Privacy Policy

1. Information We Collect

• Subscription data: email address and selected county preferences when you sign up for alerts.
• Usage data: page views, page paths, referral context, and interaction events (such as subscribe CTA clicks).
• Technical data: device/browser metadata and IP address in standard server logs for security and operations.
• Admin session data: session and security tokens used to authenticate and protect administrative actions.

2. How We Use Information

• Deliver email updates you requested.
• Operate, maintain, and improve website performance and reliability.
• Monitor engagement with subscription flows and core content.
• Prevent abuse, detect fraud, and secure the Service.
• Comply with legal obligations.

3. Legal Bases (Where Applicable)

Depending on your location, we process data based on consent (such as newsletter sign-up), legitimate interests (site analytics, security, and service operation), and legal compliance.

4. Cookies and Similar Technologies

The Service uses essential cookies and session storage to support site functionality, security protections, and user experience features. You can control cookies through your browser settings, but parts of the Service may not function correctly if disabled.

5. Sharing of Information

We do not sell personal information. We may share information with infrastructure, email delivery, and security providers that help us operate the Service, and when required by law.

6. Donation Processing

Donations are processed by third-party payment providers (currently Stripe). Payment card details are collected and processed directly by the provider, not by Montana Blotter. We store limited transaction metadata (such as status, amount, and source) for accounting, fraud prevention, and operational analytics.

7. Data Retention

We retain data for as long as needed to provide the Service, maintain security and records, resolve disputes, and meet legal requirements. Subscriber data is retained until you unsubscribe or request deletion, subject to legal exceptions.

8. Your Choices and Rights

• Email preferences: you can unsubscribe at any time from links in email messages.
• Access and deletion requests: you may request access to or deletion of personal data we hold, where legally available.
• Regional rights: if privacy laws in your jurisdiction apply (including certain U.S. state laws), you may have additional rights.

9. Security

We use reasonable technical and organizational safeguards to protect personal data. No system is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

10. Children's Privacy

The Service is not directed to children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Updates are effective when posted with a revised effective date.

12. Contact

Operator: Montana Blotter
Website: montanablotter.com
Email: records@montanablotter.com