Privacy Policy

Effective date: June 14, 2026 · Last updated: June 14, 2026

LocalNewsBreaker ("we", "our", or "us") operates the mobile applications for Android and iOS, and the website at https://zub165.github.io/LocalNewsBreaker/. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our services.

1. Information we collect

Account information

• Username and email address when you register
• Password (stored hashed on our servers — never in plain text)
• Authentication tokens (JWT) stored locally on your device for session management

Content you provide

• News story submissions: title, body, category, location, optional media URLs
• To-do tasks and release checklist items (synced when signed in)
• Profile display name derived from your account

Automatically collected

• Device connectivity status (online/offline indicator only)
• Cached news stories stored locally (Hive) for offline reading
• App settings such as dark mode preference (stored locally)

2. How we use your information

• Publish and curate community news stories
• Calculate AI Truth Index scores for submitted content
• Generate daily PDF newspaper editions
• Authenticate your account and sync your submissions and tasks
• Improve app reliability and fix bugs
• Respond to support requests

3. Data storage & hybrid sync

LocalNewsBreaker uses hybrid storage: data is saved on your device first (local cache), then synchronized with our backend API hosted on GoDaddy when you are online and signed in. Tasks use a client_uuid to match local and cloud records.

Server data is stored in PostgreSQL. Local data remains on your device until you delete the app or clear app data.

4. Third-party services

• GoDaddy VPS — API and database hosting
• Google Play / Apple App Store — app distribution (subject to their privacy policies)
• GitHub Pages — static website hosting for support and this policy

We do not sell your personal information to third parties.

5. Data retention

• Published news stories may remain in the public archive
• Pending submissions are retained until approved, rejected, or deleted by editors
• Account data is retained until you delete your account

6. Your rights & account deletion

You may:

• Access your profile in the app (profile icon on the World tab)
• Sign out at any time
• Delete your account using the built-in feature: World tab → profile icon → Delete Account
• If you cannot use the app, email zub165@yahoo.com

When you delete your account, we remove your profile and authentication data from our servers. Published stories you submitted may remain anonymized in the public archive unless removal is requested.

7. Children's privacy

LocalNewsBreaker is not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. Contact us if you believe a child has provided data and we will delete it.

8. Security

We use HTTPS where available, JWT authentication, and industry-standard password hashing on the server. No method of transmission over the Internet is 100% secure; we strive to protect your data using reasonable measures.

9. International users

Our servers may be located in the United States. By using the app, you consent to transfer of your data to the U.S.

10. Changes to this policy

We may update this Privacy Policy. The "Last updated" date at the top will change. Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance.

11. Contact

• Email: zub165@yahoo.com
• Support page: https://zub165.github.io/LocalNewsBreaker/support.html
• GitHub: https://github.com/zub165/LocalNewsBreaker