Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

CraicNews ("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 use our website and services. We comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and other applicable data protection laws.

2. Information We Collect

Personal Information

• Name and email address (when you create an account)
• OAuth profile information (if you sign in with Google or Facebook)
• Payment information (processed securely through Stripe)
• IP address and browser information

Usage Data

• Articles created and viewed
• Features used within the platform
• Time spent on pages
• Click-through rates and interactions

Cookies and Tracking

We use essential cookies for authentication and functionality. Analytics cookies are only used with your explicit consent via our cookie consent banner.

When you consent to analytics cookies, we use Google Analytics 4 to collect anonymized usage data including page views, session duration, and referral source. This data helps us understand how visitors use CraicNews and improve the experience. Google Analytics data is retained for 14 months and is not used for advertising. You can revoke consent at any time through the cookie settings on this site.

3. How We Use Your Information

• To provide and maintain our Service
• To process your transactions and manage subscriptions
• To send you service-related emails and notifications
• To improve our Service and develop new features
• To enforce our Terms of Service and prevent abuse
• To comply with legal obligations

4. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)

We process your personal data based on the following legal grounds:

• Contract: Processing necessary to fulfill our service agreement with you
• Consent: You have given explicit consent for specific processing activities
• Legitimate Interests: Processing necessary for our legitimate business interests
• Legal Obligation: Processing required to comply with legal requirements

5. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell your personal data. We may share your information with:

• Service Providers: Third-party services that help us operate our platform (e.g., Stripe for payments, AWS for hosting)
• Legal Requirements: When required by law or to protect our rights
• Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets
• With Your Consent: When you explicitly authorize us to share your information

6. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal data, including:

• Encryption of data in transit and at rest
• Regular security audits and updates
• Access controls and authentication measures
• Secure data centers with physical security
• Regular backups and disaster recovery procedures

7. Your Rights Under GDPR

If you are in the European Economic Area (EEA), you have the following rights:

• Access: Request a copy of your personal data
• Rectification: Request correction of inaccurate data
• Erasure: Request deletion of your personal data
• Portability: Receive your data in a portable format
• Restriction: Request limited processing of your data
• Objection: Object to certain types of processing
• Automated Decision-Making: Not be subject to automated decision-making

To exercise these rights, please contact us at craicnews88+privacy@gmail.com

8. Data Retention

We retain your personal data only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy. Specifically:

• Account data: Until you delete your account
• Transaction records: 7 years for tax and legal compliance
• Generated articles: 30 days after expiration or until deleted by user
• Analytics data: 12 months in aggregated form

9. 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. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place through:

• Standard Contractual Clauses approved by the European Commission
• Adequacy decisions for countries with equivalent data protection
• Privacy Shield certification where applicable

10. Children's Privacy

Our Service is not intended for children under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18. If we become aware that we have collected personal data from a child under 18, we will take steps to delete that information.

11. Third-Party Services

Our Service may contain links to third-party websites and services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third parties. We encourage you to read their privacy policies before providing any personal information.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page and updating the "Last updated" date. For material changes, we will provide additional notice via email or through the Service.

13. Contact Information

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or want to exercise your data protection rights, please contact:

Data Protection Officer
CraicNews
Email: craicnews88+privacy@gmail.com
Address: Dublin, Ireland

Supervisory Authority
You have the right to lodge a complaint with the Irish Data Protection Commission:
Website: www.dataprotection.ie
Email: info@dataprotection.ie