Privacy Policy

Last Updated: January 1, 2025

Vancouver Island News ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website vanislandnews.ca and use our services.

Information We Collect

Information You Provide

• Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number when you contact us or submit news tips
• Communication Content: Messages, comments, and other content you send to us
• Newsletter Subscription: Email address if you subscribe to our newsletter

Information Automatically Collected

• Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent on site, referral sources
• Device Information: Browser type, operating system, IP address
• Cookies: Small data files stored on your device to improve your experience

How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Provide and improve our news services
• Respond to your inquiries and news tips
• Send newsletters and important updates (with your consent)
• Analyze website usage to improve user experience
• Comply with legal obligations

Information Sharing

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information in the following circumstances:

• With Your Consent: When you explicitly agree to share information
• Legal Requirements: When required by law or legal process
• Protection of Rights: To protect our rights, property, or safety, or that of others
• Service Providers: With trusted third-party services that help us operate our website (e.g., email services, analytics)

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to:

• Remember your preferences
• Analyze site traffic and usage patterns
• Improve website performance

You can control cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling cookies may affect website functionality.

Third-Party Services

Our website may include links to third-party websites and services, including:

• Social media platforms
• Government websites
• Other news sources

We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third-party services. We encourage you to read their privacy policies.

Data Security

We implement appropriate security measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. However, no internet transmission is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

Data Retention

We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy, comply with legal obligations, or resolve disputes.

Your Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the right to:

• Access your personal information
• Correct inaccurate information
• Request deletion of your information
• Withdraw consent for data processing
• Receive a copy of your information

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided below.

Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we discover that we have collected such information, we will delete it promptly.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the new policy on this page with an updated "Last Updated" date.

Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us:

• Email: privacy@vanislandnews.ca
• Phone: (250) 555-NEWS (6397)
• Mail: Vancouver Island News, Privacy Officer, Vancouver Island, BC