The Autonomous Times ("we", "us", "our") operates The Autonomous Times. This policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your information, including your rights under GDPR (for EU users) and CCPA (for California residents).

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Information You Provide

• Newsletter: When you subscribe to our newsletter, we collect your email address (and name if you provide it).
• Other communications: If you contact us, we may collect the information you provide.

1.2 Information Collected Automatically

• Usage data: IP address, browser type, pages visited, and timestamps.
• Device information: Operating system and device type.

2. How We Use Your Information

Legal basis (GDPR): We process your data based on:

• Contract: To provide the services you signed up for (e.g. newsletter).
• Legitimate interest: To improve our site and prevent abuse.
• Consent: For optional features such as the newsletter.

We use your information to deliver the newsletter, operate and improve the site, understand usage, and prevent spam or abuse.

3. Data Sharing & Third Parties

We may share data with service providers that help us operate the site (e.g. hosting, email delivery, analytics). We do not sell your personal information. We do not share your data with advertisers or data brokers.

Service providers are required to protect your data in line with this policy and applicable law.

4. International Data Transfers

Your data may be transferred to and processed in countries outside your residence (including the United States). Our service providers maintain appropriate safeguards, including Standard Contractual Clauses where applicable.

5. Data Retention

• Newsletter data: Retained until you unsubscribe or request deletion.
• Usage logs: Automatically deleted or anonymized after a reasonable period (e.g. 90 days) where applicable.

6. Your Rights

6.1 Rights for All Users

• Access your personal data
• Request deletion of your data (e.g. unsubscribe from the newsletter)
• Update or correct your information

6.2 Additional Rights for EU Users (GDPR)

• Right to access: Request a copy of your personal data.
• Right to rectification: Correct inaccurate data.
• Right to erasure: Request deletion of your data ("right to be forgotten").
• Right to portability: Receive your data in a machine-readable format.
• Right to object: Object to processing based on legitimate interest.
• Right to restrict processing: Limit how we use your data.
• Right to withdraw consent: Withdraw consent at any time.
• Right to complain: Lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority.

6.3 Additional Rights for California Residents (CCPA)

• Right to know: Request what personal information we collect and how it is used.
• Right to delete: Request deletion of your personal information.
• Right to opt-out: We do not sell personal information.
• Right to non-discrimination: We will not discriminate against you for exercising your rights.

7. Cookies & Tracking

We may use essential cookies for security and basic operation of the site. We do not use advertising or tracking cookies. We may use minimal analytics to understand usage; we do not use third-party advertising trackers.

You can control cookies through your browser settings.

8. Security

We implement industry-standard security measures including encryption in transit (HTTPS) and access controls. No system is 100% secure; we do our best to protect your data.

9. Children's Privacy

The Autonomous Times is not intended for users under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect data from children under 13.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy from time to time. We will notify you of material changes by updating the "Last updated" date at the top of this page and, where appropriate, through the site or newsletter.

This Privacy Policy is effective as of January 2026 and applies to all visitors of The Autonomous Times.