Stephen Wise Free Synagogue: Key Legal Risks in Privacy Policy and Contractual Terms | Erayaha

## Uncovering Legal and Financial Risks in Stephen Wise Free Synagogue’s Terms & Conditions

When we examined Stephen Wise Free Synagogue’s Terms & Conditions, our analysis revealed several high-impact legal and logical risks that could expose the organization to substantial regulatory fines, litigation costs, and reputational damage. For example, ambiguous privacy practices and insufficient data protection measures could result in penalties exceeding $2 million under GDPR or CCPA, while unclear liability disclaimers may open the door to costly lawsuits. Below, we detail four critical issues, their business implications, and actionable improvements.

1. Ambiguous Consent and Data Processing Language The policy states that by using the site, users consent to all described tracking technologies and data uses. However, this blanket consent approach does not meet the explicit, informed consent standards required by GDPR and CCPA. Failure to obtain specific, granular consent can result in regulatory fines up to €20 million or 4% of annual turnover under GDPR.

Legal Analysis

high Risk

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By using this Site, you agree to this. Advertisements displayed to you onacknowledge the Siteuse of cookies and elsewhere may be customized totracking technologies. However, we will obtain your interestsexplicit, informed consent for the collection and preferences based onprocessing of your Personal Information for each specific purpose, in accordance with applicable privacy laws such as GDPR and website usage collected throughCCPA. You may withdraw your consent at any time without affecting the Site unless you opt out by following the instructions that can be found here or herelawfulness of processing based on consent before its withdrawal.

Legal Explanation

The original clause assumes blanket consent, which is insufficient under GDPR/CCPA. The revision requires explicit, purpose-specific consent and clarifies the right to withdraw, reducing regulatory risk and improving enforceability.

2. Inadequate Security Liability Disclaimer The terms state that Stephen Wise Free Synagogue cannot guarantee the security of user data and disclaims liability for breaches caused by third parties. This broad disclaimer may be unenforceable and could expose the organization to negligence claims and class action lawsuits, especially if reasonable security measures are not demonstrably in place. Recent data breach settlements in the nonprofit sector have exceeded $1 million.

Legal Analysis

high Risk

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While we endeavorimplement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect the security and integrity of sensitive Personal Information collected via the Site, due to the inherent natureno method of the Internet as an open global communications vehicle, we cannot guarantee that any information, during transmission through the Internet or while stored on our system or otherwise in our care, will be absolutely safe from intrusion by others, such as hackers. If you correspond with us by e-mail, or using web forms like a “contact us” feature on the Site, you should be aware that your transmission might not bestorage is completely secure. A third party could viewIn the information you send in transit by such means. Weevent of a data breach, we will have nopromptly notify affected individuals as required by law and accept liability for disclosure of your information duebreaches resulting from our failure to errors or unauthorizedimplement reasonable security measures, except where caused solely by unforeseeable acts of third parties during or after transmissionbeyond our control.

Legal Explanation

The original clause broadly disclaims all liability, which may be unenforceable and exposes the organization to negligence claims. The revision aligns with industry standards, limits liability to reasonable circumstances, and ensures compliance with breach notification laws.

3. Insufficient User Rights and Data Deletion Mechanisms While users are told they can request access, modification, or deletion of their data, the policy fails to specify clear procedures, timeframes, or exceptions for these requests. This vagueness risks non-compliance with GDPR/CCPA, where failure to honor data subject rights can lead to fines and mandatory corrective actions.

Legal Analysis

medium Risk

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You canmay request access to, modifycorrection of, or delete certaindeletion of theyour Personal Information that we have collected about you by contacting us using the “Contact Us” information below. We may ask youwill respond to verify yoursuch requests within 30 days, subject to identity verification and to provide other details beforeapplicable legal or regulatory retention requirements. If we are ableunable to provide youcomply with any informationyour request, correct any inaccuracies, or delete any informationwe will provide a written explanation of the reasons. Your right to delete your information is subject to our records-retention policies.

Legal Explanation

The original clause lacks timeframes and clear procedures, risking non-compliance with GDPR/CCPA. The revision provides specific response times, verification steps, and transparency, strengthening enforceability and user trust.

4. Unclear Third-Party Data Sharing and Accountability The policy allows sharing of personal information with third-party vendors and service providers, but does not specify contractual safeguards or due diligence requirements. Without explicit data processing agreements, the organization risks joint liability for third-party breaches—potentially resulting in regulatory investigations and significant financial penalties.

Legal Analysis

high Risk

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We share information we collect on the SitePersonal Information with third-party vendors and others for a variety of reasons. In additionservice providers only pursuant to the kinds of information sharing you might expect, such as sharing with third parties who need your information in order to provide services to us (or on our behalf), we may share your information: for purposes you request orwritten agreements that are disclosed when Personal Information is submittedrequire them to us; when we believe in good faith that disclosure is necessary to protect our interestsimplement appropriate security measures, rights or property, protect your safety or the safety of others, investigate fraud or respondrestrict processing to a governmentauthorized purposes, judicial or other legal request, or toand comply with the law;all applicable privacy laws. We conduct due diligence on all vendors and in connection with an organizational change or dissolution, includingremain responsible for example a reorganization, consolidation, merger, bankruptcy, liquidation, sale of assets or wind down ofensuring the organizationprotection of your Personal Information in accordance with this Policy.

Legal Explanation

The original clause lacks reference to data processing agreements or vendor due diligence, exposing the organization to joint liability for third-party breaches. The revision mandates contractual safeguards and oversight, reducing compliance and financial risk.

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Conclusion: Proactive Legal Protection is Essential Our analysis demonstrates that even well-intentioned policies can harbor costly legal gaps. Addressing these issues will not only strengthen compliance and reduce litigation risk, but also build trust with stakeholders.

How confident are you that your organization’s policies would withstand regulatory scrutiny?
What would a $2 million fine or class action settlement mean for your operations?
Are your third-party contracts as robust as your internal policies?

This analysis is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For actual legal guidance, consult with a licensed attorney. This assessment is based on publicly available information and professional legal analysis. See erayaha.ai’s terms of service for liability limitations.