Privacy Policy
Last Updated: March 10th, 2026
Who We Are
The Convergence Lens, LLC is a Multi-Stakeholder Worker-Consumer Cooperative LLC and independent media publication. We are committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information with care and transparency.
Website: https://theconvergencelens.org
Contact: [email protected]
Mailing Address:
12345 Parklawn Dr. Suite 200 #1046
Rockville, MD 20852, United States
This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website and use our services, including reading our articles, our online community, and our newsletter.
Table of Contents
Information We Collect
Personal Data You Provide Directly
When you interact with our services, we collect information that you provide directly:
Comments:
• Name, email address, website URL (optional).
• Comment content.
• Anonymized IP address and browser user agent string (for spam detection and security).
• An anonymized hash of your email address may be provided to Gravatar to display your profile picture if you use it.
Membership Subscription and Platform Usage:
• Name, email address, username, and password.
• We retain only the last 4 digits of your credit card and expiration date. Full payment details are processed securely by our payment gateway and are not stored on our servers.
• Optional profile information you may enter and upload, such as: social media accounts, portfolios, media, etc.
Newsletter Subscriptions:
• Email address for sending content updates and announcements.
Media Uploads:
• If you upload images to the website, avoid including embedded location data (EXIF GPS). We have set up the site to strip all metadata from uploads, but in case there is an error you should strip the image to be safe. You can use this free EXIF-removing tool to protect yourself.
Automatically Collected Information
We take user privacy very seriously, and have done as much as we can to a) secure all user data, b) protect member safety, and c) reduce the amount of tracking we do overall. Unfortunately, it is a bit of a catch twenty-two, because in order to ensure we are able to properly moderate and keep our communities safe, we do need to collect some level of identifiable information.
We may not be able to promise zero-logging, but what we can promise is that we will be completely transparent about what data we do collect and why we are collecting it. We also do not use collected data to build a profile or “fingerprint” of individual users, and we never, under any circumstances, sell user data.
Furthermore, while we as a U.S-based cooperative are generally required by law to comply with legitimate subpoenas, court orders, or warrants for user data, we vow to challenge these requests in court whenever possible to protect user privacy.
We will refuse requests that are not backed by necessary legal authority, such as administrative requests that lack a judicial warrant, fishing expeditions, and any specific legal exemptions we can find for each request. We will keep a publicly accessible log of any requests we receive with updates and reasoning for whatever actions we may take.
Here is a list of all data we collect, why we collect it, and steps you can take to mitigate it:
Usage Data:
• Anonymized IP address: We see enough to be able to identify individuals for suspensions or bans if needed. You may use a VPN to get around this, but please be aware that we use Cloudflare’s firewall services and your access to the site may be blocked if there are too many other people on the same VPN IP.
• Browser type and version: By identifying browsers, we can adjust layout for mobile versus desktop, troubleshoot errors, prevent fraud, and optimize your user experience based on browser capabilities. To hide your browser type from websites, you can use browser extensions to spoof your User-Agent string, use the Tor browser, or employ privacy-focused browsers that standardize your fingerprint.
• Device type and identifiers: We identify device types to tailor content so that a mobile device sees a fast-loading, readable format, while a desktop shows our more complex, feature-rich version. You can hide this using the same techniques as for hiding your browser type, but you may then have issues with responsive sizing.
• Pages visited and time spent on pages: By collecting data on navigation paths, time spent on pages, and clicks, we can optimize our website design, increase conversions, and tailor future content to user interests. If you reject the “Analytics” category of cookies on our site, we will not track your page visits. To manage cookies at any time, visit our Cookie Policies page.
• Referring website: If you come to our site through a source such as YouTube, Twitter, Tumblr, another site, etc, we see an anonymous count of where our viewers are coming from. To avoid this in general from any site, remove anything after the question mark in a URL. See this guide on removing tracking from URLs for more information.
• Date and time of visits: We track visit dates and times to analyze traffic patterns, improve user experience through personalization, and optimize marketing efforts. If you reject the “Analytics” category of cookies on our site, we will not track your page visits.
