Canvassing apps have transformed the way political campaigns and nonprofits engage with their communities. These digital tools make it easier to organize volunteers, streamline outreach, and record interactions on the go.
But with this convenience comes a serious responsibility: protecting the data you collect and ensuring your app complies with evolving privacy laws.
Today, data protection isn't optional. It's essential.
Why Data Security Matters for Canvassing
Canvassing apps handle sensitive data, including personal records and preferences, which makes protecting this information critical. A breach can lead to loss of trust and potential legal issues.
Recent trends show that certain sectors are increasingly targeted by cyberattacks, with many organizations feeling ill-prepared to defend against these risks.
Political campaigns are also vulnerable to similar threats, especially as cyberattacks become more frequent. As these risks grow, safeguarding data has become a crucial priority.
Key Security Features of Modern Canvassing Apps
To keep data safe and operations legal, effective canvassing apps rely on a combination of best practices, technical measures, and ongoing updates. Here's what to look for.
Paid canvassing apps like Qomon take date protection to the next level. See pricing insights: Free vs. paid canvassing apps: which one suits your needs?.
Handling Consent and Data Rights
The best canvassing apps respect people's choices—and make it easy for your team to do the same.
- Consent management is built in: If someone opts out, the app flags them clearly as Do Not Contact. This prevents accidental follow-ups and protects your reputation.
- Channel preferences matter: Whether someone prefers SMS, email, or a phone call, their preferences stay tied to their contact record—no guesswork involved.
- Double opt-ins provide clarity: With double opt-in systems, people confirm their interest before you add them to your outreach list. That ensures you engage only with those who genuinely want to hear from you.
This is especially important for nonprofits and advocacy groups. Your contacts might not expect political-style outreach, so clarity and respect go a long way toward building trust.
Qomon: A Case Study in How it Should Be Done Responsibility
At Qomon, we know that protecting your data and respecting privacy laws isn’t just about ticking boxes. It’s about showing the people behind that data that their information is safe, respected, and under their control.
We’ve built our entire platform with this principle at its core.
Whether you're operating in Europe, the UK, or the US, we've got your back when it comes to the GDPR, UK GDPR, and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA).
What Kind of Data Does Qomon Handle?
We handle three core types of personal data, each with specific rules—and we treat each with care.
Internal data covers our team and systems and is kept strictly within Qomon.
Users' data includes your login and Qomon setup, which stays with us and moves only with your consent.
Customers’ data—your community and contacts—is yours alone. We store it securely and never access it without your permission.
Data Features—With Boundaries
We offer powerful insights to help you understand your community better—territory-level trends, anonymized analysis, and aggregated data.
We never include personal data in these features. That’s non-negotiable. Your contacts stay yours, and their privacy stays intact.
And yes—every customer benefits from these protections, not just those in the EU.
Need more information on app features before you choose? Check out our detailed guide: Key Features to Look for in a Canvassing App
The Fine Print Matters (And We've Got It Covered)
Our Privacy Policy spells out exactly how we collect, store, and use data. No legal jargon, just clarity.
We only work with processors who meet our high standards. Every data processor signs a legally binding DPA with us—and we offer one for you, too.
No emails. No waiting. Our privacy portal lets you exercise your rights—like data access or deletion—with just a few clicks.
You control the conversation. If someone says “stop,” we stop. We record opt-outs and make sure they’re respected by the entire team—no exceptions.
Supercharged by Compliance Tech
We don’t manage compliance manually—we use smart software built for privacy law automation. It helps us monitor data flows, track sub-processors, enforce security standards, and spot risks early. This gives us full visibility and keeps us proactive, not reactive.
Training Is Part of Our Culture
Our Data Protection Officer runs regular training sessions for every Qomon team member. Everyone—from engineering to customer support—learns how to handle your data responsibly and spot risks before they become issues.
Qomon vs. The Competition: Privacy Built for Trust
When it comes to privacy and data protection, not all canvassing and civic tech platforms are created equal. Qomon takes a security-first, transparency-focused approach, giving users more control, more visibility, and stronger protections out of the box.
