Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy for FactualOversight.com

We maintain an unwavering dedication to protecting and preserving your personal information through stringent privacy controls and transparent processing practices, maintaining the highest standards of data protection across our platform.

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, and interaction methods. This information is collected through server logs, cookies, and analytics tools and may include reading time on articles, fact-check engagement rates, and content sharing patterns. The source of this data is our analytics software and server monitoring systems. We process this information for several important purposes, including improving user experience, optimizing content delivery, analyzing user behavior, and enhancing site performance, which enables us to deliver more relevant content, improve navigation, and personalize user experiences. 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 preferences, notification settings, and login history. This information is collected through registration forms, account updates, and security protocols and may include newsletter preferences, fact-checking alerts, and content saved for later reading. The source of this data is direct user input during account creation and management. We process this information for user authentication, account security, communication preferences, and service personalization, which enables us to provide secure access, maintain account integrity, and deliver customized content. 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 display name, biography, interests, expertise areas, profile picture, and content preferences. This information is collected through profile creation forms, preference settings, and user interactions and may include topic subscriptions, fact-checking contributions, and community engagement settings. The source of this data is user-provided information and interaction history. We process this information for community building, content personalization, expert verification, and user credibility establishment, which enables us to foster meaningful discussions, validate expertise, and enhance user engagement. The legal basis for this processing is consent and our legitimate interests in maintaining a credible fact-checking platform.

You have the right to access your personal data, which means you can obtain confirmation about whether we process your personal data and request copies of your personal information. This includes the ability to receive information about data processing purposes, categories of personal data concerned, and recipients of your data. To exercise this right, you can submit a written request through our dedicated privacy portal or contact our data protection officer directly. We will respond within 30 days and may require government-issued identification, proof of address, and account verification to verify your identity.

You have the right to rectification, which means you can request the correction of inaccurate personal data or complete any incomplete personal data we hold about you. This includes the ability to update profile information, correct factual errors, and modify account details. To exercise this right, you can use our account settings panel or submit a correction request through our support system. We will respond within 15 days and may require account login credentials, supporting documentation, and verification questions to verify your identity.

You have the right to erasure, also known as the right to be forgotten, which means you can request the deletion of your personal data when there is no compelling reason for its continued processing. This includes the ability to delete your account, remove contributed content, and withdraw previous consents. To exercise this right, you can use our account deletion tools or submit a formal erasure request. We will respond within 30 days and may require password confirmation, written confirmation of deletion intent, and identity verification documents to verify your identity.

You have the right to restrict processing, which means you can limit the way we use your personal data in certain circumstances, such as when you contest its accuracy or object to processing. This includes the ability to pause data processing, temporarily disable features, and limit data usage. To exercise this right, you can submit a processing restriction request through our privacy center. We will respond within 15 days and may require account ownership proof, specific restriction details, and two-factor authentication to verify your identity.

You have the right to data portability, which means you can obtain and reuse your personal data across different services. This includes the ability to download your data in a structured format, transfer information to another platform, and maintain copies of your contributions. To exercise this right, you can use our data export tool or submit a portability request through our privacy portal. We will respond within 30 days and may require account verification, specific data scope confirmation, and identity verification documents to verify your identity.Data Collection and Processing

We process Service Data which includes account details, user preferences, profile information, and usage patterns. This processing involves automated collection, analysis, and storage, enabling us to provide personalized news content and service improvements. For example, in the context of news, this includes tracking article preferences and reading history. 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 types, and system logs. This processing involves automated collection and analysis, enabling us to optimize website performance and ensure security. For example, in the context of news, this includes monitoring page load times and content delivery efficiency. The legal basis for this processing is legitimate interest, specifically to maintain service reliability and protect against unauthorized access.

We process Communication Data which includes emails, support tickets, and feedback submissions. This processing involves storage, analysis, and response management, enabling us to provide effective customer support and service communication. For example, in the context of news, this includes handling story corrections and reader feedback. The legal basis for this processing is legitimate interest and consent, specifically to maintain quality communication channels and improve user experience.

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 process payments efficiently. For example, in the context of news, this includes managing premium content access and subscription renewals. The legal basis for this processing is contractual necessity and legal obligation, specifically to fulfill service agreements and comply with financial regulations.

We process Preference Data which includes content preferences, notification settings, and personalization choices. This processing involves analysis and application, enabling us to deliver customized content experiences. For example, in the context of news, this includes topic interests and newsletter preferences. The legal basis for this processing is consent and legitimate interest, specifically to provide relevant content and improve user engagement.

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.

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

Our incident response plan includes immediate breach detection, containment procedures, and user notification protocols, with regular testing and updates.

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 standards, GDPR requirements, and CCPA guidelines, ensuring compliance with global privacy regulations. 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 2 years for legal compliance and user reactivation purposes
Usage Data: Retained for 12 months to analyze usage patterns and improve services
Transaction Records: Retained for 7 years to comply with financial regulations
Communication History: Retained for 3 years to maintain service quality and handle disputes
Technical Logs: Retained for 6 months for security and performance 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 for FactualOversight.com

Essential cookies form the cornerstone of our website’s functionality. These cookies enable secure user authentication, maintain session stability, and ensure proper site operations. In our news platform context, essential cookies track your login status, protect against unauthorized access, and maintain your reading preferences across articles. We use them specifically for user authentication, security measures, basic site operations, session management, and technical stability.

Functional cookies enhance your browsing experience by remembering your preferences and customizations. They enable language selection for international news coverage, region-specific content delivery, and user interface customization. For instance, these cookies remember your preferred news categories, article display format, and notification settings to provide a seamless reading experience.

Analytics cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our news content. They collect information about page interactions, navigation patterns, feature usage, session duration, and user preferences. This data helps us identify which stories engage readers most effectively and how to improve our content delivery.

Performance cookies assess and optimize our website’s operation by monitoring site speed, identifying technical issues, optimizing content delivery, analyzing user experience, and tracking system performance. These cookies ensure our news articles and media content load quickly and efficiently across all devices.

Cookie Management

You maintain full control over your cookie preferences through browser settings, cookie consent tools, privacy preferences, and account settings. We provide clear options to adjust these settings at any time.

GDPR Compliance

For EU residents, we maintain strict data protection standards including explicit consent mechanisms, data minimization practices, purpose limitation, storage limitations, and complete processing transparency.

CCPA Compliance

California residents are entitled to specific rights regarding their personal information, including the right to know about collected information, delete personal data, opt-out of data sales, receive non-discriminatory treatment, and access collected information.

COPPA Compliance

For users under 13, we implement strict age verification requirements, parental consent procedures, limited data collection practices, special protection measures, and comprehensive parental access rights.

Updates and Changes

Our policy maintenance includes regular review procedures, user notifications, consent renewal when required, clear change documentation, and continuous compliance monitoring to ensure alignment with current privacy standards.

Contact Information

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 factualoversight.com and covers all associated services within the news industry.