Open Newswire (“we,” “our,” or “us”) operates the website https://www.opennewswire.org. We are committed to protecting your personal data and respecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains what personal information we collect, how we use it, and the rights you have under the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

1. Who We Are

The data controller for this website is:

Open Newswire
Website: https://www.opennewswire.org
Email: info@opennewswire.org

2. What Data We Collect

We may collect the following personal data when you use our website:

  • Technical data: IP address, browser type and version, operating system, and device information (collected automatically through server logs and cookies).
  • Usage data: Information about how you use our site, such as pages visited, time spent, and referring URLs (via Google Analytics).
  • Comments: When you leave comments, we collect your name, email address, comment text, and (if you choose) your website URL. An anonymized hash of your email may be sent to the Gravatar service to display profile images.
  • Cookies: We use cookies for site functionality, analytics, and remembering preferences. See Section 7 for details.
  • Newsletter signup: When you subscribe via our Mailchimp form, we collect your name and email address for sending you updates.

3. Purposes and Legal Bases for Processing

We process your personal data only where permitted by law:

  • To operate and secure our website – legitimate interests (e.g. preventing abuse, spam protection, server security).
  • To display user comments – performance of a contract (when you submit a comment).
  • To personalize your experience (cookies, preferences) – consent.
  • To analyze site traffic (Google Analytics) – consent.
  • To send you newsletters (Mailchimp) – consent (you may unsubscribe at any time).
  • To comply with legal obligations – e.g., record-keeping or responding to lawful requests.

4. Sharing Your Information

We do not sell your data. We may share it only with:

  • Service providers who host and maintain our website.
  • Gravatar (for displaying profile pictures with comments): https://automattic.com/privacy/.
  • Google Analytics (to monitor website traffic): https://policies.google.com/privacy. Google may transfer data outside the EU/EEA, safeguarded by Standard Contractual Clauses.
  • Mailchimp (for email newsletters): https://mailchimp.com/legal/privacy/. Mailchimp is based in the United States, and data transfers are safeguarded by Standard Contractual Clauses.
  • Authorities where required by law.

5. Data Retention

We keep your personal data only for as long as necessary:

  • Comments: kept indefinitely unless you request deletion.
  • Newsletter subscriptions: kept until you unsubscribe.
  • Server logs: typically retained for up to 30 days for security purposes.
  • Analytics data: retained by Google for up to 26 months (per Google’s settings).
  • Cookies: vary from session-only to up to 1 year (see Section 7).

When retention is no longer necessary, we securely delete or anonymize your data.

6. Your Rights under GDPR

You have the right to:

  • Access the personal data we hold about you.
  • Correct or update inaccurate information.
  • Request deletion of your data (“right to be forgotten”).
  • Restrict or object to processing of your data.
  • Request a copy of your data in a portable format.
  • Withdraw consent at any time (where processing is based on consent, e.g. newsletters or analytics).
  • Lodge a complaint with your local supervisory authority if you believe we are not complying with GDPR.

To exercise your rights, contact us at: [Insert Contact Email].

7. Cookies and Analytics

We use cookies and similar technologies:

  • Essential cookies: required for site functionality (e.g., login sessions).
  • Preference cookies: store your settings (e.g., screen display choices).
  • Analytics cookies (Google Analytics): help us understand how visitors use our site. We ask for your consent before setting these.
  • Marketing cookies (Mailchimp, if enabled): used for email signup forms and related functionality.

You can manage or disable cookies in your browser settings, and withdraw your consent anytime via our cookie banner.

8. Security

We take appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your data from unauthorized access, loss, misuse, or disclosure. However, no website is completely secure.

9. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Updates will be posted on this page with a new “Last updated” date.

10. Contact Us

If you have any questions or wish to exercise your rights, please contact us at: info@opennewswire.org

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