Privacy Policy

Introduction

True North Stories ("we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website truenorth-stories.com and use our services.

Please read this Privacy Policy carefully. By accessing or using our website, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by the terms of this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with the terms of this Privacy Policy, please do not access the site.

Information We Collect

Personal Information

We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us when you:

• Fill out contact forms or submit story pitches
• Subscribe to our newsletter or mailing list
• Participate in interviews or contribute stories
• Comment on articles or engage with our content
• Contact us directly via email or phone

This personal information may include:

• Name
• Email address
• Phone number
• Mailing address
• Any other information you choose to provide

Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect certain information about your device and browsing activity, including:

• IP address
• Browser type and version
• Operating system
• Pages visited and time spent on pages
• Referring website addresses
• Date and time of visits

This information is collected through cookies and similar tracking technologies. See our Cookie Policy section below for more details.

How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

• To provide and maintain our services: Including publishing stories, responding to inquiries, and managing our relationship with contributors
• To communicate with you: Responding to your questions, sending newsletters, and providing updates about our work
• To improve our website: Analyzing usage patterns to enhance user experience and content quality
• To protect our rights: Enforcing our terms of service and protecting against fraudulent or illegal activity
• For journalistic purposes: Researching, developing, and publishing stories in accordance with journalistic ethics

Cookie Policy

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your browsing experience. Cookies are small text files stored on your device that help us remember your preferences and understand how you use our site.

Types of Cookies We Use

• Essential Cookies: Necessary for the website to function properly. These cannot be disabled.
• Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how visitors interact with our website by collecting anonymous information.
• Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and preferences for future visits.

You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences. However, disabling cookies may affect your ability to use certain features of our website. By continuing to use our site, you consent to our use of cookies as described in this policy.

How We Share Your Information

We respect your privacy and do not sell your personal information to third parties. We may share your information only in the following circumstances:

• With your consent: We may share information when you explicitly agree to such sharing
• For journalistic purposes: When you contribute to or are featured in stories, your information and quotes may be published on our platform
• Service providers: We may share information with trusted third-party service providers who assist in operating our website (e.g., hosting services, email providers), subject to confidentiality obligations
• Legal requirements: We may disclose information if required by law or in response to valid legal requests
• Protection of rights: To protect the rights, property, or safety of True North Stories, our users, or others

Journalistic Ethics and Source Protection

As a journalism platform, we are committed to protecting the confidentiality of our sources. Information provided to us by confidential sources will be handled with the utmost care and discretion. We will resist legal demands for source information to the fullest extent permitted by law.

However, please note that we cannot guarantee absolute confidentiality. If you have concerns about confidentiality, please discuss them with us before sharing sensitive information.

Data Security

We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical security measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:

• Encryption of data in transit using SSL/TLS protocols
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Limited access to personal information by authorized personnel only
• Secure storage of physical and digital records

However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your personal information, we cannot guarantee its absolute security.

Data Retention

We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law. Factors affecting retention periods include:

• The nature of the information collected
• Legal and regulatory requirements
• Journalistic and archival purposes
• Dispute resolution needs

When information is no longer needed, we will securely delete or anonymize it.

Your Privacy Rights

Depending on your location, you may have certain rights regarding your personal information, including:

• Access: Request copies of your personal information
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information, subject to legal and journalistic exceptions
• Objection: Object to our processing of your personal information
• Restriction: Request restriction of processing in certain circumstances
• Data portability: Request transfer of your information to another service
• Withdrawal of consent: Withdraw previously given consent

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided below. Please note that some rights may be subject to limitations, particularly where information has been published as part of journalistic content.

Children's Privacy

Our website is not intended for children under the age of 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we learn that we have collected information from a child under 13, we will delete that information promptly. If you believe we may have information about a child under 13, please contact us.

Third-Party Websites

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these external sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party websites you visit.

International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. These countries may have different data protection laws. By using our website, you consent to such transfers. We will take appropriate steps to ensure your information receives adequate protection.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the updated policy on this page with a new "Last updated" date. We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically.

Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

True North Stories
55 King St W
Toronto, ON, M5H 1A1
Canada

Email: contact@truenorth-stories.com
Phone: +1 (416) 923-457