Last Updated: 1 June 2025
1. Who We Are
RosTrace News (https://rostrace.com) is a digital media outlet operated by RosTrace Media Pty Ltd, committed to delivering accurate and engaging news across global, political, health, science, and entertainment sectors.
Company Address:
8 Nash Street, Croydon Park, Adelaide, South Australia 5008
Email: info.rostrace@gmail.com
We are fully committed to protecting your personal information and ensuring transparency about how your data is collected, used, stored, and shared.
2. What Personal Data We Collect and Why
We collect the following types of data to enhance our site functionality, protect users, and offer a personalized experience:
a) Personal Information
- Name
- Email address
- Usernames or login credentials (if applicable)
Why: To register accounts, manage subscriptions, enable commenting, and respond to inquiries.
b) Transaction Data (If applicable)
- Order details
- Billing information
- Payment records
Why: To process paid services, donations, and merchandise transactions securely.
c) Technical and Interaction Data
- IP addresses
- Browser type and settings
- Cookies and session data
- Analytics and traffic logs
Why: To monitor website usage, detect security risks, and improve user experience.
d) Sensitive Information
We do not actively collect sensitive personal data. If such data is shared voluntarily (e.g., via uploads or contact), it is treated with utmost confidentiality and never shared or sold.
3. Comments
When you comment on articles, we collect:
- The data provided in the comment form
- Your IP address
- Browser user agent string
This information helps us detect spam and ensure community safety. Comments may be moderated and made publicly visible.
4. Media
Visitors who upload media files (e.g., images) should avoid including embedded location data (EXIF GPS). Uploaded media may be publicly accessible and downloadable by others.
5. Contact Forms
When using our contact forms, we may collect:
- Name
- Email address
- Message content
Retention: Up to 12 months. This data is used solely for customer service and is not used for marketing unless you opt in.
6. Cookies
RosTrace uses cookies to:
- Maintain session data
- Store preferences
- Analyze traffic (via Google Analytics)
- Integrate third-party plugins and social media platforms
Users can manage or disable cookies through browser settings. Some site functions may not work correctly without them.
7. Analytics
We use:
- Google Analytics
- Jetpack by Automattic
These tools help us understand website traffic, popular content, and user engagement.
You can opt out via:
🔗 Google Analytics Opt-Out Tool
🔗 Automattic Privacy Policy
8. Who We Share Your Data With
We only share data with trusted service providers when necessary:
| Provider | Purpose | Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Google (Analytics, Ads) | Web analytics and advertising | Google Privacy Policy |
| Automattic (Jetpack, Akismet) | Stats and anti-spam | Automattic Policy |
| Email Marketing (e.g., Mailchimp, Brevo) | Newsletters | Mailchimp |
We do not sell or lease your data to any third parties.
9. Data Retention Periods
| Data Type | Duration |
|---|---|
| Comments and user accounts | Indefinitely (unless deleted) |
| Contact form entries | 12 months |
| Analytics data | 26 months |
| Purchase records | 7 years (for legal and tax purposes) |
10. Your Rights Over Your Data
You may:
- Request access to your personal data
- Ask for corrections or deletions
- Withdraw consent at any time
- Object to processing or profiling
- Export your data (data portability)
📩 For any of the above, please contact: info.rostrace@gmail.com
11. Data Transfers Outside the EU
If you’re located in the European Union, your data may be processed on servers outside the EU. To ensure compliance with the GDPR, we use:
- Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs)
- Privacy Shield (where applicable)
- Trusted third-party partners with compliant policies
12. How We Protect Your Data
We maintain security using:
- End-to-end SSL encryption
- Role-based access and two-factor authentication
- Regular updates and security patches
- Staff training on privacy best practices
13. Data Breach Response Plan
In the event of a data breach:
- We’ll notify affected users and authorities within 72 hours (as per legal requirement)
- We’ll assess the impact, secure the system, and prevent recurrence
14. Third-Party Data Sources
RosTrace may receive non-identifiable data from:
- Social platforms
- Advertising partners
- News syndication services
This data is used to enhance your user experience and is never used for invasive profiling.
15. Automated Profiling
We do not engage in automated decision-making or credit profiling. Content suggestions based on your reading preferences may occur but do not involve sensitive data or impact your rights.
16. Regulatory Compliance
We comply with the:
- Australian Privacy Act 1988
- General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) for EU users
- California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) where applicable
17. Contact for Privacy Concerns
For privacy-related inquiries or data access requests, please contact:
📧 Email: info.rostrace@gmail.com
📍 Postal Address: 8 Nash Street, Croydon Park, Adelaide, SA 5008