Effective Date: July 4, 2026

1. Purpose

This Data Collection Policy describes in plain terms exactly what data HyperGrid News collects from visitors, subscribers, contributors, and grid liaisons who use https://hypergridnews.com, why we collect it, how long we keep it, and how it is protected. This policy is intended to complement our Privacy Policy and provide additional transparency about our data practices.

2. Categories of Data Collected

2.1 Visitor Data (All Site Visitors)

Collected automatically when you visit the Site:

• IP address (used for security monitoring and general geographic analytics)

• Browser type, version, and language settings

• Device type and operating system

• Pages viewed, time on page, and navigation path through the Site

• Referring website or search query that led you to the Site

• Date and time of each visit

This data is collected via server logs and analytics tools. It is not linked to personally identifiable information for general visitors.

2.2 Newsletter Subscribers

If you subscribe to the HyperGrid News newsletter, we collect:

• Email address

• Date and time of subscription

• Subscription confirmation status

This data is used solely to send you newsletter communications. You may unsubscribe at any time using the link included in every newsletter email. Upon unsubscription, your email address will be removed from active mailing lists.

2.3 Content Contributors and Grid Liaisons

If you submit content or register as a grid liaison, we collect:

• Your name or avatar name

• Email address for correspondence

• Grid name and website URL (for liaisons)

• The content you submit, including articles, event listings, and announcements

• Submission date and time

• Publication status of your submissions

This information is used to manage the editorial process, communicate with you regarding your submissions, and credit published content appropriately.

2.4 Comment Data

If commenting functionality is enabled on the Site, we may collect:

• Name or display name

• Email address (not publicly displayed)

• Website URL (optional)

• Comment content

• IP address at time of comment submission

Comment data is used to manage reader engagement and to detect and prevent spam.

2.5 Contact Form Submissions

When you contact us via a contact form, we collect:

• Name

• Email address

• The content of your message

This information is used solely to respond to your inquiry.

3. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

3.1 Essential Cookies

These cookies are required for the Site to function and cannot be disabled:

• WordPress session cookies — maintain your session state while browsing

• Security cookies — used to prevent cross-site request forgery attacks

3.2 Analytics Cookies

If analytics services are enabled, these cookies track aggregated visitor behavior to help us understand how the Site is used. Analytics data is not linked to personally identifiable information. You may opt out of analytics tracking by using browser privacy settings or opt-out tools provided by the analytics service.

3.3 Third-Party Cookies

Third-party services embedded in the Site — such as social sharing buttons or embedded media — may set their own cookies. HyperGrid News does not control these cookies. Please refer to the respective third parties’ privacy policies for details.

4. Data We Do Not Collect

HyperGrid News does not collect:

• Payment or financial information of any kind — no paid services are currently offered

• Government-issued identification numbers

• Sensitive personal information such as health data, racial or ethnic origin, or political opinions

• Avatar inventory data, virtual currency balances, or in-world activity from any OpenSim grid

• Location data beyond general geographic region derived from IP address

5. Data Storage and Security

All data collected by HyperGrid News is stored on servers operated by or on behalf of DigiWorldz LLC. We implement the following security measures:

• SSL/TLS encryption for all data transmitted between your browser and the Site

• Access controls limiting data access to authorized personnel only

• Regular security monitoring and updates to Site software including WordPress core, themes, and plugins

• Routine backups to protect against data loss

While we take data security seriously, no system is completely immune to breach. In the event of a data breach affecting your personal information, we will notify affected individuals as required by applicable law.

6. Data Retention Schedule

We retain collected data according to the following schedule:

• Visitor log data: retained for up to 12 months for security and analytics purposes, then deleted or anonymized

• Newsletter subscriber data: retained until you unsubscribe, after which it is removed from active lists within 30 days

• Contributor and liaison records: retained for the duration of the relationship plus 2 years

• Published content: retained indefinitely as part of the public archive unless a removal request is made and granted

• Contact form submissions: retained for up to 12 months, then deleted

• Comment data: retained for the duration the comment remains published on the Site

7. Data Access and Deletion Requests

You have the right to request access to, correction of, or deletion of personal data we hold about you. To submit a request, contact us at admin@hypergridnews.com with the subject line “Data Request.” We will respond within 30 days. Please note that deletion of certain data — such as published content that is part of the public record — may not always be possible or may be granted at our editorial discretion.

8. Data Sharing with Third Parties

HyperGrid News does not sell your data. Data may be shared only in the following circumstances:

• With hosting and infrastructure providers necessary to operate the Site, under confidentiality agreements

• With email service providers used to send newsletters, limited to the data necessary for that purpose

• When required by law, regulation, or valid legal process

• To protect the rights, safety, or property of HyperGrid News, DigiWorldz LLC, or the public

9. Dispute Resolution

Any disputes arising from this Data Collection Policy shall be resolved by binding mediation conducted in Licking County, Ohio. This Policy is governed by the laws of the State of Ohio.

10. Policy Updates

This Data Collection Policy may be updated periodically to reflect changes in our practices or applicable law. The effective date at the top of this document will be updated accordingly. We encourage you to review this Policy periodically.

11. Contact

Questions regarding this Data Collection Policy may be directed to:

HyperGrid News / DigiWorldz LLC

Email: admin@hypergridnews.com Website: https://hypergridnews.com