Privacy Policy

1. Information We Collect

Information you provide

• Account registration: email address, username, and password (stored using one-way hashing);
• Profile: optional avatar image (preset icon or uploaded photo);
• Comments: display name (for guests), comment text, and replies;
• Support tickets (verified accounts only): category, subject, and message submitted through Contact;
• Any other information you choose to provide.

Information collected automatically

• Device and browser type, operating system, and language settings;
• IP address (used to derive approximate location, limit abuse, and attribute ratings or votes);
• Pages viewed, referring/exit URLs, date and time of visits, and interaction data through our first-party analytics system;
• Session identifiers stored in cookies (see our Cookie Policy).

Information from service providers

We use hosting, email delivery, DNS, and security providers (including Cloudflare) to operate the Site. Those providers may process technical data needed to deliver the Site and transactional emails.

2. How We Use Information

We use information to:

• Operate, maintain, secure, and improve the Site;
• Create and manage reader accounts and email verification;
• Publish, moderate, and filter comments and community submissions;
• Process post ratings and writer feedback votes;
• Respond to support tickets and account inquiries;
• Send transactional emails (verification, support acknowledgments, comment reply notifications);
• Measure traffic, engagement, and content performance using first-party analytics;
• Detect, prevent, and address fraud, abuse, or security issues;
• Comply with legal obligations and enforce our policies.

3. Legal Bases for Processing (EEA/UK Visitors)

If you are in the European Economic Area or United Kingdom, we process personal data on the following bases:

• Consent — for optional cookies, marketing emails, and certain analytics where required;
• Legitimate interests — to operate the Site, secure our services, analyze usage, and publish commentary;
• Contract — to provide features you request, such as accounts or subscriptions;
• Legal obligation — where we must retain or disclose data under applicable law.

4. How We Share Information

We may share information with:

• Service providers that host, secure, email, or deliver the Site (e.g., Cloudflare, email SMTP providers);
• Merchants or affiliate networks if you click outbound affiliate links (see our Affiliate Disclosure);
• Law enforcement, regulators, or other parties when required by law or to protect rights and safety;
• A successor entity in connection with a merger, acquisition, or asset sale.

We do not sell personal information for money.

5. Cookies and Tracking

We use cookies and similar technologies as described in our Cookie Policy. You can manage cookies through your browser settings.

6. Data Retention

We retain information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes described in this policy. Comment content may remain published until removed. Account data is retained while your account is active and as needed thereafter for legal, security, or operational purposes. First-party analytics aggregates are retained for up to 90 days. Email verification tokens expire after 48 hours.

7. Security

We use reasonable administrative, technical, and organizational measures designed to protect information. No method of transmission or storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

8. Your Rights and Choices

Depending on your location, you may have the right to:

• Access, correct, or delete personal information we hold about you;
• Object to or restrict certain processing;
• Withdraw consent where processing is consent-based;
• Receive a portable copy of certain data;
• Opt out of mailing lists such as The Daily Point via unsubscribe links or your account page.

California residents (CCPA/CPRA)

California residents may have additional rights, including the right to know, delete, correct, and opt out of certain sharing for cross-context behavioral advertising. We do not sell personal information for monetary consideration. To exercise rights, contact us at [email protected].

EEA/UK residents

You may lodge a complaint with your local supervisory authority. Contact us first so we can address your concern.

9. Children’s Privacy

The Site is not directed to children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child has provided personal information, contact us and we will take appropriate steps to delete it.

10. International Visitors

If you access the Site from outside the United States, your information may be processed in the United States or other countries where we or our service providers operate. Those countries may have different data protection laws than your country of residence.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The “Last updated” date reflects the latest revision. Material changes will be posted on the Site.

12. Contact

Red Point Authority
Staunton, VA
United States

Privacy questions or requests: [email protected].