GDPR Privacy Policy for LEADMediaNews.com

Effective Date: April 7, 2025
Last Updated: June 10, 2025

At LEADMediaNews.com, operated by Livelihood Empowerment and Development (LEAD), Inc., we are committed to protecting and respecting your privacy in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) (EU Regulation 2016/679).

This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website or interact with our services.

1. Who We Are

LEADMediaNews.com is an independent, non-profit media initiative focused on constructive journalism and positive news stories, based in Makati City, Philippines. For GDPR purposes, we act as the Data Controller for the personal data we collect from EU/EEA-based individuals.

2. What Personal Data We Collect

We may collect the following personal data from you:

  • Identity Information: name, organization, and other identifying details.
  • Contact Information: email address, phone number (if provided), and physical address (for deliveries or correspondence).
  • Technical Data: IP address, browser type, device identifiers, operating system, and browsing behavior through cookies or analytics tools.
  • Communication Data: your preferences, feedback, inquiries, or messages sent to us.
  • Subscription Data: newsletter sign-up information and your consent preferences.

3. How We Use Your Personal Data

We only process your personal data when we have a legal basis to do so, including:

  • To respond to your inquiries or contact requests.
  • To send newsletters or updates you have subscribed to.
  • To manage subscriptions, user preferences, or survey responses.
  • To improve user experience and website functionality.
  • To ensure site security, protect against fraud, and maintain legal compliance.

4. Legal Bases for Processing

We process your data under the following GDPR-compliant legal grounds:

  • Consent – when you opt-in for newsletters, updates, or cookies.
  • Legitimate Interests – to improve our services and website experience.
  • Legal Obligation – when required to comply with applicable laws.
  • Contractual Necessity – when responding to user-initiated communications or agreements.

5. Data Retention

We retain your personal data only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected or as required by law. Once data is no longer needed, it is securely deleted or anonymized.

6. Your Rights Under GDPR

As an EU/EEA data subject, you have the following rights:

  • Right to Access – request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.
  • Right to Rectification – request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data.
  • Right to Erasure – request deletion of your data under certain conditions.
  • Right to Restrict Processing – request limitation of processing your data.
  • Right to Data Portability – request the transfer of your data to another service provider.
  • Right to Object – Object to processing based on legitimate interests or direct marketing.
  • Right to Withdraw Consent – revoke your consent at any time where applicable.

To exercise these rights, email us through our Contact Us page. We will respond within 30 days.

7. Data Security

We take appropriate technical and organizational measures to safeguard your data, including:

  • Encrypted transmission via SSL
  • Secure storage and limited access protocols
  • Regular data backups and system updates

Despite our efforts, no system is 100% secure. Users share their data at their own risk.

8. Third-Party Services

We may use trusted third-party tools (e.g., Google Analytics, email marketing services) to enhance our website and manage communication. These services may collect and process personal data on our behalf and operate under their own privacy policies.

We ensure that any third-party data processors comply with GDPR and protect your information appropriately.

9. Cookies & Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to:

  • Analyze site traffic
  • Store user preferences
  • Improve site functionality

By using our site, you consent to our use of cookies unless you disable them via browser settings. You may view our Cookie Policy [link to cookie policy] for more information.

10. International Data Transfers

While we are based in the Philippines, we comply with GDPR standards when handling the personal data of EU/EEA citizens. Where necessary, we implement appropriate safeguards such as Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) or data processing agreements to ensure your information is protected.

11. Children’s Privacy

Our website is not intended for children under 16 years of age, and we do not knowingly collect personal data from children. If we become aware that a minor has submitted personal information without verifiable parental consent, we will delete the data.

12. Contact Information

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding your data, please contact our Data Protection Officer (DPO) at:

Feel free to Contact Us if you have comments, suggestions, and inquiries.

13. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in legal, technical, or business practices. We encourage users to review this page periodically. Updates will be clearly posted, and continued use of the site implies acceptance of any changes.