Privacy Policy

Effective Date: April 2026  |  Last Updated: April 2026

This Privacy Policy explains how Verum Network collects, uses, stores, shares, and may protect information in connection with your use of any Verum Network Platform. By accessing or using any Verum Network Platform, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy. This Policy should be read alongside our Terms and Conditions.

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE NATURE OF THIS POLICY

This Privacy Policy describes how Verum Network approaches the handling of information. Unless a specific provision is expressly stated to be a binding obligation using unambiguous mandatory language, no provision of this Policy shall be construed as creating a legally enforceable obligation on Verum Network to take or refrain from any particular action. References to what Verum Network “may” do, “aims” to do, “seeks” to do, or “reserves the right” to do are statements of intention or discretionary power only and do not create any duty, obligation, or expectation upon which any party may rely. All discretionary powers may be exercised or withheld at Verum Network’s sole and absolute discretion without notice, reason, or liability. This Policy does not form part of any contract and does not give rise to any contractual rights or remedies.

1. Scope and Application

This Privacy Policy applies to information collected by or submitted to Verum Network through any of its Platforms, including but not limited to the website at verumnetwork.com, all official social media accounts (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, X, YouTube, LinkedIn, Snapchat), all WhatsApp channels and broadcast lists, all email newsletters and subscription services, and any other digital property operated by or on behalf of Verum Network, whether now existing or created in the future.

This Policy does not apply to the data collection or privacy practices of Third-Party Platforms. Those platforms operate under their own independent privacy policies and Verum Network has no control over and accepts no responsibility for their data practices.

2. Information We Collect

Verum Network may collect the following categories of information depending on how you interact with its Platforms:

2.1 Information You Provide Directly

  • Name and email address when you subscribe to any Verum Network newsletter or communication channel
  • Contact details and the content of any message when you contact Verum Network directly
  • Any content, tips, letters, or other materials you voluntarily submit to any Verum Network Platform
  • Any information you provide when participating in surveys, promotions, or other interactive features

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

  • Technical data including browser type, device type, operating system, and screen resolution
  • IP address and approximate geographic location derived therefrom
  • Usage data including pages visited, time spent on pages, links clicked, and referral sources
  • Cookie and tracking data as described in Section 6 of this Policy

2.3 Information from Third-Party Platforms

Where you interact with Verum Network content on Third-Party Platforms, those platforms may share certain aggregated or anonymised data with Verum Network in accordance with their own privacy policies. Verum Network does not control what data those platforms collect or share.

3. How We Use Your Information

Verum Network may use information collected through its Platforms for the following purposes:

  • To operate, maintain, and improve the Platforms and the quality of Content
  • To send newsletters, updates, and other communications to users who have subscribed
  • To consider and, where Verum Network determines appropriate in its sole discretion, respond to enquiries and correspondence
  • To analyse audience behaviour and engagement for internal editorial and operational purposes
  • To monitor compliance with its Terms and Conditions and to address prohibited conduct
  • To comply with applicable legal obligations, including responding to binding legal demands, subject to the protections described in Section 7
  • To protect the rights, property, and safety of Verum Network, its users, and third parties

Verum Network does not use personal information to make automated decisions that produce legal or similarly significant effects on individual users.

4. Legal Basis for Processing

Where applicable data protection law requires Verum Network to identify a legal basis for processing personal information, Verum Network relies on the following:

  • Consent: where you have actively subscribed or otherwise provided express consent for a specific purpose
  • Legitimate interests: where processing is necessary for Verum Network’s legitimate interests in operating an independent media platform, protecting its legal rights, defending press freedom, and ensuring the security of its Platforms, provided those interests are not overridden by your rights
  • Legal obligation: where processing is necessary to comply with a binding legal obligation, following Verum Network’s assessment of the validity and proportionality of that obligation
  • Contract performance: where processing is necessary to fulfil an obligation arising from an agreement with you

Where Verum Network relies on consent, you may withdraw that consent at any time without affecting the lawfulness of prior processing.

5. Disclosure of Your Information

Verum Network does not sell your personal information to third parties. Verum Network may share your information in the following limited circumstances:

5.1 Service Providers

Verum Network may share information with third-party service providers who assist in operating the Platforms, including hosting providers, email distribution services, analytics providers, and content management systems. Such providers may use your information only to the extent necessary to perform services on Verum Network’s behalf.

5.2 Legal and Regulatory Disclosure

Verum Network may be required to disclose information pursuant to a lawful and binding court order or other compelled legal process. Verum Network’s approach to such demands is governed by Section 7 of this Policy. Verum Network will not voluntarily disclose user information to any State Actor, government body, or law enforcement authority. Any disclosure of user information is made only where Verum Network determines, in its sole discretion, that it is compelled to do so by a binding legal obligation, and extends only to the minimum strictly required.

