Privacy Policy
Last updated: July 21, 2026
This Privacy Policy describes how the operator of freenode news (the "Operator", "we", "us") collects, uses, discloses, and safeguards information in connection with the freenode news website (the "Site"). By using the Site you acknowledge the practices described in this Policy.
1. Summary
The Site is designed to be read without an account and to collect the minimum information practicable. The Site does not use advertising networks, third-party analytics, tracking pixels, social media widgets, or third-party cookies, and sets no cookies in connection with ordinary reading.
2. Information We Collect
(a) Server logs. Like substantially all websites, our servers automatically record limited technical information when you access the Site, including IP address, user agent string, requested URL, referrer, and timestamp ("Log Data"). Log Data is collected for security, abuse prevention, debugging, and capacity planning.
(b) Submissions. If you use the contact or tip forms, we collect the information you choose to provide, which may include your name, email address, and the content of your message ("Submission Data"). Name and email are optional on the tip form.
(c) Correspondence. If you email an address published on the Site, we collect that correspondence.
We do not knowingly collect any special categories of personal data and ask that you not include such data in Submissions.
3. How We Use Information
We use Log Data to operate, secure, and maintain the Site; to detect, prevent, and respond to abuse, fraud, and security incidents; and to understand aggregate load. We use Submission Data and correspondence to evaluate and respond to the matter submitted, including for newsgathering, corrections, and list-administration purposes. Where the laws of your jurisdiction require a legal basis for processing, we rely on our legitimate interests in operating and securing the Site and in journalism, on your consent where applicable, and on compliance with legal obligations.
4. Journalism and Public Sources
The Site reports on publicly available primary sources, including public mailing lists, forums, and code repositories. In the course of reporting, Content may reference names, email addresses, statements, and other information that individuals have themselves made public in those venues. Such processing is carried out for journalistic purposes. Requests concerning personal data appearing in Content may be submitted as described in Section 9; when evaluating such requests we balance privacy rights against the public interest in news reporting and archival integrity.
5. Disclosure of Information
We do not sell, rent, or trade personal information. We may disclose information: (a) to service providers that host our infrastructure, solely as necessary to operate the Site; (b) if required to do so by law, subpoena, or other legal process, or where we believe in good faith that disclosure is necessary to protect our rights, your safety, or the safety of others, or to investigate abuse; (c) in connection with a reorganization or transfer of the Site, in which case this Policy will continue to apply; and (d) with your direction or consent. We do not disclose the identity of confidential news sources except as compelled by law.
6. Data Retention
Log Data is retained for a limited period consistent with the security purposes described above and is then deleted or anonymized. Submission Data and correspondence are retained as long as reasonably necessary to handle the matter, maintain records of corrections, and comply with legal obligations. Published Content is retained indefinitely as part of the news archive.
7. Security
We employ technical and organizational measures reasonably designed to protect information under our control, including transport encryption, access controls, and minimization of collected data. No method of transmission or storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
8. International Transfers
The Site is operated from infrastructure that may be located in jurisdictions other than your own. By using the Site or submitting information, you understand that your information may be transferred to and processed in such jurisdictions, which may have data protection laws different from those of your jurisdiction.
9. Your Rights and Choices
Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have rights to request access to, correction of, or deletion of personal data we hold about you, to object to or restrict certain processing, and to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority. Requests may be submitted to [email protected] or through the contact form. We will respond consistent with applicable law, including applicable journalistic exemptions.
10. Children
The Site is a general-audience news publication and is not directed to children under the age of 16. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided personal information through the Site, contact [email protected] and we will delete it.
11. Do Not Track
Because the Site does not track visitors across third-party websites, it does not respond differently to "Do Not Track" browser signals; all visitors receive the same minimal-collection treatment described in this Policy.
12. Changes to This Policy
We may revise this Policy from time to time by posting an updated version to this page and updating the "Last updated" date above. Material changes are effective upon posting. Your continued use of the Site after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the revised Policy.
13. Governing Law
This Policy and any dispute arising out of or relating to it or to our processing of your information shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Nation of Joseon, without regard to conflict of laws principles, save for any non-waivable rights you may have under the mandatory law of your place of residence.
14. Contact
Privacy inquiries may be directed to [email protected].