Activity Tracking:
For our members with accounts, we anonymously track:
• Login times: This helps us identify peak engagement hours, measure content effectiveness, and boost conversion rates. It is also needed for identifying fraudulent activity and monitoring for malicious behavior. You cannot prevent this because of the necessity for user safety.
• Page views: Same as previous section. If you reject the “Analytics” category of cookies on our site, we will not track your page visits.
• Content interactions: We track your content interactions such as likes, comments, etc, in order to provide live notifications.
Information from Third Parties
We may receive information from:
Payment Processors: Transaction confirmation and payment status.
Service Providers: Security data, spam detection results.
Social Media Platforms: If you interact with any embedded content.
How We Use Your Information
In summary, we use your personal data for the following purposes:
Essential Services:
• Provide and maintain website functionality.
• Process membership registrations and payments.
• Manage your account and preferences.
• Deliver requested content and services.
• Authenticate users and prevent fraud.
Communications:
• Send newsletters and content updates (with your consent).
• Respond to inquiries and support requests.
• Notify you about account or security issues.
• Provide information about products and services similar to those you’ve purchased or inquired about (unless you opt out).
Content Personalization:
• Customize your experience based on activity and preferences.
• Recommend relevant content.
• Remember your preferences and settings.
Analytics and Improvement:
• Understand how visitors use our website.
• Analyze trends and user behavior.
• Improve content, features, and user experience.
• Measure effectiveness of our content and campaigns.
Security and Legal Compliance:
• Detect and prevent spam, abuse, and security incidents.
• Comply with legal obligations.
• Enforce our Terms of Service.
• Protect our rights and the safety of our users.
Business Operations:
• Evaluate or conduct mergers, acquisitions, or asset transfers.
• Internal record-keeping and accounting.
Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)
Under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), we process your personal data based on the following legal grounds:
Consent: You have provided explicit consent for specific processing activities (e.g., newsletter subscriptions, cookie usage).
Contract Performance: Processing is necessary to fulfill our agreement with you (e.g., providing membership services, processing payments).
Legal Obligations: Processing is required to comply with legal requirements (e.g., financial record-keeping, responding to law enforcement requests).
Legitimate Interests: Processing is necessary for our legitimate business interests, provided these interests do not override your rights and freedoms. This includes:
• Website security and fraud prevention.
• Analytics and service improvement.
• Direct marketing to existing customers.
• Business administration.
Vital Interests: Processing is necessary to protect your vital interests or those of another person (rare circumstances).
Public Interest: Processing is necessary for tasks carried out in the public interest (e.g., journalism and freedom of expression).
If you have questions about the legal basis for any specific processing, please contact us at [email protected].
Cookies and Tracking Technologies
We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience and collect usage information.
What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files stored on your device that help us remember your preferences and understand how you use our website.
Types of Cookies We Use
A full breakdown of all of our cookies and why we use them can be found on our Cookie Policies page.
Managing Cookies
When you visit this website on a new device, you will be prompted to accept or reject cookies. You can even select or deny by category. You can manage your cookie settings for our site at any time after that on the Cookie Policy page.
You can further control and manage cookies through your browser settings:
Refuse all cookies: Set your browser to reject cookies (note: some website features may not function properly).
Delete cookies: Clear cookies stored on your device at any time.
Opt out of third-party cookies: Use these tools:
• Network Advertising Initiative opt-out
• European Interactive Digital Advertising Alliance opt-out
• Digital Advertising Alliance opt-out
Mobile Device Privacy Settings:
• iOS: Enable “Limit Ad Tracking.”
• Android: Enable “Opt Out of Ads Personalization.”
For more detailed information about cookies, visit the page or contact [email protected].
Third-Party Services
We work with trusted third-party service providers to operate our website and deliver services to you. These providers may collect and process your information on our behalf.
Payment Processing
Stripe:
• Processes payments for membership subscriptions and supporter contributions.
• Collects payment card information (not stored by us).
• Stripe Privacy Policy.
Embedded Content
Articles may include embedded content from third-party websites (e.g., YouTube, Vimeo, Spotify, Twitter). These embeds behave as if you visited those websites directly and may:
• Collect data about you.
• Use cookies.
• Track your interaction with embedded content.
Under GDPR, you will be prompted to consent before third-party cookies are activated. CCPA users can opt out via Cookie Settings.
