Effective Date: July 22, 2026

Central Current values the privacy and security of our website visitors, donors, and other readers. This page explains what details we collect, the purpose it serves, how it is shared, and how you can manage your data.

By visiting Central Current’s website, signing up for our newsletters, making a financial gift, or otherwise engaging with us, you are agreeing to the terms described in this Privacy Policy.

Please note that this policy is written to describe our processes for data relating to our website, public communications, and donor systems. It is not intended to regulate the policies and procedures of journalists or other editorial staff.

Who we are

Central Current is a nonprofit, nonpartisan newspaper for people building a life in Central New York.

We provide fact-based news and analysis about the challenges, solutions and opportunities we all share, and our reporting is available paywall-free through our website, newsletter and social media.

We strive to be an inclusive and responsive resource for news and information. Our goal is to foster civic engagement and democratic governance, and to help build a more prosperous and healthy community.

Data Collection

Information you submit

We may store data you choose to provide, including:

  • First and Last Name
  • Email address
  • Mailing address
  • Telephone number
  • Donation information
  • Event registration details
  • Survey responses
  • Comments, physical letters, tips, and other messages you send to our newsroom.

Automatic data collection and data usage

When you visit us online, certain information may be collected that includes:

  • IP address
  • Browser type
  • Device information
  • Operating system
  • Pages visited
  • Referring websites
  • Time spent on website
  • General geographic data based on your IP address
  • Other demographic data made visible to our analytics software.

This information helps us better understand how readers are navigating our website and provides us with better context for improving our website content.

This data is also used to:

  • Deliver journalism, newsletters, and other content
  • Process donations and acknowledgments
  • Administer events and programs
  • Respond to inquiries and news tips
  • Improve our website and services
  • Analyze audience engagement and readership trends
  • Comply with legal obligations
  • Communicate with donors, supporters, and subscribers about our work

Email Communications

If you share your email with us, we may send:

  • Newsletters
  • Breaking news alerts
  • Event announcements
  • Donation appeals
  • Organizational updates

You may unsubscribe from promotional emails at any time using the unsubscribe link included in the email or by sending a request to info@centralcurrent.org.

Donations

If you make a contribution, your information will normally processed by trusted third-party payment processors. Central Current does not store full credit card numbers on its own servers.

We may use donor information to:

  • Process donations
  • Issue tax acknowledgments
  • Maintain donation records
  • Identify major giving prospects
  • Communicate with supporters regarding our mission and activities

Donor information is never sold. Names and approximate contribution totals may be made publicly available as per our Financial Transparency Policy.

Cookies and Analytics

Central Current may use cookies and other related tools to:

  • Improve website functionality
  • Track visitor traffic
  • Study audience behavior
  • Improve content and website design

We use third-party analytics services such as Google Analytics, JetPack, Parse.ly, and similar tools.

You retain the ability to control cookies via your browser settings. However, some website features may stop functioning properly when cookies are fully disabled.

For more information, please review our Cookie and Opt-Out Policy.

Third-Party Services

We may use third-party services to support our operations, including:

  • Email marketing platforms
  • Payment processors
  • Analytics providers
  • Event registration tools
  • Website hosting providers
  • Survey and form providers

These providers may have access to information only as necessary to perform services on our behalf.

Confidential Communications and Tips

Central Current take seriously the need to protect source identity and delicate information.

If you contact us with information on a story, we will make prioritize the security of your identity and the information being shared with an eye towards journalistic and legal standards. It should be understood, however, that all communication methods have limitations and vulnerabilities.

Please contact us for additional guidance prior to sharing any highly sensitive information.

Information Sharing

Central Current will never sell your personal data.

Your information may be shared:

  • With agency partners that support our work
  • In accordance with legal requirements
  • In cases necessary to protect the rights, safety, or wellbeing of our staff or others
  • In the event of an organization-wide restructuring, merger, or asset transfer

Data Protection and Security

Central Current employs several layers of protection to guard the information we have gathered.

Because all security procedures have gaps, we encourage all website visitors and readers to be mindful and take additional steps when submitting information on the internet.

Child Privacy

Central Current is not designed for children 13 years of age and younger. It is not our policy to intentionally collect data on children 13 years of age and younger and we will delete it if necessary.

If we learn that such information has been collected, we will take appropriate steps to delete it.

Your Privacy Choices

You may:

  • Unsubscribe from our email list.
  • Request to review your information.
  • Request that inaccurate information be corrected.
  • Request that certain information be deleted (unless legally prohibited).
  • Change cookie settings on your browser or device.

To request an action related to your data, please contact us at info@centralcurrent.org.

Other Website Links

Central Current’s website contains links to third-party and affiliate sites. We are not responsible for their privacy practices or content and encourage you to perform your own due diligence.

Policy Updates

Any changes are made to our privacy policy will be reflected on this page along with the date of the update.

We’d love to hear from you

For questions about this Privacy Policy or privacy practices, contact info@centralcurrent.org