Privacy

PRIVACY POLICY

Last updated: August 12, 2025

1. INTRODUCTION

The LNIC File Upload System ("we", "our", or "us") operates the file upload service for Local News Impact Collective (LNIC). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your information when you use our service.

2. INFORMATION WE COLLECT

2.1 Google Account Information
When you sign in with Google, we collect:
• Your email address
• Your name
• Your Google profile information

2.2 Files and Metadata
When you upload files, we collect:
• The files you upload
• File metadata (name, size, upload time)
• Regional information you provide
• Upload timestamp and user information

3. HOW WE USE YOUR INFORMATION

We use your information to:
• Authenticate and authorize access to the system
• Store uploaded files securely in Google Drive
• Track file uploads in Google Sheets for organizational purposes
• Verify membership in authorized user groups
• Provide technical support when needed

4. GOOGLE SERVICES INTEGRATION

Our application integrates with Google services:
• Google OAuth: For secure authentication
• Google Drive: For file storage
• Google Sheets: For tracking upload metadata
• Google Admin Directory: For verifying group membership

5. DATA STORAGE AND SECURITY

• Files are stored securely in Google Drive
• Access is restricted to authorized LNIC members only
• We use Google Cloud Platform's security infrastructure
• All data transmission is encrypted using HTTPS
• We do not store your Google credentials - authentication is handled by Google

6. DATA SHARING

We do not sell, trade, or share your personal information with third parties except:
• With other authorized LNIC members as part of the collaborative platform
• When required by law or to protect our rights
• With Google services as necessary for platform functionality

7. DATA RETENTION

• Uploaded files are retained as long as needed for LNIC's operational purposes
• User access logs are retained for security and audit purposes
• You may request deletion of your data by contacting us

8. YOUR RIGHTS

You have the right to:
• Access your personal data
• Request correction of inaccurate data
• Request deletion of your data
• Withdraw consent for data processing
• Export your data

9. COOKIES AND TRACKING

We use session cookies to maintain your login state. We do not use tracking cookies or analytics beyond basic server logs for security purposes.

10. THIRD-PARTY SERVICES

Our service relies on Google Cloud Platform and Google Workspace services. Please review Google's Privacy Policy at https://policies.google.com/privacy for information about how Google handles your data.

11. CHILDREN'S PRIVACY

Our service is not intended for users under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13.

12. CHANGES TO THIS POLICY

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. We will notify users of significant changes by posting the new policy on this page with an updated "Last updated" date.

13. CONTACT INFORMATION

Data Controller: Local News Impact Collective (LNIC)
Email: chair@localnewsimpact.org
Contact Person: LNIC Chair

For privacy-related questions or requests regarding your personal data, please contact us at the email address above.

14. COMPLIANCE

This privacy policy is designed to comply with:
• Google Cloud Platform OAuth requirements
• Google API Services User Data Policy
• General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) where applicable
• California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) where applicable

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This privacy policy is effective as of the date listed above and applies to all users of the LNIC File Upload System.