Media Playback and Interaction
We collect data including IP addresses, device information, and interaction timestamps to enhance your experience with media content (videos, audio). This processing is based on:
• GDPR: Consent or legitimate interest in improving user experience.
• CCPA: Users may opt out via Cookie Settings.
Other Service Providers
All third-party providers are contractually required to:
• Keep your information confidential.
• Use it only for specified purposes.
• Maintain appropriate security standards.
• Comply with applicable data protection laws.
We do not sell your personal information to third parties.
Media Recording and Storage (GDPR)
If user interactions (e.g., voice or video) are recorded during community activities or other platform features:
• We will inform you explicitly and obtain consent per GDPR Article 7.
• Recorded data will be stored securely and used only for specified purposes.
You have the right to access, correct, or delete recorded data.
Data Retention
We retain your personal data only as long as necessary for the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy or as required by law.
Comments: Retained indefinitely to enable automatic approval of follow-up comments and maintain comment threads.
User Accounts: Active account data is retained as long as your account exists. You can request deletion at any time.
Membership and Payment Data: Retained while your membership is active and for a reasonable period thereafter for:
• Customer service purposes.
• Legal and regulatory compliance.
• Accounting and tax requirements.
• Fraud prevention.
Transaction Records: Retained in accordance with financial regulations (typically 7 years).
Usage Data: Generally retained for shorter periods unless needed for security, service improvement, or legal compliance.
Newsletter Data: Retained until you unsubscribe.
Once the retention period expires, personal data will be securely deleted or anonymized. After deletion, certain rights (access, erasure, rectification, data portability) cannot be exercised.
Your Privacy Rights
Rights Under GDPR (European Users)
If you are in the European Economic Area (EEA), you have the following rights:
Right to Access: Obtain confirmation of whether we process your personal data and receive a copy of that data.
Right to Rectification: Correct incomplete or inaccurate information we hold about you.
Right to Erasure (“Right to be Forgotten”): Request deletion of your personal data when:
• It’s no longer necessary for the purposes collected.
• You withdraw consent (where processing is based on consent).
• You object to processing and there are no overriding legitimate grounds.
• It was unlawfully processed.
• Legal obligations require deletion.
Right to Restrict Processing: Request that we limit how we use your data in certain circumstances.
Right to Data Portability: Receive your personal data in a structured, machine-readable format and transmit it to another controller.
Right to Object: Object to processing based on legitimate interests or for direct marketing purposes.
Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent at any time (where processing is based on consent). Note: Withdrawal doesn’t affect the lawfulness of processing before withdrawal.
Right to Lodge a Complaint: File a complaint with your local data protection authority if you believe your rights have been violated.
How to Exercise Your GDPR Rights
Through Your Account: Many rights can be exercised directly through your account settings.
Contact Us:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +1 240-590-5464
Mail: 12345 Parklawn Dr. Suite 200 #1046, Rockville, MD 20852
We will respond to requests within one month (may be extended by two additional months for complex requests with prior notice).
We may request verification of your identity before processing requests to protect your privacy.
California Privacy Rights (CCPA)
Information We Collect (CCPA Categories)
We collect the following categories of personal information from California residents:
| Category | Examples | Collected |
|---|---|---|
A. Identifiers |
Name, email address, IP address, username |
YES |
B. Personal information (Cal. Civ. Code § 1798.80(e)) |
Name, address, phone number, payment card info |
YES |
C. Protected classification characteristics |
Age (for verification purposes only) |
NO |
D. Commercial Information |
Purchase history, payment records |
YES |
E. Biometric information |
n/a |
NO |
F. Internet/network activity |
Browsing history, interactions with website |
YES |
G. Geolocation data |
General location from IP address |
YES |
H. Sensory data |
n/a |
NO |
I. Professional/employment information |
n/a |
NO |
J. Non-public education information |
n/a |
NO |
K. Inferences |
Preferences, characteristics, behavior |
YES |
Note: Personal information does not include publicly available information from government records, deidentified or aggregated consumer information, or information excluded from CCPA scope.
Sources of Personal Information
We collect information:
• Directly from you: Forms, purchases, preferences, account creation.
• Indirectly from you: Observing your activity on our website.
