Last updated: [DATE]
The Open Record (“we,” “our,” or “us”) is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard your information when you visit our website theopenrecord.org.
Information We Collect
Newsletter Subscriptions
When you subscribe to our newsletter through Substack, we collect:
- Email address
- Subscription preferences
- Reading engagement data (open rates, click rates)
Discord Community
When you join our Discord server, we may access:
- Discord username and profile information
- Messages and interactions within our server
- Community participation data
Contact Forms
When you contact us, we collect:
- Name and email address
- Organization information (if provided)
- Message content and inquiry details
- Project requirements and budget information
Website Analytics
We use Google Analytics to understand how visitors use our site:
- Pages visited and time spent
- Geographic location (general area)
- Device and browser information
- Referral sources
Note: Our cookie consent banner (powered by WPConsent) allows you to control analytics tracking.
How We Use Your Information
Newsletter Communications
- Send weekly research updates and community highlights
- Share exclusive content with subscribers
- Measure engagement to improve content quality
Community Management
- Facilitate discussions in our Discord community
- Moderate content for community safety
- Share community highlights (with permission)
Professional Services
- Respond to research and fact-checking inquiries
- Provide quotes and project timelines
- Deliver contracted research services
- Follow up on completed projects
Website Improvement
- Analyze site usage to improve user experience
- Understand content preferences
- Optimize newsletter signup conversion
Information Sharing and Disclosure
We do not sell, trade, or otherwise transfer your personal information to third parties except:
Service Providers
- Substack: Newsletter hosting and delivery
- Discord: Community platform hosting
- Google Analytics: Website analytics (with your consent)
- WordPress hosting: Website infrastructure
Legal Requirements
We may disclose information when required by law or to:
- Comply with legal processes
- Protect our rights and safety
- Prevent fraud or abuse
Data Security
We implement appropriate security measures to protect your information:
- Encrypted data transmission (SSL)
- Secure hosting infrastructure
- Regular security updates
- Limited access to personal information
Your Rights and Choices
Newsletter Subscriptions
- Unsubscribe: Use the link in any newsletter or email us
- Update preferences: Manage your Substack subscription settings
- Data deletion: Request removal of your email from our records
Discord Community
- Leave server: Exit our Discord community at any time
- Data deletion: Contact us to remove your participation history
Website Analytics
- Cookie consent: Use our consent banner to control tracking
- Opt-out: Disable analytics cookies through browser settings
Data Access and Portability
You have the right to:
- Request a copy of your personal data
- Correct inaccurate information
- Request deletion of your data
- Object to certain data processing
Third-Party Services
Our website integrates with external services:
Substack
- Purpose: Newsletter hosting and delivery
- Data shared: Email address, subscription preferences
- Privacy policy: substack.com/privacy
Discord
- Purpose: Community discussions and engagement
- Data shared: Username, messages within our server
- Privacy policy: discord.com/privacy
Google Analytics
- Purpose: Website usage analysis
- Data shared: Anonymous usage statistics
- Privacy policy: policies.google.com/privacy
Children’s Privacy
Our services are not intended for children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we learn we have collected such information, we will delete it immediately.
International Users
The Open Record operates from the United States. If you are visiting from outside the U.S., your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in the United States where our servers are located.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. We will notify subscribers of material changes through:
- Email notification to newsletter subscribers
- Notice on our website
- Discord community announcement
Contact Information
For privacy-related questions or requests:
Email: contact@theopenrecord.org
Subject Line: Privacy Policy Inquiry
Response Time: Within 7 business days
Mailing Address:
The Open Record
PO Box 92
Atlanta, Michigan 49709
United States
Legal Compliance
This Privacy Policy complies with:
- General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
- California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA)
- CAN-SPAM Act
- Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)
By using our website, subscribing to our newsletter, or joining our Discord community, you agree to this Privacy Policy.
