Privacy Policy

2. Information We Collect

a. Information You Provide

• Contact information when you reach out via forms or email.
• Responses to surveys or polls (votes may be collected anonymously unless stated).

b. Automatically Collected Information

• IP address and browser user agent (used to prevent multiple voting and for integrity).
• Device and technical data (OS, browser type/version, screen resolution).
• Usage data (pages visited, time on site, interactions).

c. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies for analytics, advertising, and performance. Tools we may use:

• Google Analytics
• Meta / Facebook Pixel
• Hotjar

3. How We Use Your Information

• Deliver and improve our news content and services.
• Prevent fraudulent activity in surveys or polls.
• Analyze website traffic and user behavior.
• Display relevant advertisements via Google AdSense.
• Comply with legal obligations and regulatory requirements.

We do not sell your personal data.

4. Legal Bases for Processing (GDPR)

When applicable (EEA/UK), we process personal data based on one or more lawful bases such as consent, legitimate interest (e.g., preventing duplicate votes), and legal obligation.

5. Sharing Your Information

We may share limited data with:

• Analytics and advertising partners (Google, Meta, Hotjar).
• Service providers for hosting, analytics, and maintenance.

All third-party processors must comply with applicable data protection laws.

6. Data Retention

We keep personal information only as long as necessary for the purposes described. IP addresses collected for survey validation are typically retained for a limited period before being anonymized.

7. Your Rights

Depending on your location, you may have rights including:

• Access, correct, or delete your personal information.
• Withdraw consent to processing.
• Request a copy of your data and file a complaint with a regulator.

To exercise these rights, contact us at privacy@theside.news or use our Privacy Form.

8. Children’s Privacy

Our services are not intended for children under 16. We do not knowingly collect personal information from minors. If you believe we have, contact us for prompt removal.

9. International Data Transfers

We operate globally; data may be transferred and processed in countries outside your residence. We implement appropriate safeguards to protect your data.

10. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Any changes will be posted on this page with the new “Last Updated” date.