Effective Date: 02/26/2026
Website: WestGeorgiaTimes.com
Operator: West Georgia Times
Location: State of Georgia, United States
1. Introduction
West Georgia Times (“we,” “our,” or “us”) respects your privacy and is committed to protecting the personal information you provide when using our website.
This Privacy Policy explains:
- What information we collect
- How we collect it
- How we use it
- How we share it
- Your rights
- How we safeguard it
By accessing or using this Website, you consent to the practices described in this Privacy Policy.
2. Information We Collect
We may collect the following categories of information:
2.1 Information You Voluntarily Provide
This may include:
- Name
- Email address
- Phone number
- Mailing address
- Information submitted through contact forms
- Comments posted on articles
- Tips or submissions
- Subscription information
- Survey responses
2.2 Automatically Collected Information
When you visit the Website, we may automatically collect:
- IP address
- Device type
- Browser type
- Operating system
- Referring URLs
- Pages visited
- Time spent on pages
- Clickstream data
- Approximate geographic location (based on IP)
This information may be collected using:
- Cookies
- Log files
- Web beacons
- Analytics tools
- Advertising technologies
2.3 AI and Automated Processing
We may use artificial intelligence systems and automated tools to:
- Moderate comments
- Detect spam
- Analyze website traffic
- Improve content recommendations
- Assist with editorial research
- Detect fraudulent or malicious behavior
Automated systems may process user-submitted data as part of normal operations.
We do not use AI to make legally binding decisions about users.
3. How We Use Your Information
We may use collected information to:
- Operate and maintain the Website
- Respond to inquiries
- Publish user-submitted content
- Send newsletters or alerts
- Improve user experience
- Analyze audience behavior
- Prevent fraud or abuse
- Comply with legal obligations
- Enforce our Terms and Conditions
4. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
We may use cookies and similar technologies to:
- Recognize returning users
- Save user preferences
- Deliver advertisements
- Measure website performance
You may disable cookies through your browser settings. However, some features may not function properly if cookies are disabled.
5. Advertising and Third-Party Services
We may partner with third-party vendors, including:
- Advertising networks
- Analytics providers
- Hosting providers
- Email service providers
- Social media platforms
These third parties may collect information directly from your device using cookies or tracking technologies.
We do not control third-party privacy practices. Please review their privacy policies separately.
6. Data Sharing and Disclosure
We do not sell personal information in the traditional sense.
We may share information:
- With service providers performing business operations
- When required by law
- In response to subpoenas or court orders
- To protect our legal rights
- In connection with a merger, acquisition, or asset sale
- To prevent fraud, security threats, or illegal activity
7. Data Security
We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect personal information.
However, no system is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security of transmitted or stored information.
Use of the Website is at your own risk.
8. Children’s Privacy
This Website is not directed to children under 13.
We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 in compliance with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).
If we become aware that we have collected such information, we will delete it.
9. Georgia-Specific Notice
While Georgia does not currently have a comprehensive consumer privacy statute equivalent to California’s CCPA, we comply with:
- Georgia data breach notification laws
- Applicable federal privacy regulations
- Applicable consumer protection statutes
In the event of a data breach involving personal information, affected Georgia residents will be notified in accordance with Georgia law.
10. Your Privacy Rights
Depending on your location, you may have rights including:
- Request access to personal data
- Request correction of inaccurate data
- Request deletion of personal data
- Opt out of marketing communications
- Disable cookies
To exercise your rights, contact:
[Insert Contact Email]
We may require identity verification before processing certain requests.
11. Data Retention
We retain personal information only as long as necessary to:
- Fulfill the purposes outlined in this Policy
- Comply with legal obligations
- Resolve disputes
- Enforce agreements
12. Email Communications
If you subscribe to newsletters or alerts, you may unsubscribe at any time by:
- Clicking the unsubscribe link
- Contacting us directly
We comply with the CAN-SPAM Act.
13. Comments and Public Submissions
Information you voluntarily post in comment sections or public forums becomes publicly visible.
We are not responsible for how third parties use publicly available information.
14. Do Not Track Signals
Our Website may not respond to “Do Not Track” browser signals.
15. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Updates will be reflected by a revised effective date.
Continued use of the Website after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Policy.
16. Limitation of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law, West Georgia Times shall not be liable for:
- Unauthorized access to personal data
- Third-party data misuse
- Security breaches beyond our reasonable control
- Actions taken by third-party vendors
17. Contact Information
For privacy-related inquiries:
West Georgia Times
editor@atlanta-news.com