Privacy Policy & Terms of Service

1. Information We Collect

We collect the following information when you create an account and use our services:

• Account Information: Name, email address, and password
• Newsletter Subscriptions: Email address when you subscribe to our newsletter
• Subscription Information: Payment information (processed securely through Stripe), subscription tier, and billing history
• Technical Information: Session cookies necessary for site functionality, IP address for security purposes

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Provide and maintain your account and subscription services
• Send you newsletters and updates about our content (only if you subscribe)
• Process payments and send billing information
• Communicate with you about your account, updates, and important notices
• Improve our services and user experience
• Comply with legal obligations

3. Third-Party Service Providers

We share your information with trusted third-party service providers who help us operate our business:

• Payment Processing: Stripe processes all payment transactions securely. We do not store your credit card information.
• Email Services: We use email service providers to send transactional emails and newsletters
• Hosting Services: Our website is hosted on secure servers that maintain industry-standard security practices

These service providers are contractually obligated to protect your information and may not use it for any other purpose.

4. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. This includes encryption of sensitive data, secure password storage, and regular security assessments.

5. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide you services. You may request deletion of your account at any time by contacting us.

6. Your Rights

You have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you. You can download your data directly from your Profile page, or contact us at privacy@miamibeachjournal.org
• Correction: Update or correct your personal information through your Profile page
• Deletion: Request deletion of your account and personal information through your Profile page or by contacting us
• Portability: Download a copy of your data in machine-readable JSON format from your Profile page
• Objection: Object to certain processing of your personal information by contacting us

Logged-in users can access most of these features directly from their Profile page. For additional assistance or questions, contact us at privacy@miamibeachjournal.org

7. Cookies

We use essential session cookies to maintain your logged-in state and provide site functionality. These cookies do not track your activity across other websites and are deleted when you close your browser (unless you select "Remember Me" at login).

8. Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to individuals under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13.

9. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page and updating the "Last Updated" date.

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing and using Miami Beach Journal, you accept and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service and our Privacy Policy. If you do not agree to these terms, please do not use our services.

2. Account Terms

• You must be at least 13 years old to create an account
• You are responsible for maintaining the security of your account and password
• You are responsible for all activity that occurs under your account
• You must provide accurate and complete information when creating an account
• One person may not maintain multiple free accounts
• We reserve the right to refuse service or terminate accounts at our discretion

3. Subscriptions and Payments

• Subscription fees are billed in advance on a monthly or annual basis
• All payments are processed securely through Stripe
• Subscriptions automatically renew unless cancelled before the renewal date
• You may cancel your subscription at any time from your account settings
• Upon cancellation, you will retain access until the end of your current billing period
• Refunds are not provided for partial subscription periods
• We reserve the right to change subscription prices with 30 days notice

4. Content Ownership and Usage

Our Content:

• All articles and written content published on Miami Beach Journal are protected by copyright and owned by Miami Beach Journal or its content suppliers
• Images and photographs may be owned by Miami Beach Journal, used with permission from copyright holders, credited to third-party sources, or used under fair use provisions for journalistic purposes. Where applicable, image credits are provided.
• You may share brief excerpts (up to 250 words) with proper attribution and a link back to the original article
• You may not reproduce, distribute, or republish substantial portions of our content without written permission
• Premium content is for personal use only and may not be shared or redistributed

Permitted Use:

• Quote brief excerpts in articles, blog posts, or social media with attribution
• Share article links on social media or via email
• Use content for educational or research purposes with proper citation

5. Prohibited Uses

You agree not to:

• Use the service for any illegal purpose or in violation of any laws
• Share your account credentials with others
• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to our systems or networks
• Use automated systems (bots, scrapers) to access the service
• Reproduce, redistribute, or resell our content without permission
• Circumvent or attempt to circumvent any content protection measures
• Harass, threaten, or impersonate other users or staff

6. Disclaimer of Warranties

Miami Beach Journal is provided "as is" and "as available" without warranties of any kind, either express or implied. We do not warrant that the service will be uninterrupted, secure, or error-free. We make no warranties regarding the accuracy or reliability of the content.

7. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, Miami Beach Journal and its officers, directors, employees, and agents shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages resulting from your use or inability to use the service.

8. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Miami Beach Journal from any claims, damages, losses, liabilities, and expenses (including attorney's fees) arising from your use of the service or violation of these Terms.

9. Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Florida, United States, without regard to its conflict of law provisions.

10. Changes to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. We will notify users of material changes by email or through a notice on our website. Continued use of the service after such modifications constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

11. Contact Information

If you have any questions about these Terms of Service or Privacy Policy, please contact us:

• Email: legal@miamibeachjournal.org
• Website: https://miamibeachjournal.org