Privacy Policy
The Meridian Times, Inc. ("The Meridian Times," "we," or "us") is committed to protecting the privacy of our readers and subscribers. This Privacy Policy describes the personal information we collect, how we use and share it, and the choices available to you. It applies to our websites, mobile applications, newsletters, and any other services that link to this policy (collectively, the "Services").
1. Information We Collect
We collect information in several ways depending on how you interact with us:
- Account registration. When you create an account or subscribe, we collect your name, email address, billing information, and subscription plan selection.
- Communications. If you contact us — to submit a letter, report a correction, or request subscriber support — we retain a record of that correspondence.
- Usage data. We collect information about the pages you visit, articles you read, search queries you submit, and other interactions with the Services. This may include your IP address, browser type, operating system, referring URL, and device identifiers.
- Cookies and similar technologies. We use first-party cookies and similar technologies to maintain your session, remember your preferences, and measure aggregate readership. We do not sell data to third-party advertising networks.
- Newsletter engagement. If you subscribe to one of our newsletters, we may collect information about whether the newsletter was opened and which links were followed, for the purpose of improving our editorial products.
2. How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect for purposes including:
- Delivering and maintaining the Services, including fulfilling subscription orders and processing payments.
- Communicating with you about your account, subscription renewals, and service updates.
- Personalizing your experience by surfacing articles and newsletters relevant to your reading history, where you have enabled this feature.
- Understanding aggregate readership patterns to guide editorial and product decisions.
- Detecting and preventing fraud, security incidents, and violations of our Terms of Service.
- Complying with legal obligations and enforcing our rights.
3. Sharing of Information
We do not sell personal information to third parties. We may share information in the following circumstances:
- Service providers. We share data with vendors who help us operate the Services, such as payment processors, email delivery platforms, and hosting providers. These vendors are bound by contractual obligations to use information only on our behalf and in accordance with this policy.
- Legal compliance. We may disclose information when required by law, court order, or governmental authority, or where we believe disclosure is necessary to protect our rights or the safety of our users.
- Business transfers. In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of substantially all of our assets, subscriber information may be transferred as part of that transaction, subject to the same privacy commitments.
4. Data Retention
We retain account and subscription data for as long as your account is active and for a reasonable period thereafter to fulfill our legal and operational obligations. Usage logs are retained for up to 13 months, after which they are aggregated or deleted. You may request deletion of your personal information at any time, subject to legal retention requirements.
5. Your Choices and Rights
Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have the right to access, correct, delete, or object to our processing of your personal information, or to receive a portable copy of data you have provided to us. To exercise any of these rights, contact us at privacy@meridiantimes.example. We will respond within the timeframe required by applicable law.
You may unsubscribe from marketing emails at any time using the unsubscribe link included in each message. Transactional emails related to your subscription and account cannot be opted out of while your account is active.
6. Security
We employ industry-standard technical and organizational measures to protect personal information against unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. These include encryption of data in transit, access controls limiting data to personnel with a legitimate need, and periodic security reviews. No system can guarantee absolute security; we encourage you to use a strong, unique password for your account.
7. Children
The Services are not directed to children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we learn that we have collected such information, we will delete it promptly.
8. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Material changes will be communicated to subscribers by email or by a prominent notice on the Services before they take effect. The effective date at the top of this page reflects the date of the most recent revision.