Privacy & Cookie Policy

NeighbourNet Ltd is totally committed to protecting your privacy online. We believe in providing a high-quality local news service without invasive tracking. 

Information We Collect

We collect information to deliver services that match your local preferences and to maintain a secure community environment.

  • Anonymous Browsing: We use an anonymous token to identify which of our local sites you are visiting (e.g., ChiswickW4). This does not identify you personally.
  • Registration: To participate in forum posts or community features, we require: 
    • Email Address: Your unique login ID
    • Full Name::We do not allow nicknames to ensure community accountability.
    • Post Code: Used for location-based searching and residency verification.
    • Date of Birth: Used for account verification and security.
  • Newsletters: If you subscribe to our newsletter, we collect your email address to deliver the news via our service provider, SendGrid. You can unsubscribe at any time via your user profile or the instructions in the email.

Tokens, Cookies, and Site Operations

We use "tokens" (JWTs) and cookies to provide essential site functionality. By using our site, you agree to these Essential Operations:

  • Site Identity: Our internal "user-token" remembers which local site you are viewing and, if you are signed in, keeps you logged into your account.
  • Site Health & Performance: We use Honeycomb.io to identify and fix technical bugs. For signed-in users, this may include your unique User ID so we can resolve errors you encounter. This data is automatically deleted after 30 days.
  • Audience Measurement: We use Google Analytics to understand traffic patterns. This data is aggregated and does not send personal information (like your name or email) to Google.

Advertising & Third Parties

  • Internal Ad Server: Unlike most websites, we run our own advertising system. We do not use third-party tracking ads. The advertisements you see are based purely on the page you are currently viewing, not your personal browsing history.
  • No Data Selling: We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information.
  • Abuse Prevention: We track IP addresses to protect our community from spam and abuse. For signed-in users, the IP address is associated with your account and retained for 6 months. This information may be provided to authorities in cases of legal or criminal investigations.

Data Security

  • Account Protection: Your personal data is stored securely. We recommend that users do not share their login credentials.
  • Mail Accounts: If you use a mail account on our web sites, your messages are private; Neighbour Net staff cannot view your messages.

Your Consent and Controls

By using our website, you consent to the collection and use of information as outlined in this policy. You can manage your preferences, update your personal details, or unsubscribe from communications at any time via your User Profile page.

Changes to this Policy

From time to time, we may update this policy to reflect changes in our services or legal requirements. We will post those changes on this page so you are always aware of what information we collect and how we use it.