Privacy & Ad Policy

Columbus Frontline (“we,” “our,” or “us”) is a local digital news publication serving Columbus, Ohio. We respect your privacy and are committed to protecting it through this Privacy & Advertising Policy. This policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard information when you visit https://columbusfrontline.com.

By using our website, you consent to the practices described in this policy.

Information We Collect

a) Non-Personal Information

Like most news publications, we automatically collect limited non-personal information, including:

  • IP address
  • Browser type and version
  • Device type
  • Pages visited and time spent on the site
  • Referring websites

This information is used only in aggregate to understand reader behavior, improve coverage, and enhance site performance.

b) Personal Information

We may collect personal information only when you voluntarily provide it, such as when you:

  • Subscribe to a newsletter
  • Contact us via email or a contact form
  • Submit tips, opinions, or editorial inquiries

Personal information may include your name and email address. We do not require visitors to create accounts to access news content.

Cookies & Tracking Technologies

Columbus Frontline uses cookies and similar technologies to:

  • Improve site functionality
  • Analyze traffic and audience trends
  • Serve relevant advertising

Cookies do not allow us to access personal files or sensitive information on your device. You may disable cookies through your browser settings; however, please note that disabling cookies may affect certain site features.

Advertising & Third-Party Vendors

To support independent journalism, Columbus Frontline displays advertising.

Google AdSense & Partners

We use Google AdSense and other third-party advertising vendors. These vendors may use cookies, web beacons, or similar technologies to serve ads based on:

  • Your visits to this and other websites
  • General location (derived from IP address)
  • Browser or device information

Google’s use of advertising cookies enables it and its partners to serve ads to users based on prior visits. You may opt out of personalized advertising by visiting:

  • Google Ads Settings
  • aboutads.info (USA)
  • youronlinechoices.eu (EU)

Analytics Services

We may use services such as Google Analytics to understand how readers interact with our content. These services collect information such as:

  • Pages viewed
  • Time on site
  • Traffic sources

This data helps us improve editorial coverage and user experience. Analytics data does not personally identify individual users.

Embedded Content

Articles on Columbus Frontline may include embedded content (videos, maps, social posts, etc.). Embedded content from other websites behaves in the same way as if you visited those websites directly. These third-party sites may collect data about you and use cookies or tracking tools according to their own privacy policies.

How We Use Information

We use collected information to:

  • Publish and improve local journalism
  • Respond to reader inquiries
  • Maintain site security
  • Analyze audience trends
  • Support advertising operations

We do not sell, rent, or trade personal information to third parties.

Data Security

We implement reasonable administrative and technical safeguards to protect information. However, no method of transmission over the internet is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

Children’s Privacy

Columbus Frontline is a general-audience news website. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under the age of 13. If we become aware that such information has been collected, we will take steps to delete it promptly.

Your Privacy Rights

You may request access to, correction of, or deletion of the personal information you have provided. Requests can be made by contacting us using the information below.

Policy Updates

We may update this Privacy & Advertising Policy as our newsroom, technology, or legal requirements evolve. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date.

Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy & Advertising Policy, please contact us so we could get back to you quickly.