Effective Date: November 1, 2023
BlockFrens places a high priority on protecting the privacy and security of our user community. This Privacy Policy is designed to inform you about our practices concerning the collection, use, and disclosure of information that you may provide via our platform, ensuring transparency and trust in our operations.
1. Introduction
BlockFrens, a leading news agency and a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is committed to safeguarding the privacy and security of our community members. Blockfrens values your privacy and is dedicated to protecting your personal data in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and other applicable data protection laws. This Privacy Policy outlines our practices regarding the collection, use, and disclosure of your information on our website https://blockfrens.com.
2. Data Collection
We collect personal data such as names, email addresses, and activity data through your interactions with our website, which is hosted on WordPress and utilizes BuddyPress for community forums. We also employ Google Analytics and Google Signals for traffic analysis and personalized advertising, and Mailchimp for newsletter distribution.
3. Data Use
Personal data is used to provide personalized services, communication, website enhancement, and for analytical insights. Data processing is based on legal grounds under GDPR, including consent, contract necessity, and legitimate interests.
4. Data Sharing and Disclosure
Data is shared with third-party providers, including WordPress, BuddyPress, Google, and Mailchimp, under strict data processing agreements that adhere to GDPR. We disclose personal information as required by law and ensure transparency with our users regarding data sharing.
5. GDPR Compliance and User Rights
You have rights under the GDPR, including the right to access, rectify, erase, or restrict processing of your data, and to withdraw consent. We provide mechanisms for these rights and will promptly honor user requests.
6. Data Security
We maintain robust security measures, including SSL encryption and best practices.
7. Data Retention
Data is retained in line with the purposes stated in this policy, adhering to GDPR.
8. International Data Transfer
Data transfers internationally are safeguarded by mechanisms like standard contractual clauses as required by GDPR.
9. Children’s Privacy
We comply with GDPR’s directives on children’s data, not knowingly collecting data from children under the age of 16 without parental consent.
10. Third-Party Links
We are not responsible for third-party websites linked from our site and encourage users to review their privacy policies.
11. Changes to Policy
We reserve the right to update this policy and will provide notice as required by GDPR.
12. Contact Information
For privacy-related inquiries or to exercise GDPR rights, please contact our Data Protection Officer at team@blockfrens.org.
13. Data Breach Notification
In case of a data breach, we will notify relevant authorities and individuals affected without undue delay.
Service-Specific Terms
- WordPress & BuddyPress: We adhere to the privacy standards set by WordPress and BuddyPress, ensuring user data is handled securely.
- Google Analytics & Signals: We inform users about data collection via Google services for analytics and cross-device ad personalization.
- Mailchimp: We disclose our use of Mailchimp for email newsletters and ensure opt-in consent for marketing communications.
