The Hometown Journal respects your privacy and is committed to protecting any personal information you may provide while using our website. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard information.
Information we collect
We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide, such as when you contact us by email or submit a message. This may include your name, email address, and any information you choose to share.
We also collect non-personal information automatically, including browser type, device information, IP address, pages visited, referring URLs, and general usage data. This information is used for analytics, performance monitoring, and advertising purposes.
How we use information
Information collected by The Hometown Journal may be used to:
- Respond to inquiries and communications
- Improve website content, usability, and performance
- Understand audience engagement and traffic patterns
- Serve and measure advertising effectiveness
- Maintain website security and integrity
We do not sell personal information in the traditional sense. However, certain data sharing related to advertising and analytics may be considered a “sale” or “sharing” under some privacy laws.
Cookies, advertising, and analytics
The Hometown Journal uses cookies and similar technologies to support site functionality, analytics, and advertising.
We may use services such as Google Analytics to understand how visitors interact with our website. These services collect anonymized information such as page views, session duration, and device data.
We may also use Google AdSense or similar advertising platforms. These services use cookies, including advertising cookies, to display ads that may be relevant to users based on their visits to this and other websites.
Users can control or disable cookies through their browser settings. In addition, users may manage ad personalization preferences through Google’s ad settings and opt out of interest-based advertising through industry opt-out mechanisms.
Third-party data use
Third-party vendors, including Google, may use cookies or device identifiers to serve ads and measure performance. These vendors process data according to their own privacy policies. The Hometown Journal does not control how third parties collect or use data.
California privacy rights (CCPA/CPRA)
If you are a California resident, you have specific rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and the California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA).
These rights include:
- The right to know what personal information is collected, used, shared, or disclosed
- The right to request access to or deletion of your personal information
- The right to opt out of the sale or sharing of personal information
- The right to non-discrimination for exercising your privacy rights
Some data sharing for advertising or analytics purposes may qualify as “sharing” under California law. California residents may opt out of such sharing by using available cookie controls, browser privacy settings, or ad preference tools provided by third parties.
To exercise your California privacy rights, you may contact us using the information below. We may need to verify your request before processing it.
Data security
We implement reasonable administrative and technical safeguards to protect personal information. However, no method of data transmission or storage is completely secure.
External links
Our website may include links to external websites. The Hometown Journal is not responsible for the privacy practices or content of third-party sites.
Children’s information
The Hometown Journal does not knowingly collect personal information from children under the age of 13. If such information is identified, it will be removed promptly.
Changes to this policy
This Privacy Policy may be updated periodically. Updates will be posted on this page with a revised effective date.
Contact information
For questions about this Privacy Policy or to exercise privacy rights, contact:
The Hometown Journal
PO Box 24
Lowellville, OH 44436
Phone: 330-755-2155
Email: news@hometownjournal.biz