5.3 Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, restructuring, or sale of assets involving Verum Network, your information may be transferred to the relevant successor entity. Verum Network may, where it considers appropriate, provide notice of any such transfer.

5.4 Aggregated and Anonymised Data

Verum Network may share aggregated, anonymised, or de-identified data that cannot reasonably be used to identify you with third parties for research, analytics, or editorial purposes.

6. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

The Verum Network website uses cookies and similar technologies to support website functionality, analyse traffic, and understand user behaviour.

6.1 Types of Cookies Used

  • Essential cookies: necessary for the website to function and cannot be disabled
  • Analytics cookies: used to collect anonymised or aggregated information about website interaction
  • Preference cookies: used to remember your settings and choices
  • Marketing cookies: may be used to deliver content relevant to your interests, where applicable

6.2 Managing Cookies

You may configure your browser to refuse some or all cookies. Disabling certain cookies may affect website functionality. Verum Network accepts no responsibility for any diminished experience resulting from cookie refusal. Where Verum Network operates on Third-Party Platforms, those platforms may deploy their own cookies and tracking technologies independently. Verum Network accepts no responsibility for those technologies.

7. State Actor Demands and Press Freedom

Verum Network is an independent press organisation. The provisions of this section describe Verum Network’s approach to State Actor demands affecting user data and press freedom. They are statements of principle and intent only and shall not be construed as creating any legally enforceable obligation on Verum Network to take or refrain from any particular action in any particular circumstance. Verum Network shall not be liable for any consequences arising from its decision to comply with, challenge, or decline to challenge any State Actor demand.

7.1 No Voluntary Disclosure to State Actors

Verum Network does not voluntarily disclose user information, source identities, tip submissions, or other data to any government, State Actor, law enforcement agency, intelligence service, or politically affiliated body. Verum Network does not cooperate with informal, unverified, or extra-judicial requests for user data from any State Actor. Any disclosure of user data is made only where Verum Network determines, in its sole discretion, that it is compelled to do so by a lawful and binding legal obligation.

7.2 Assessment of Legal Demands

Where Verum Network receives a formal legal demand for user information from any State Actor or regulatory authority, Verum Network may, in its sole discretion:

  • Assess the legal validity, proportionality, and jurisdictional basis of the demand
  • Seek legal advice and, where it considers appropriate, challenge demands it views as unlawful, disproportionate, or inconsistent with press freedom standards
  • Disclose only the minimum information it determines to be strictly required
  • Notify affected users where Verum Network considers it legally permissible and appropriate to do so
  • Document demands received for potential inclusion in transparency reporting

Each of these steps represents a discretionary action only. Verum Network is under no obligation to take any of them in any particular case and shall not be liable for any decision to take or not take any of these steps.

7.3 Resistance to Censorship

Verum Network reserves the right, in its sole and absolute discretion, to resist, challenge, or seek legal advice in respect of any State Actor demand it considers unlawful, disproportionate, or politically motivated. Verum Network may have regard to internationally recognised press freedom standards including those reflected in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Nothing in this section creates any obligation on Verum Network to challenge any demand, to incur legal costs, or to take any specific action. Verum Network shall not be liable for any consequences arising from compliance with any State Actor demand, or from any decision not to challenge such a demand.

7.4 Transparency

Verum Network reserves the right, in its sole discretion and to the extent permitted by applicable law, to publish information regarding State Actor demands affecting its operations or user data. Any such publication is entirely at Verum Network’s discretion. Verum Network is under no obligation to publish any transparency information, to do so within any timeframe, or to provide any particular level of detail. Verum Network shall not be liable for any decision to publish or withhold any transparency information.

8. Data Retention

Verum Network retains personal information only for as long as it determines to be necessary for the purposes described in this Policy, or as required by applicable law. Factors considered in determining retention periods include the nature and sensitivity of the information, the purposes for which it was collected, applicable legal obligations, and the potential risk of harm from unauthorised disclosure including disclosure to State Actors. When information is no longer required, Verum Network may delete or anonymise it in such manner as it considers appropriate.

9. Data Security

Verum Network implements such technical and organisational measures as it considers appropriate to protect personal information against unauthorised access, disclosure, alteration, loss, or destruction. No method of transmission over the internet is completely secure. Verum Network cannot guarantee the absolute security of any information and accepts no liability for any unauthorised access or data breach occurring despite reasonable security measures.

In the event of a data breach, Verum Network may take such steps as it determines appropriate in its sole discretion, which may include notifying affected users and regulatory authorities where Verum Network considers this to be required by applicable law.