Here’s how Qomon stacks up against top competitors: Ecanvasser, NGP VAN, NationBuilder, EveryAction, and CiviCRM.
Boost integration with Why CRM integration is essential for canvassing apps.
✅ Access and Data Segmentation: Qomon Leads with Locked-Down Access
Qomon keeps access tight. Data is segmented by purpose and department. Only your account manager and CTO (in rare technical cases) can view your workspace. Even support sees only what’s needed—no more, no less.
Ecanvasser uses role-based access too but doesn’t go as far in restricting internal visibility.
NGP VAN and NationBuilder support access controls, but details on segmentation are vague.
CiviCRM leaves access roles up to users and system setup—more freedom, but also more risk if misconfigured.
EveryAction offers basic access control but lacks transparency around internal segmentation.
👉 Verdict: Qomon sets the bar for access restriction and internal data hygiene.
✅ Data Storage and Backups: Qomon Encrypts, Localizes, and Backs Up Daily
Qomon encrypts data, stores it locally (EU or US, depending on your region), and performs daily backups. No guesswork.
Ecanvasser ensures secure processing but doesn’t detail server locations or backup frequency.
NGP VAN relies on US-based infrastructure and cites Privacy Shield compliance—less robust post-Brexit and Schrems II.
NationBuilder uses third-party cookie tools and says little about actual backup/storage infrastructure.
CiviCRM supports secure, local hosting but depends on user setup. With CiviSpark, secure hosting is included.
👉 Verdict: Qomon offers a plug-and-play secure storage setup without relying on Privacy Shield loopholes.
✅ Transparency and Control: Qomon Gives You Full Data Ownership
With Qomon, you can download all your data, view your deletion history, and access an easy-to-use privacy portal at any time. No waiting. No email threads. Just control.
Ecanvasser’s privacy dashboard allows some access to privacy controls—but with fewer export and tracking tools.
NGP VAN and NationBuilder offer limited control features, which often require user support to access full datasets.
EveryAction outlines user rights but doesn't make the process seamless.
CiviCRM gives you control if you know how to configure it. GDPR tools exist but aren’t always beginner-friendly.
👉 Verdict: Qomon empowers users with real, built-in transparency. No tech skills are needed.
✅ Compliance Measures and DPA: Qomon Takes the Legal Load Off You
Qomon not only complies with GDPR, UK GDPR, and CCPA, but it also provides a Data Processing Agreement publicly and applies security standards to all users, not just those legally required.
Ecanvasser helps with GDPR and includes DPO contact fields, but DPA access isn’t as visible.
NGP VAN provides a strong DPA and Privacy Shield documentation but doesn’t localize protections.
NationBuilder and EveryAction rely heavily on cookie integrations and policies, without much clarity on DPA access.
CiviCRM includes a DPA for Spark, and its open-source nature gives you flexibility—if you know how to configure it.
👉 Verdict: Qomon does the legal legwork and offers peace of mind with automatic protections.
✅ Training and Privacy Culture: Qomon Keeps Everyone Accountable
At Qomon, privacy is part of the culture. The Data Protection Officer (DPO) trains the team regularly, using dedicated compliance software. Everyone is up to speed, always.
Ecanvasser promotes centralized compliance management but doesn’t mention team training.
NGP VAN and NationBuilder have compliance tools, but little is said about staff education.
EveryAction and CiviCRM have general policies but no training standards.
👉 Verdict: Qomon’s team is trained, not just compliant. That’s a different level of trust.
Compliance at the Heart of It
The digital age has brought powerful new tools for civic engagement but also new risks. Campaigns and nonprofits must choose their canvassing app wisely.
Look for platforms that combine top-notch encryption, access control, compliance tools, and transparency. The right app should not only organize your outreach—it should protect your data and the trust of those you serve.
Qomon is one such platform that is leading the way. But whichever canvassing app you choose, make sure data protection and compliance sit at the heart of it.
