Privacy Policy

Who this policy applies to

This policy applies to information collected through the Truth Idaho website, forms, messaging programs, donation tools, email communications, and other digital services operated for the Truth Idaho project.

References to “Truth Idaho,” “we,” “us,” or “our” refer to the Truth Idaho project and American Trad Fam as the organization operating the project.

Information we may collect

Information you provide directly

Depending on how you interact with Truth Idaho, you may provide information including:

• Your name, email address, and telephone number.
• Messages, questions, tips, and other written submissions.
• Documents, images, screenshots, spreadsheets, or other files you choose to upload.
• Communication and SMS consent preferences.
• Donation-related information provided through third-party payment services.
• Other information you voluntarily provide.

Information collected automatically

Our website and service providers may automatically receive technical information such as IP address, browser type, device information, referring pages, pages visited, approximate location derived from an IP address, and website usage or analytics data.

How we use information

We may use information we receive to:

• Review, research, and evaluate tips and story leads.
• Contact you regarding information you submitted.
• Request clarification, documentation, or follow-up information.
• Conduct investigative and journalistic research.
• Operate, secure, maintain, and improve our website and services.
• Process contributions through third-party payment providers.
• Send communications for which you have provided appropriate consent.
• Respond to inquiries and provide support.
• Comply with applicable legal obligations.

Investigative tips and supporting materials

Information submitted as a tip is a starting point for potential reporting. Truth Idaho may review, preserve, investigate, verify, compare, or follow up on information and materials you provide.

Submission does not guarantee that a story will be investigated or published. Submission also does not automatically create a confidential-source relationship or guarantee anonymity.

Please submit only information and materials you are legally authorized to possess and share.

How information may be disclosed

We may provide limited information to vendors and service providers when reasonably necessary to operate our website and services.

These providers may include website hosting, form processing, communications platforms, file-storage services, analytics providers, donation and payment processors, and other operational services.

Information may also be disclosed when required by law, legal process, or when reasonably necessary to protect the rights, safety, or security of Truth Idaho, American Trad Fam, our users, or others.

Mobile information and SMS consent

Providing a telephone number does not by itself enroll you in text messaging. SMS consent is collected separately through optional consent selections.

If you provide consent for non-marketing messages, Truth Idaho may contact you regarding your submission, including follow-up questions or requests for clarification.

If you separately consent to promotional communications, you may receive occasional messages regarding new investigations, published reporting, podcasts, events, fundraising efforts, or other Truth Idaho updates.

You may opt out at any time by replying STOP. Reply HELP for assistance. Message frequency varies and message and data rates may apply.

Cookies, analytics, and embedded services

Truth Idaho may use cookies, analytics technologies, and similar tools to understand website use, maintain functionality, and improve our services.

Third-party services embedded on the site, including forms, subscription feeds, payment tools, or media services, may also process information under their own privacy policies.

Data retention and security

We retain information for as long as reasonably necessary for the purposes described in this policy, including journalism and research, operational needs, recordkeeping, legal obligations, security, and dispute resolution.

We use reasonable administrative, technical, and operational safeguards designed to protect information. No online service or electronic storage method can guarantee absolute security.

Children’s privacy

Truth Idaho’s website and services are intended for a general audience and are not directed toward children under 13.

We do not knowingly seek to collect personal information from children under 13 through the website.

Your communication choices

You may unsubscribe from email communications using the unsubscribe option included in those messages.

You may opt out of SMS communications by replying STOP.

You may contact us regarding information you previously submitted or questions about this policy using the contact information below.

Changes to this Privacy Policy

We may update this policy as our services, practices, technology, or legal requirements change.

The effective date displayed at the top of the page identifies the current version.