Privacy Policy
Palmetto State Auditor News Media (“we,” “us,” or “our”) is committed to protecting your privacy and maintaining transparency in how we collect, use, and safeguard information. This Privacy Policy explains how information is handled when you visit or interact with our website. Purpose of This Website Palmetto State Auditor News Media is a digital news and media platform dedicated to reporting, commentary, and public-interest journalism. Our mission is to inform the public while respecting individual privacy and constitutional freedoms, including freedom of the press.
Information We Collect
We collect minimal information, and only when necessary.
a. Information You Voluntarily Provide
You may choose to provide personal information when you: – Submit a contact form – Email us directly – Submit news tips, comments, or story leads
This information may include: – Name (if provided) – Email address – Message content or attachments
Providing this information is entirely voluntary.
b. Automatically Collected Information
Like most websites, we may collect limited non-personal information automatically, including:
– IP address – Browser type – Device type – Pages visited – Date and time of access
This information is used only for website functionality, security, and basic analytics.
Cookies and Tracking Technologies
We may use standard cookies or similar technologies to:
– Ensure proper site functionality – Improve user experience – Understand general site traffic trends
We do not use cookies to: – Track users across unrelated websites – Build personal profiles – Sell behavioral data
You can disable cookies through your browser settings at any time.
How We Use Information
– Respond to inquiries or messages – Review and investigate news tips – Improve website performance and content – Maintain site security and prevent abuse
We do not sell, rent, or trade personal information.
News Tips, Confidential Sources & Anonymity
We respect journalistic standards and the importance of confidential sources.
· Anonymous tips may be submitted unless otherwise required by law
· We do not intentionally collect identifying information beyond what is voluntarily provided
· Communications related to news tips are treated as confidential to the fullest extent allowed by law
However, no online communication can be guaranteed to be 100% secure. Sources submitting sensitive information should use discretion.
Third-Party Services
We may use third-party tools or services for:
– Website hosting – Analytics – Email delivery
These providers are limited to using information only as necessary to perform their services and are not permitted to use it for their own purposes.
Our website may contain links to third-party websites. Were not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those sites.
Data Security
We implement reasonable administrative and technical safeguards to protect information from unauthorized access, disclosure, or misuse.
Despite these efforts, no method of transmission over the internet is completely secure.
Children’s Privacy
This website is intended for a general audience. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under the age of 13.
If you believe a child has provided personal information, please contact us and we will take appropriate action.
Legal Disclosures
We may disclose information if required to do so by law, court order, or legal process, or when we believe disclosure is necessary to:
– Protect our legal rights – Comply with lawful requests – Protect the safety of the public or others
Changes to This Privacy Policy
We reserve the right to update this Privacy Policy at any time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date. Continued use of the site after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.
Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or how information is handled, you may contact us using our contact page.
This Privacy Policy is provided for transparency and informational purposes and does not create a contractual obligation.