Privacy Policy

Applies to: https://cs2news.com/ and all subpages
Controller: CS2NEWS
Contact: [email protected]

1) What this policy covers

This Privacy Policy explains what data we collect when you visit cs2news.com, why we collect it, how we use and share it, and your rights under GDPR/UK-GDPR and California law (CCPA/CPRA).

2) Data we collect

• Usage data: IP address (truncated/anonymized where configured), device/OS/browser info, referral URL, pages viewed, time on page, outbound clicks.
• Cookies & similar tech: first-party (functional, analytics) and third-party (ads/measurement) cookies, local storage, pixels.
• Contact & tip forms: name/alias, email, message body, attachments, consent.
• Advertising signals (if enabled): ad requests/responses, frequency capping, approximate geolocation, interest categories.
• Account data (if you create one): email, display name, hashed password, preferences.
• Editorial interactions: comments (if enabled), survey responses, contest entries.

3) Sources of data

Directly from you (forms), automatically via your device (cookies, logs), and from partners (ad/analytics vendors) in compliance with applicable laws.

4) Why we process data (legal bases – GDPR Art. 6)

• Provide & secure the service (legitimate interest / contract): site delivery, uptime, fraud prevention, abuse mitigation.
• Measure & improve (legitimate interest / consent where required): analytics, A/B tests, performance monitoring.
• Personalize & monetize (consent/legitimate interest): content recommendations, advertising.
• Respond to you (contract/legitimate interest): support, tip follow-ups, rights requests.
• Legal compliance (legal obligation): record-keeping, regulatory requests, enforcement of Terms.

5) Cookies and controls

We use functional, analytics, and advertising cookies. On first visit you may see a consent banner to accept/refuse categories. You can manage cookies via our banner or your browser settings. Blocking some cookies may affect site features.

6) Analytics & measurement

We may use privacy-centric analytics (e.g., GA4 configured with IP anonymization and data retention limits) and internal event logs to understand site usage and fix issues.

7) Advertising & affiliates

If we show ads or affiliate links:

• Ads are labeled (“Advertisement”, “Sponsored”), and do not influence our editorial decisions.
• Ad partners may set/read cookies and process identifiers to deliver/measure ads subject to your consent where required.
• We mark affiliate links and may earn a commission at no cost to you.

8) Sharing of data

We share personal data only with:

• Processors (hosting/CDN, security, analytics, email providers) under DPA and confidentiality.
• Ad/measurement partners (subject to consents/opt-outs).
• Legal/disclosure where required by law or to protect rights/safety.

We do not sell your personal information as defined by California law. If we engage in “sharing” (for cross-context behavioral advertising), you will see a “Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information” link.

9) International transfers

Data may be processed outside your country. Where required, we use appropriate safeguards (e.g., SCCs) and vendor assessments.

10) Data retention

We keep data only as long as necessary for the purposes above, then delete or anonymize it. Typical ranges: analytics 14–26 months; support/tip emails 24 months unless legal retention applies.

11) Your rights

• GDPR/UK-GDPR: access, rectification, erasure, restriction, portability, objection, withdraw consent.
• California (CCPA/CPRA): right to know, delete, correct, opt out of selling/sharing, limit use of sensitive information, non-discrimination.

To exercise rights, contact [email protected]. We may verify your request and respond within legal timeframes. Authorized agents may act on your behalf with valid authorization.

12) Children

Our content targets general audiences. We do not knowingly collect data from children where prohibited by law. Parents can request deletion at [email protected].

13) Security

We apply industry-standard safeguards (encryption in transit, access control, logging). No method is 100% secure.

14) Changes

We may update this policy. Material changes will be highlighted with a new “Last updated” date. Continued use of the site means you accept the updated notice.

15) Contact

Questions or requests: [email protected].