• Automatically: Cookies and tracking technologies.
• Service providers: Payment processors, mail content delivery.
Use of Personal Information
We use personal information for business purposes including:
• Fulfilling transactions and service requests.
• Processing payments and preventing fraud.
• Providing customer support.
• Improving and personalizing services.
• Marketing and advertising.
• Security and legal compliance.
• Business operations and analysis.
We will not use personal information for materially different purposes without providing notice.
Sharing Personal Information
We may share your personal information with:
• Service providers (payment processors, hosting, customer support, contractors).
• Our affiliates and business partners.
• Third parties with your authorization.
• Law enforcement or government authorities (when required by law and determined the request is infallible).
Categories Disclosed: In the preceding 12 months, we may have disclosed Categories A, B, D, F, G, and K for business purposes.
Sale of Personal Information
We do not sell personal information of consumers.
Your CCPA Rights
California residents have the following rights:
Right to Know: Request disclosure of:
• Categories of personal information collected.
• Categories of sources.
• Business or commercial purpose for collection.
• Categories of third parties with whom we share information.
• Specific pieces of personal information collected.
Right to Delete: Request deletion of personal information (subject to certain exceptions).
Right to Opt-Out of Sale: Direct us not to sell your personal information (we don’t anyways).
Right to Non-Discrimination: Exercise your rights without receiving discriminatory treatment, including:
• Denial of goods or services.
• Different prices or rates.
• Different level or quality of goods or services.
How to Exercise Your CCPA Rights
Submit a Request:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +1 240-590-5464
Mail: 12345 Parklawn Dr. Suite 200 #1046, Rockville, MD 20852
Verification: We must verify your identity before processing requests. You may need to:
• Provide sufficient information to verify you are the person about whom we collected data.
• Authorize an agent registered with the California Secretary of State to act on your behalf.
Response Timeline:
• We will respond within 45 days of receiving your request.
• May be extended by an additional 45 days when necessary (with prior notice).
• Information disclosed will cover the 12-month period preceding the request.
Data Portability: We will provide information in a readily usable format that allows transmission to other entities.
Opt-Out of Sale
We do not sell consumer’s information. However, as mentioned earlier, third-parties may also collect your information. Here are a few resources to opt out of the sale of your personal information:
Website: Use these opt-out platforms:
• NAI opt-out platform
• EDAA opt-out platform
• DAA opt-out platform
Mobile Devices:
• iOS: Enable “Limit Ad Tracking.”
• Android: Enable “Opt out of Ads Personalization.”
Note: Opt-outs are browser-specific. You must opt out on each browser you use. If you clear cookies, you’ll need to opt out again.
California Shine the Light Law
California residents with an established business relationship may request information once per year about sharing personal data with third parties for their direct marketing purposes.
To request this information:
• Email [email protected] with “California Shine the Light Request” in the subject line.
California Minor Privacy Rights
California residents under 18 who are registered users may request removal of content or information they publicly posted.
To request removal:
• Email [email protected] with the email address associated with your account.
Important: Removal does not guarantee complete deletion. Content may remain in backups, and the law may not permit removal in certain circumstances.
Do Not Track Policy
Our website responds to “Do Not Track” (DNT) signals from browsers. However, some third-party websites may track your browsing activity.
To enable DNT:
• Check your browser’s preferences or settings page.
• Look for privacy or tracking options.
Note that third-party tracking is controlled by those parties’ privacy policies, not ours.
International Data Transfers
Our servers are located in the United States. If you access our website from outside the United States, your information will be transferred to, stored, and processed in the United States.
By using our services, you consent to this transfer.
Data protection laws in the United States may differ from those in your country. We take reasonable steps to ensure your data is treated securely and in accordance with this Privacy Policy.
For EU/EEA users, transfers comply with GDPR requirements through:
• Standard Contractual Clauses (where applicable).
• Adequacy decisions.
• Other approved transfer mechanisms.
Data Security
We implement reasonable security measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction.
Security Measures Include:
• Encryption protocols for sensitive information (e.g., payment data).
• Secure password storage (hashed and salted).
• Limited employee access (only qualified personnel with password-protected access).
• Regular security audits and system monitoring.
• Secure hosting infrastructure.
