Privacy Policy

Effective date: 02 October 1997  |  Last updated: 02 October 1997

Ashcroft Media Group ("AMG", "we", "us", or "our") is committed to protecting the privacy and personal information of every individual who interacts with our newsroom, our broadcasts, our digital platforms, and our events across Los Santos and San Andreas.

This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, who we share it with, and the choices you have. It applies to our website, mobile applications, radio broadcasts, live events, newsletters, and any other services we operate (collectively, the "Services").

By using our Services, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy. If you do not agree, please discontinue use of our Services.

1. Who We Are

Ashcroft Media Group is an independent news organisation headquartered at AMG Offices, Commerce, Los Santos. We are the People's Newsroom — dedicated to fearless, factual, and unbiased journalism for every community across San Andreas.

For the purposes of this policy, Ashcroft Media Group is the data controller responsible for your personal information. If you have any questions, you can contact us using the details in Section 12.

2. Information We Collect

We collect information in three main ways: information you give us, information we collect automatically, and information from third parties.

Information You Give Us

• Contact details: Your name, email address, phone number, and in-game contact information when you reach out to our newsroom, submit a tip, or request coverage.
• Account information: Username, password, and profile details if you register for any AMG service or forum.
• Content submissions: Articles, photographs, videos, audio recordings, or written statements you send to us for publication or review.
• Event registration: Details provided when you sign up for AMG-hosted events, competitions, or community gatherings.
• Communications: Records of your correspondence with us, including emails, messages, and feedback.
• Advertising enquiries: Business information provided by advertisers and partners, including company name, contact person, and billing details.

Information We Collect Automatically

• Device & usage data: IP address, browser type, operating system, pages visited, time spent, and referring URLs.
• Location data: General geographic region (e.g. Los Santos, Red County) derived from your IP address or provided by you.
• Cookies & similar technologies: As described in our Cookie Policy, we use cookies to enhance functionality, analyse traffic, and deliver relevant content.
• In-game interactions: Publicly visible roleplay information, character names, and faction affiliations when you interact with our in-game services.

Information from Third Parties

• Social platforms: Information shared when you connect with us on Discord, forums, or other community platforms.
• Partners & affiliates: Data received from event co-hosts, advertising networks, or analytics providers.
• Public sources: Information from public records, press releases, or other media outlets relevant to our journalism.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

• Delivering the news: To report, publish, and broadcast stories that matter to Los Santos and San Andreas.
• Responding to you: To answer your enquiries, process tips, and provide customer support.
• Improving our Services: To analyse usage, troubleshoot issues, and develop new features.
• Personalisation: To remember your preferences and tailor content to your interests.
• Advertising & sponsorship: To deliver relevant promotional content and measure campaign effectiveness.
• Events & community: To organise, manage, and promote AMG-hosted events across San Andreas.
• Legal compliance: To comply with applicable laws, regulations, and roleplay server rules.
• Security: To protect our Services, our audience, and our team from fraud, abuse, and unauthorised access.

4. Legal Bases for Processing

We process your personal information on the following legal bases:

• Consent: Where you have given us clear permission (e.g. subscribing to our newsletter).
• Contract: Where processing is necessary to fulfil a contract with you (e.g. advertising agreements).
• Legitimate interests: Where processing is necessary for our legitimate interests as a news organisation, provided your rights are not overridden.
• Legal obligation: Where we are required to process data to comply with the law.

5. How We Share Your Information

We do not sell your personal information. We may share it in the following limited circumstances:

• Within AMG: With our editorial, radio, events, and administrative teams for the purposes described in this policy.
• Service providers: With trusted third parties who help us operate our Services (e.g. hosting, analytics, email delivery).
• Advertising partners: With sponsors and advertisers for campaign delivery and measurement, subject to confidentiality agreements.
• Legal & safety: Where required by law, or to protect the rights, property, or safety of AMG, our audience, or the public.
• Business transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, where your information may be transferred as part of the business.
• With your consent: In any other circumstances where you have given us explicit permission.

6. How Long We Keep Your Information

We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes described in this policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law.

• Contact enquiries: Retained for up to 2 years after resolution.
• Account information: Retained while your account is active, plus 12 months thereafter.
• Content submissions: Retained for as long as necessary for editorial and archival purposes.
• Analytics data: Retained in aggregated or anonymised form for up to 26 months.
• Legal records: Retained as required by applicable law or server regulations.

7. How We Protect Your Information

We take the security of your information seriously. We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect against unauthorised access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction of your personal data.

These measures include:

• Encryption of sensitive data in transit and at rest.
• Regular security reviews and access controls.
• Staff training on data protection and confidentiality.
• Secure disposal of data when it is no longer needed.

However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is completely secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

8. Your Rights

Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you.
• Correction: Request that we correct inaccurate or incomplete information.
• Deletion: Request that we delete your personal information, subject to legal and editorial obligations.
• Restriction: Request that we restrict processing of your information.
• Objection: Object to processing based on legitimate interests or for direct marketing.
• Portability: Request transfer of your information to another organisation.
• Withdraw consent: Withdraw consent at any time where processing is based on consent.

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the details in Section 12. We will respond within a reasonable timeframe and in accordance with applicable law.

9. Children's Privacy

Our Services are not directed to children under the age of 13 (or the applicable age of digital consent in your region). We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us so we can take appropriate action.

In the context of roleplay communities, we expect all participants to comply with server rules regarding age and conduct.

10. International Transfers

Your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in countries other than your own. Where we transfer personal information internationally, we take steps to ensure it receives adequate protection, including through contractual safeguards and compliance with applicable data protection laws.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, or legal requirements. When we make material changes, we will post a notice on our website and update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page.

We encourage you to review this page periodically to stay informed about how we protect your information.

12. Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or your personal information, please contact us: