Privacy Policy

We maintain an unwavering dedication to protecting and preserving all personal data provided by our website visitors and service users, implementing robust and comprehensive security measures throughout our services and operations.

This policy applies where we are acting as a data controller with respect to the personal data of our website visitors and service users; in other words, where we determine the purposes and means of the processing of that personal data. In this role, we are responsible for ensuring the proper handling, processing, and protection of all personal data submitted through our website.

We may process usage data (“usage data”), which comprehensively includes browser type, operating system, page views, navigation paths, timing and duration of visits, click patterns, interaction methods, and device information. This information is collected through server logs, cookies, and analytics tools and may include reading patterns, article preferences, and content engagement metrics. The source of this data is our analytics software and server monitoring systems. We process this information for several important purposes, including improving website performance, enhancing user experience, analyzing content effectiveness, and optimizing service delivery, which enables us to refine our content strategy, improve navigation, and provide personalized recommendations. The legal basis for this processing is our legitimate interests in monitoring and improving our website services.

We may process account data (“account data”), which comprehensively includes email address, username, password hash, account settings, subscription preferences, and notification settings. This information is collected through registration forms, account updates, and user preferences and may include newsletter subscriptions, alert configurations, and content preferences. The source of this data is direct user input during account creation and management. We process this information for account authentication, service provision, communication management, and subscription handling, which enables us to provide secure access, personalized services, and relevant communications. The legal basis for this processing is the performance of a contract between you and us and our legitimate interests in proper website administration.

We may process profile data (“profile data”), which comprehensively includes name, biographical information, interests, reading preferences, commenting history, and social media handles. This information is collected through profile creation, updates, and user interactions and may include topic preferences, discussion contributions, and community engagement. The source of this data is user-provided information and interaction history. We process this information for community management, content personalization, user interaction facilitation, and service optimization, which enables us to enhance user experience, facilitate community engagement, and provide relevant content recommendations. The legal basis for this processing is consent and our legitimate interests in maintaining an engaged user community.

Your Rights

Right to Access: You have the right to obtain confirmation about whether we process your personal data and request copies of this data. This includes the ability to review what information we hold, verify its accuracy, and understand how it’s being used. To exercise this right, you can submit a formal request through our contact email, providing necessary identification details. We will respond within 30 days and may require government-issued identification, proof of address, and account verification to confirm your identity.

Right to Rectification: You have the right to request correction of inaccurate personal data or completion of incomplete information we hold about you. This includes the ability to update profile information, correct account details, and modify preferences. To exercise this right, you can access your account settings or contact our support team with specific correction requests. We will process valid requests within 15 days and may require account verification, supporting documentation, and specific detail about the information to be corrected.

Right to Erasure: You have the right to request deletion of your personal data when there is no compelling reason for its continued processing. This includes the ability to delete your account, remove specific data points, and withdraw previous consent. To exercise this right, you can initiate account deletion through your settings or submit a formal erasure request. We will process valid requests within 30 days and may require password confirmation, identity verification, and explicit confirmation of deletion request.

Right to Restrict Processing: You have the right to limit how we use your personal data while maintaining storage of the information. This includes the ability to pause processing activities, temporarily disable account features, and limit data usage scope. To exercise this right, you can submit a processing restriction request detailing the specific limitations desired. We will respond within 15 days and may require account ownership verification, specific processing details, and reason justification.

Right to Data Portability: You have the right to receive your personal data in a structured, commonly used, and machine-readable format and transmit it to another controller. This includes the ability to export your data, transfer information between services, and receive data copies. To exercise this right, you can request a data export through our platform or contact our support team. We will fulfill requests within 30 days and may require identity verification, format specifications, and transfer destination details.Data Processing and Security Practices

We process Service Data which includes account details, user preferences, and content interaction history. This processing involves automated collection and analysis, enabling us to provide personalized news content and service improvements. For example, in the context of news, this includes tracking article views, save preferences, and reading patterns. The legal basis for this processing is legitimate interest and contractual necessity, specifically to deliver relevant news content and maintain service quality.

We process Technical Data which includes device information, IP addresses, browser type, and access timestamps. This processing involves automated logging and analysis, enabling us to ensure optimal service delivery and security. For example, in the context of news, this includes load balancing for high-traffic stories and content delivery optimization. The legal basis for this processing is legitimate interest, specifically to maintain service functionality and security.

We process Communication Data which includes email correspondence, support tickets, and notification preferences. This processing involves storage and analysis of user interactions, enabling us to provide effective support and service updates. For example, in the context of news, this includes breaking news alerts and subscription communications. The legal basis for this processing is consent and contractual necessity, specifically to maintain user communication channels.

