Welcome to Greater Oakland (“Company,” “we,” “our,” or “us”). Your privacy is important to us. This Privacy Policy explains how Greater Oakland collects, uses, discloses, and safeguards your information when you visit our website, mobile applications, newsletters, social media platforms, and related services (collectively, the “Services”).
By accessing or using Greater Oakland, you agree to this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, please discontinue use of our Services.
Information We Collect
We collect information in several ways to provide accurate news coverage, improve user experience, and operate our business effectively.
Information You Provide to Us
You may provide information when you:
- Subscribe to newsletters
- Create an account
- Comment on articles
- Submit tips, press releases, or feedback
- Participate in surveys or contests
- Contact customer support
- Purchase advertising or sponsored content
This information may include:
- Full name
- Email address
- Mailing address
- Phone number
- Payment information
- Username and password
- User-generated content (comments, submissions, uploads)
Information Automatically Collected
When you visit Greater Oakland, we automatically collect certain information such as:
- IP address
- Browser type and version
- Device type
- Operating system
- Referring URLs
- Pages viewed
- Date and time of visits
- Clickstream data
- Location data (approximate geographic location based on IP)
We may use cookies, pixels, tags, and similar technologies to collect this information.
Information from Third Parties
We may receive information from:
- Advertising networks
- Social media platforms
- Analytics providers
- Public databases
- Marketing partners
How We Use Your Information
Greater Oakland uses collected information to:
- Deliver news content and updates
- Personalize user experience
- Send newsletters and alerts
- Improve our website functionality
- Monitor and analyze usage trends
- Respond to inquiries and requests
- Prevent fraud and abuse
- Process payments and transactions
- Comply with legal obligations
- Display relevant advertisements
We may also use aggregated, anonymized data for research and analytics purposes.
Cookies and Tracking Technologies
Greater Oakland uses cookies and similar technologies to enhance user experience and support advertising.
Types of Cookies We Use:
- Essential Cookies – Necessary for site functionality
- Performance Cookies – Help us understand site usage
- Functional Cookies – Remember preferences
- Advertising Cookies – Deliver targeted ads
You may control cookie settings through your browser preferences. Disabling cookies may affect site performance.
We may also work with third-party advertising partners such as:
- Google LLC
- Meta Platforms, Inc.
- X Corp.
These partners may use cookies or tracking technologies to provide advertising services.
Third-Party Links and Services
Our website may contain links to third-party websites, services, or advertisements. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of external sites. We encourage users to review the privacy policies of those websites.
Sharing and Disclosure of Information
Greater Oakland may share your information in the following circumstances:
Service Providers
We may share information with vendors who help operate our business, including:
- Hosting providers
- Email service providers
- Payment processors
- Analytics services
- Advertising partners
Legal Requirements
We may disclose information:
- To comply with applicable laws
- In response to subpoenas or court orders
- To protect our rights and property
- To prevent fraud or illegal activity
Business Transfers
If Greater Oakland undergoes a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, user information may be transferred as part of that transaction.
With Your Consent
We may share information when you give us permission to do so.
Data Security
We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your information. However, no online platform can guarantee 100% security.
We use:
- SSL encryption
- Secure servers
- Access controls
- Periodic security reviews
Users are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of their login credentials.
Your Privacy Rights (United States)
Depending on your state of residence, you may have certain privacy rights.
California Residents (CCPA/CPRA)
Under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), California residents have the right to:
- Know what personal information is collected
- Request deletion of personal information
- Opt-out of the sale or sharing of personal data
- Correct inaccurate personal information
- Limit use of sensitive personal information
To exercise your rights, contact us at the email provided below.
Other State Privacy Laws
Residents of states such as:
- Virginia
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Utah
may have additional rights regarding access, correction, deletion, and opt-out of targeted advertising.
We do not discriminate against users for exercising privacy rights.
Children’s Privacy
Greater Oakland does not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 years of age in compliance with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). If we learn that we have collected information from a child under 13, we will delete it promptly.
Parents who believe their child has provided personal information may contact us.
Email Communications
Users who subscribe to newsletters may receive:
- Breaking news alerts
- Daily or weekly digests
- Promotional materials
- Sponsored content
You may unsubscribe at any time by clicking the “unsubscribe” link in emails.
Advertising and Sponsored Content
Greater Oakland may publish sponsored articles, native advertisements, and paid promotions. These will be clearly labeled.
We may use third-party advertising platforms including:
- Google Ads
- Taboola
- Outbrain Inc.
These platforms may collect data to provide interest-based advertising.
Users can opt out of targeted ads via:
- Network Advertising Initiative (NAI)
- Digital Advertising Alliance (DAA)
Data Retention
We retain personal information:
- As long as necessary to fulfill purposes outlined in this policy
- As required by law
- To resolve disputes
- To enforce agreements
When no longer required, information is securely deleted or anonymized.
International Users
Greater Oakland operates primarily in the United States. If you access our Services from outside the U.S., your information may be transferred to and processed in the United States.
By using our Services, you consent to this transfer.
Do Not Track Signals
Our website may not respond to “Do Not Track” browser signals due to varying standards across platforms.
Accessibility
Greater Oakland is committed to ensuring this Privacy Policy is accessible to all users, including individuals with disabilities. If you require assistance accessing this policy, please contact us.
Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Updates will be posted on this page with a revised effective date.
We encourage users to review this page periodically.
Contact Information
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your privacy rights, please contact:
Greater Oakland
Email: support@greateroakland.com
Website: www.greateroakland.com