Privacy Policy

AV Scanner News ("we", "the Service") operates the website at avscannernews.com and the AV Scanner News mobile app for iOS and Android. This policy explains what data we collect, why, and how it is handled.

Information We Collect — Website

Browsing the website does not require an account. We may collect:

• Usage data — pages viewed, referral source, browser type, device type, and approximate location (city-level) via standard web analytics.
• Search queries — terms entered into site search, stored only in server logs and not linked to any individual.
• Tip submissions — if you fill in the "Submit a Tip" form, we store the subject and message you provide. Name and email are optional and only collected if you choose to provide them.

Information We Collect — Mobile App

• Push notification token — when you enable push notifications in the app, your device generates a unique token via Apple Push Notification Service (or Firebase Cloud Messaging on Android). We store this token solely to deliver incident alerts. It is not linked to your name, email, or any other identifying information.
• Tip submissions — same as the website. Optional name and email are only collected if you fill them in.
• Diagnostics & crash data — when the app crashes or hits an error, we automatically collect anonymous diagnostic information (stack trace, device model, OS version, app version, and a small amount of context like the screen you were on) via Sentry, our error monitoring provider. A small percentage of sessions also send anonymous performance data so we can spot slow screens. None of this is linked to your identity, and it is used solely to find and fix bugs.

The mobile app does not collect your contacts, photos, location, calendar, microphone, camera, or any other device data.

How We Use Information

We use aggregated, non-identifying data to understand traffic patterns and improve the Service. Push tokens are used solely to deliver incident notifications you have explicitly opted into. Tip submissions are reviewed by editors and may be incorporated into published incident reports.

We do not sell, rent, or share personal information with third parties. We do not use your data for advertising or for tracking you across other apps or websites.

Cookies

We use a single preference cookie (cvw-theme) to remember your light/dark mode selection on the website. No tracking cookies or third-party advertising cookies are used. The mobile app does not use cookies.

Push Notifications

Push notifications in the mobile app are opt-in. You can disable them at any time from the Settings tab in the app, or from your device's system Settings (iOS: Settings → Notifications → AV Scanner News). Disabling notifications removes your token from our active sending list.

Third-Party Services

Content displayed on the Service may include images and links originating from Facebook. When you follow an external link, that third party's privacy policy applies. We use Apple Push Notification Service and Firebase Cloud Messaging strictly for notification delivery, and Sentry strictly for crash and error diagnostics.

Data Retention

Server logs are retained for up to 30 days and then automatically deleted. Push tokens that fail delivery are automatically disabled. Crash and diagnostic data is retained for up to 90 days and then automatically deleted by Sentry. Tip submissions and incident reports are stored indefinitely as part of the public news archive.

Children's Privacy

The Service is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect information from children.

Your Rights

You may request deletion of any personal information you have voluntarily provided (such as a tip submission with your name or email) by contacting us at admin@avscannernews.com.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated revision date.

Contact

Questions about this policy? Email us at admin@avscannernews.com.