10. Your Rights

Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have certain rights in relation to your personal information. Verum Network acknowledges the existence of such rights to the minimum extent required by applicable law. These may include:

  • The right to request access to personal information held about you
  • The right to request correction of inaccurate personal information
  • The right to request deletion of your personal information, subject to legal and operational constraints
  • The right to object to or restrict certain processing
  • The right to data portability in certain circumstances
  • The right to withdraw consent where processing is based on consent

To exercise any applicable right, you may contact Verum Network via the details available on verumnetwork.com. Verum Network will consider all requests and may respond where it determines this to be required by applicable law. Verum Network may require verification of your identity before processing any request. Verum Network does not accept any obligation to fulfil requests that are manifestly unfounded, excessive, or repetitive, or that conflict with its legal obligations, press freedom principles, or legitimate interests. The existence of a right does not oblige Verum Network to act upon every request made pursuant to it, beyond the minimum required by applicable law.

11. Minors and Children’s Privacy

Verum Network’s Platforms are not directed at individuals under the age of sixteen (16), or such higher age as applicable in the user’s jurisdiction. Verum Network does not knowingly collect personal information from underage users. If Verum Network becomes aware that such information has been collected without verifiable consent, it may take such steps to address this as it considers appropriate. Verum Network accepts no liability arising from the submission of information by underage users.

12. International Data Transfers

Verum Network operates as a global digital media platform and may process or store information in jurisdictions other than your own. By using any Verum Network Platform, you acknowledge that your information may be transferred to and processed in countries that may not provide the same level of data protection as your home jurisdiction. Where such transfers occur, Verum Network aims to ensure that appropriate safeguards are in place, but accepts no additional liability arising from cross-border transfers carried out in good faith. Verum Network does not intend to voluntarily transfer user data to any jurisdiction for the primary purpose of facilitating access by a State Actor and reserves the right to resist any such demand to the extent it determines appropriate in its sole discretion.

13. Third-Party Platforms and External Services

Where Verum Network operates on Third-Party Platforms including Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, X, YouTube, WhatsApp, LinkedIn, and Snapchat, your use of those platforms is governed by the respective platform operators’ privacy policies. Verum Network has no control over and accepts no responsibility for those platforms’ data collection, processing, or storage practices, including any data shared by those platforms with State Actors or government authorities. Verum Network is not responsible for the privacy practices of any third-party website linked from any Verum Network Platform.

14. Sanctions and Restricted Jurisdictions

Consistent with Verum Network’s Terms and Conditions, this Privacy Policy does not extend to users in jurisdictions subject to comprehensive international sanctions. Verum Network does not knowingly collect or process personal information from such users. Any information inadvertently collected from users in sanctioned jurisdictions may be deleted upon discovery as Verum Network considers appropriate.

15. Changes to This Privacy Policy

Verum Network reserves the right to update, amend, or replace this Privacy Policy at any time at its sole discretion. Any changes will be reflected on this page with an updated effective date. Where Verum Network considers changes to be material, it may provide additional notice via its Platforms. Your continued use of any Verum Network Platform following any update constitutes acceptance of the updated Policy.

16. Limitation of Liability

TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, VERUM NETWORK SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THE COLLECTION, USE, STORAGE, OR DISCLOSURE OF YOUR INFORMATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS PRIVACY POLICY, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY UNAUTHORISED ACCESS TO OR ALTERATION OF YOUR INFORMATION, ANY DISCLOSURE MADE PURSUANT TO A BINDING LEGAL OBLIGATION, ANY DECISION TO COMPLY WITH OR NOT CHALLENGE ANY STATE ACTOR DEMAND, OR ANY CROSS-BORDER TRANSFER OF DATA CARRIED OUT IN GOOD FAITH.

The limitations and exclusions of liability set out in Verum Network’s Terms and Conditions apply equally to this Privacy Policy and are incorporated herein by reference.

17. Governing Law

This Privacy Policy shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the same governing principles applicable to Verum Network’s Terms and Conditions. Any dispute arising in connection with this Privacy Policy shall be subject to the dispute resolution provisions set out in Verum Network’s Terms and Conditions, including the mandatory arbitration and class action waiver provisions.

18. Contact

If you have any questions or concerns relating to this Privacy Policy, you may contact Verum Network via the contact details available at verumnetwork.com. Verum Network will consider all enquiries and may respond where it determines, in its sole and absolute discretion, that a response is appropriate.

This Privacy Policy was last reviewed and updated in April 2026. Verum Network is committed to responsible handling of user information and the protection of press freedom across all platforms.