Privacy Policy for THE Empire City Wire

EFFECTIVE DATE: 9/2/2025

The Empire City Wire (“we,” “our,” or “us”) values your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website, mobile application, or interact with our services (collectively, the “Services”).

By using our Services, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy.

1. Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of information:

a. Information You Provide to Us

  • Name, email address, phone number, or other contact details when you sign up for newsletters, create an account, or contact us.

  • Payment information if you purchase subscriptions, services, or products.

  • User-generated content (e.g., comments posted through Disqus).

b. Information Collected Automatically

  • Log data such as IP address, browser type, operating system, referring/exit pages, and date/time stamps.

  • Usage data including pages viewed, clicks, and engagement with our content.

  • Device information such as device type, unique identifiers, and mobile network information.

c. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies, web beacons, and similar technologies to:

  • Remember your preferences.

  • Analyze traffic and usage trends.

  • Deliver personalized advertisements.

2. Third-Party Services We Use

We work with trusted service providers to operate and improve our Services:

  • Squarespace Hosting & Analytics: Our website is hosted on Squarespace, which automatically collects analytics data such as visitor counts, traffic sources, and device/browser information. Learn more at Squarespace Privacy Policy.

  • Google Analytics: We use Google Analytics to understand how users interact with our site. Google may collect data such as IP address, device type, and browsing activity. Learn more at Google’s Privacy & Terms.

  • Google AdSense: We use Google AdSense to display ads. AdSense may use cookies and web beacons to deliver relevant ads based on your browsing history. You can opt out of personalized ads through Google Ads Settings.

  • Disqus: Our comments section is powered by Disqus. If you choose to comment, Disqus may collect information such as your login details, profile, and any content you post. Please review the Disqus Privacy Policy.

  • Social Media Advertising: We may advertise our content and services on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X, LinkedIn, and others. These platforms may collect data based on your engagement with ads or posts.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

  • Provide and improve our Services.

  • Send newsletters, updates, or promotional materials.

  • Display relevant advertisements, including through Google AdSense and social media platforms.

  • Analyze site usage through Google Analytics and Squarespace Analytics.

  • Manage and moderate comments via Disqus.

  • Detect, prevent, and address technical issues or fraudulent activity.

  • Comply with legal obligations.

4. How We Share Your Information

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

  • Service Providers (Squarespace, Google Analytics, Google AdSense, Disqus, hosting providers, etc.).

  • Social Media Platforms for targeted advertising campaigns.

  • Legal Authorities if required by law or to protect our rights, property, or safety.

  • Business Transfers in the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets.

5. Your Privacy Choices

  • Cookies: You can manage or disable cookies through your browser settings.

  • Google Ads: You may opt out of personalized ads by visiting Google Ads Settings.

  • Marketing Emails: You may unsubscribe from promotional emails at any time.

  • Account Information: You may request to update or delete your personal information by contacting us.

6. GDPR & CCPA Compliance

a. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) – EU Users

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

  • Right of Access – Request access to the personal data we hold about you.

  • Right of Rectification – Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information.

  • Right to Erasure – Request deletion of your personal data, subject to certain exceptions.

  • Right to Restrict Processing – Request limits on how we use your data.

  • Right to Data Portability – Request a copy of your data in a portable format.

  • Right to Object – Object to processing of your personal data for marketing purposes.

To exercise these rights, contact us using the details below. We may require verification of your identity before fulfilling your request.

b. California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA/CPRA) – California Residents

If you are a California resident, you have the following rights under the CCPA/CPRA:

  • Right to Know – Request disclosure of the categories and specific pieces of personal information we collect, use, and share.

  • Right to Delete – Request deletion of your personal information, subject to exceptions.

  • Right to Opt-Out of Sale/Sharing – We do not sell personal information, but if that changes, you have the right to opt out.

  • Right to Non-Discrimination – You will not be discriminated against for exercising your privacy rights.

To exercise your CCPA rights, contact us at the email or mailing address below.

7. Data Security

We use reasonable technical, administrative, and physical safeguards to protect your personal information. However, no method of transmission or storage is 100% secure.

8. Children’s Privacy

Our Services are not directed to children under 13 (or under 16 in the EU). We do not knowingly collect information from children. If we learn that we have collected personal data from a child, we will delete it promptly.

9. International Users

If you access our Services from outside the United States, please note that your data may be processed and stored in the U.S., where privacy laws may differ from those in your country.

10. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted here with an updated “Effective Date.”

We reserve the right to update or change our Privacy Policy at any time and you should check this Privacy Policy periodically. Your continued use of the Service after we post any modifications to the Privacy Policy on this page will constitute your acknowledgment of the modifications and your consent to abide and be bound by the modified Privacy Policy. If we make any material changes to this Privacy Policy, we will notify you either through the email address you have provided us, or by placing a prominent notice on our website or this landing page.

11. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us here.