We process Transaction Data which includes subscription details, payment records, and service usage history. This processing involves secure storage and analysis, enabling us to manage subscriptions and billing. For example, in the context of news, this includes premium content access and subscription renewals. The legal basis for this processing is contractual necessity and legal obligation, specifically to maintain accurate financial records.

We process Preference Data which includes content preferences, notification settings, and personalization choices. This processing involves analysis and storage of user selections, enabling us to customize content delivery. For example, in the context of news, this includes topic preferences and reading format choices. The legal basis for this processing is consent and legitimate interest, specifically to provide personalized news experiences.

Security Measures

Our comprehensive encryption protocols ensure end-to-end protection of your data, incorporating industry-standard algorithms and regular security updates to maintain data integrity. This includes regular security assessments and penetration testing by qualified professionals.

We implement multi-layered security infrastructure, including advanced firewalls and intrusion detection systems that continuously monitor for and prevent unauthorized access attempts. This infrastructure undergoes regular updates and enhancements.

Access to personal data is strictly controlled through role-based permissions, multi-factor authentication, and detailed access logs. We maintain comprehensive audit trails of all data access and modifications.

Our continuous monitoring systems provide real-time threat detection and automated response protocols, ensuring immediate action against potential security threats.

We maintain comprehensive backup procedures with encrypted offsite storage and regular recovery testing, ensuring data availability and integrity.

All staff undergo regular security awareness training and must comply with detailed data protection protocols, including specific training for handling sensitive data.

International Data Transfers

We may transfer your personal data to countries outside your jurisdiction. These transfers are protected by appropriate safeguards, including Standard Contractual Clauses, Privacy Shield certification, and Binding Corporate Rules. Each international transfer is conducted under strict protocols that ensure:
– Adequate data protection standards
– Compliant processing procedures
– Enforceable data subject rights
– Effective legal remedies

International transfers are protected by ISO 27001, GDPR standards, and regional data protection regulations, ensuring compliance with international privacy laws. We implement additional measures including:
– Regular compliance audits
– Data protection impact assessments
– Documented transfer mechanisms
– Continuous monitoring procedures

Regarding international transfers, you maintain specific rights including:
– Right to information about transfers
– Right to object to transfers
– Right to withdraw consent
– Right to data protection guarantees

Data Retention

We maintain specific retention periods for different data categories:

Account Information: Retained for the duration of active account plus 24 months to facilitate account reactivation and service continuity
Usage Data: Retained for 12 months to support service improvement and trend analysis
Transaction Records: Retained for 7 years to comply with financial regulations and tax requirements
Communication History: Retained for 36 months to maintain service context and support dispute resolution
Technical Logs: Retained for 6 months to support security monitoring and system optimization

These retention periods are determined by:
– Legal requirements
– Business purposes
– Technical necessities
– User preferences

Special circumstances affecting retention:
– Legal obligations
– Dispute resolution
– Security investigationsCookie Policy

Essential cookies are fundamental to website functionality. These cookies manage user authentication, maintain security protocols, and ensure basic site operations. We use them specifically for:
– User authentication
– Security measures
– Basic site operations
– Session management
– Technical stability

These cookies enable secure access to news articles, maintain user sessions while browsing multiple stories, and ensure consistent content delivery across our platform.

Functional cookies enhance your experience by remembering your preferences. They enable:
– Language preferences
– Region-specific content
– User interface customization
– Feature optimization
– Personalized settings

For example, these cookies remember your preferred news categories, article display settings, and notification preferences.

Analytics cookies help us understand user behavior. They collect information about:
– Page interactions
– Navigation patterns
– Feature usage
– Session duration
– User preferences

This data helps us understand which news stories engage readers most effectively and how to improve content delivery.

Performance cookies assess and improve website operation by:
– Monitoring site speed
– Identifying technical issues
– Optimizing content delivery
– Analyzing user experience
– Tracking system performance

You can control cookie preferences through:
– Browser settings
– Cookie consent tools
– Privacy preferences
– Account settings

For EU residents, we ensure:
– Explicit consent mechanisms
– Data minimization
– Purpose limitation
– Storage limitations
– Processing transparency

California residents have additional rights:
– Right to know about personal information collected
– Right to delete personal data
– Right to opt-out of data sales
– Right to non-discrimination
– Right to access collected information

Regarding users under 13:
– Age verification requirements
– Parental consent procedures
– Limited data collection
– Special protection measures
– Parental access rights

Policy updates involve:
– Regular review procedures
– User notifications
– Consent renewal when required
– Clear change documentation
– Continuous compliance monitoring

For privacy-related inquiries:
– Primary Contact: [email protected]
– Response Time: Within 48 hours
– Verification Required: For data-related requests
– Available Support: Privacy concerns, data requests, rights exercise

This policy was created specifically for independentviewers.com and covers all associated services within the news industry.