Privacy Policy

Last updated: July 2026

Introduction

The Clearcut News ("we", "our", or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and your rights regarding your data.

Information We Collect

• Account information: When you sign in with Google, we receive your name, email address, and profile picture. • Usage data: We collect anonymous analytics about how you use the app (articles read, features used) to improve the experience. • Bookmarks, votes and comments: Your bookmarks, votes, and any comments you post are stored in our database and linked to your account. • Push notifications: If you allow notifications, we store a device token to deliver alerts for new articles, live updates, and shorts. • Reporter application details: If you apply to become a reporter, we collect your full name, phone number, a government identity document (Voter ID, Driving Licence, or Passport) type and number, a photo of you, and photos of your identity document, to verify your identity. • Crash and diagnostic data: We use Firebase Crashlytics and App Check to collect device and crash information to keep the app stable and secure.

How We Use Your Information

• To provide and personalise your news feed. • To remember your preferences (language, theme, reading settings). • To improve the app through anonymous usage analytics and diagnose crashes. • To send push notifications for new articles, live updates, and shorts, if enabled. • To review and verify reporter applications and enable reporter and admin features for authorised users.

Data Sharing

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. Your data may be processed by: • Firebase (Google) — authentication, analytics, crash reporting, and push notifications. • Supabase — our database, storing articles, comments, bookmarks, votes, sponsor content, shorts, and reporter application data. • Bunny CDN and Bunny Stream — media delivery and video hosting for articles, live updates, and shorts. Identity documents submitted for reporter applications are only accessible to authorised staff reviewing the application.

Reporter Program

If you apply to become a reporter, the personal and identity information you submit is used solely to verify your identity and review your application. Approved reporters may submit articles and short-form video content, which go through editorial review before publication.

Data Retention

Your account data is retained as long as your account is active. Reporter application information, including identity documents, is retained while your account or reporter status remains active. You may request deletion of your data, including reporter application data, at any time by contacting us.

Security

We use industry-standard security measures including Firebase security rules, encrypted connections, and restricted staff access to sensitive information such as identity documents. However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure.

Children's Privacy

The Clearcut News is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes through the app. Continued use of the app after changes constitutes acceptance.

Contact Us

If you have questions about this privacy policy or your data, contact us at: contact@shepherd.games