Welcome to InformedIE. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our mobile application (the "App") and website. Please read this privacy policy carefully. If you do not agree with the terms of this privacy policy, please do not access the application.
1. Information We Collect
We may collect information about you in a variety of ways. The information we may collect via the App includes:
A. Personal Data (General Users)
When you register for a standard reader account, we may collect:
- Identifying Information: Name, username, and email address.
- Usage Data: Device information, IP address, browsing history within the app, preferences, and interaction with content (likes, saves, comments).
- Location Data: If you grant permission, we may collect your general location (e.g., city or zip code) to provide hyper-local news feeds.
B. Sensitive Data (Verified Content Creators & Organizations)
To maintain the integrity of our citizen journalism platform, users who apply to become "Verified Community Journalists" or "Organizations" must undergo a strict verification process. During this process, we collect:
- Identity Documents: Government-issued ID, driver's license, or passport.
- Corporate Documents: Articles of Incorporation, proof of organizational association.
- Tax Documents: IRS documents (e.g., W-9) for monetization or official verification purposes.
Note: These sensitive documents are securely transmitted, encrypted, and are only used for the strict purpose of identity verification and legal compliance. We do not sell or use this data for marketing.
C. Device Permissions (Camera and Photo Library)
With your explicit permission, we may access your device's camera and photo library. We require this access to allow you to capture and upload images or videos for your citizen journalism articles, set your profile picture, and securely submit identity verification documents. We only access the specific media you choose to upload.
2. How We Use Your Information
Having accurate information about you permits us to provide you with a smooth, efficient, and customized experience. Specifically, we may use information collected about you via the App to:
- Create and manage your account.
- Verify your identity and credentials for publishing capabilities.
- Process your articles, videos, and comments.
- Deliver hyper-local news and personalized content based on your location and preferences.
- Monitor and analyze usage and trends to improve your experience.
- Enforce our Terms of Service and End User License Agreement (EULA), including moderating content and preventing fraudulent activity.
3. Disclosure of Your Information
We may share information we have collected about you in certain situations. Your information may be disclosed as follows:
- By Law or to Protect Rights: If we believe the release of information about you is necessary to respond to legal process, to investigate or remedy potential violations of our policies, or to protect the rights, property, and safety of others.
- Third-Party Service Providers: We may share your information with third parties that perform services for us or on our behalf, including identity verification services, data analysis, email delivery, hosting services, and customer service.
4. Security of Your Information
We use administrative, technical, and physical security measures to help protect your personal information, especially sensitive verification documents. While we have taken reasonable steps to secure the personal information you provide to us, please be aware that despite our efforts, no security measures are perfect or impenetrable.
5. Account and Data Deletion
You have the right to request the deletion of your account and all associated personal data at any time. To request data deletion:
- Navigate to the Settings menu within the InformedIE App.
- Select "Delete Account".
- Alternatively, you can email us at info@informedie.com with the subject line "Account Deletion Request".
Upon receiving your request, we will permanently delete your account, personal data, and uploaded verification documents from our active databases within 30 days, except where retention is required by law.
6. Contact Us
If you have questions or comments about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at: InformedIE 3700 6th St Suite 200, Riverside, CA 92501 info@informedie.com