Track you across other websites
- Retain data longer than necessary
Your Rights
- Request a copy of your data
- Request account deletion
- Correct inaccurate information
- Opt out of non-essential communications
Need to Report Something?
Use the Report button on any content, or contact our moderation team directly for urgent safety issues.