Effective Date: 4/23/2025
Last Updated: 4/23/2025
Welcome to FTL POLITICS, a civic media initiative. We value your privacy and are committed to being transparent about how we collect, use, and protect your information.
This Privacy Policy outlines how we handle the personal information collected through this website, our newsletter, and related digital communications. By using our website or signing up for updates, you agree to the terms of this Policy.
1. Who We Are
FTL POLITICS is a civic-focused editorial platform. The blog operates independently and is not affiliated with any political campaign, candidate, or political committee. Our purpose is to promote transparency, accountability, and public awareness of local governance.
2. What Information We Collect
a. Information You Provide Directly
- Email address and name (if submitted via newsletter subscription, contact forms, or comments)
- Messages or inquiries you send to us directly
b. Information Collected Automatically
- IP address
- Browser type and user agent
- Pages visited, referring URLs, and other anonymized traffic data via standard analytics tools
- Cookies (see Section 6)
c. Comments
When visitors leave comments on the site, we collect:
- The data shown in the comments form
- The visitor’s IP address
- The browser user agent string (to help with spam detection)
An anonymized string (hash) of your email address may be sent to the Gravatar service to determine if you use it. Their privacy policy is available here: https://automattic.com/privacy/. After your comment is approved, your profile image (if applicable) will be displayed publicly with your comment.
d. Media Uploads
If you upload images to the website, you should avoid uploading files that contain EXIF GPS location data, as this information can be extracted by others who view your images online.
3. How We Use Your Information
We use your information solely for the following purposes:
- To send editorial content and updates you opted in to receive
- To respond to user inquiries or comments
- To improve site performance through basic analytics
- To manage spam and prevent abuse through automated systems
We do not use your email address or any other personal information for commercial purposes. Your email will never be sold, rented, or used to promote unrelated products or services.
4. Embedded Content from Other Websites
Articles on this site may include embedded content (e.g., videos, images, tweets, or articles). Embedded content from other websites behaves in the exact same way as if you visited the original site.
These websites may collect data about you, use cookies, embed third-party tracking, and monitor your interaction with the content — especially if you have an account and are logged in to that service (e.g., YouTube, Twitter, etc.).
5. Cookies
a. Comments and Browsing
If you leave a comment on our site, you may opt-in to save your name, email address, and website in cookies. These cookies are for your convenience so that you do not have to fill in your details again when you leave another comment. These cookies will last for one year.
b. Login and Session Cookies (if applicable)
If you visit our login page, a temporary cookie will check if your browser accepts cookies. It is discarded when you close your browser.
When you log in, we set cookies to store:
- Login credentials (lasting two days)
- Display preferences (lasting one year)
If you select “Remember Me,” your login persists for two weeks. Logging out removes these cookies.
If you edit or publish an article, a cookie with the post ID may be saved. It contains no personal data and expires after one day.
6. Who We Share Your Data With
We do not share your personal data with third parties, except:
- If you request a password reset, your IP address may be included in the reset email
- Visitor comments may be checked through an automated spam detection service
7. How Long We Retain Your Data
If you leave a comment, the comment and its metadata are retained indefinitely so we can automatically approve follow-up comments without moderation.
For users who register on the site (if applicable), we also store the personal information they provide in their user profile. All users can see, edit, or delete their information (except usernames). Administrators can also access and manage that data.
8. Your Rights Over Your Data
If you have an account or have left comments, you may:
- Request an exported file of your personal data
- Request that we erase your personal data
This does not include any data we are required to keep for legal, administrative, or security purposes.
To request data access or deletion, please email us at [Insert Email Address].
9. Where Your Data Is Sent
Visitor comments may be screened through automated spam detection services to ensure the integrity of the comment system and prevent abuse.
10. Children’s Privacy
This website is intended for a general audience and is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect data from children. If you believe a child has submitted personal information, please contact us immediately.
11. Data Security
We take reasonable administrative, technical, and physical measures to protect your data. However, no method of transmission or storage is completely secure. You use this website and submit data at your own risk.
12. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in our practices or legal obligations. The “Last Updated” date at the top will reflect the most recent changes. We encourage you to review this policy regularly.
13. Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, your personal data, or how we handle user information, you can contact:
FTL POLITICS
ftlpolitics@gmail.com
1126 S Federal Hwy
Unit #864
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316