• Spam detection and abuse prevention systems.
Important: Despite our efforts, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security. Electronic communications and databases are subject to errors, tampering, and break-ins. We are not liable for security breaches beyond our reasonable control.
Your Responsibility:
• Keep your password complex and confidential.
• Log out when using shared computers.
• Report suspicious activity immediately.
Children’s Privacy
Our website is not intended for children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13.
If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child under 13 has provided us with personal information:
• Contact us immediately at [email protected].
• We will delete any such information promptly.
For children aged 13-17: Parental consent may be required for certain activities. We encourage parents to monitor their children’s online activities.
Newsletter and Communications
Email Communications
When you subscribe to our newsletter or create a membership account, we will use your email address to send:
• Content updates and new articles.
• Membership-related information.
• Special offers and announcements.
• Important account or security notifications.
Subscription Tiers and Email Frequency:
The Observer (Free): Monthly roundup on the last Thursday of each month.
The Critic ($3/month): Monthly roundup plus exclusive content notifications.
The Insider ($10/month): All communications plus early access notifications.
Reader-Members ($45/year co-ownership fee): All communications, governance notices, annual member meeting announcements, and patronage dividend statements.
Your Control:
• Unsubscribe anytime: Click the unsubscribe link in any email.
• Manage preferences: Update your email preferences in your account settings.
• Contact us: Email [email protected] to update preferences.
Note: Even if you unsubscribe from marketing emails, we may still send essential account-related communications (e.g., password resets, payment confirmations, security alerts).
Changes to This Privacy Policy
We reserve the right to modify this Privacy Policy at any time to reflect:
• Changes in our practices.
• Legal or regulatory requirements.
• New features or services.
When we make changes:
• We will update the “Last Updated” date at the top of this policy.
• Major changes may be announced via email or prominent notice on our website.
• We encourage you to review this policy periodically.
Your continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
Contact Information
We are committed to resolving any privacy concerns you may have.
For privacy-related questions, concerns, or requests:
Primary Contact:
• Email: [email protected]
• Subject line for data requests: “Privacy Request”
Additional Support:
• General Inquiries: [email protected]
• Customer Support: [email protected]
• Technical Issues: [email protected]
• Phone: +1 240-590-5464
Mailing Address:
The Convergence Lens
12345 Parklawn Dr. Suite 200 #1046
Rockville, MD 20852
United States
EU Data Protection Representative: [email protected]
Response Time: We aim to respond to all privacy inquiries within 5 business days, and to formal data requests within the timeframes required by applicable law (typically 30 days).
Correcting Inaccurate Information
You have the right to correct any inaccuracies in your personal information.
To update your information:
• Through Your Account: Edit your profile and account settings directly.
• Email: [email protected] with the correct information.
• During Support Interactions: Inform our support team of necessary corrections.
We will update your information promptly upon verification of your identity.
Deleting or Deactivating Your Information
Account Deletion
You may request deletion or deactivation of your account and personal information at any time.
To request deletion: Email [email protected] with “Account Deletion Request” in the subject line.
What Happens When You Delete Your Account:
• Your personal information will be functionally deleted from active systems.
• We will not sell, transfer, or use your information moving forward.
• Some residual information may remain in backups and records.
• Complete deletion from all systems may take up to 90 days.
Exceptions: We may retain certain information when required by law or necessary for:
• Completing transactions.
• Resolving disputes.
• Enforcing agreements.
• Complying with legal obligations.
• Preventing fraud and abuse.
Limitations
Due to data backup procedures and legal requirements:
• Complete removal without any residual information may not be possible.
• Archived copies in backup systems may persist temporarily.
• Comments and public contributions may remain (though attribution can be removed).
Links to Other Websites
Our website contains links to third-party websites. Please note:
We are not responsible for:
• The privacy practices of external websites.
• The content of linked websites.
• How third parties collect or use your information.
We encourage you to:
• Read the privacy policies of any website you visit.
• Be cautious when providing personal information to third parties.
• Verify the legitimacy of external websites before sharing data.
When you click external links, you leave our website and are subject to the privacy policies of the destination site.
Additional Information
Behavioral Remarketing
We may use remarketing services to display advertisements to you after you’ve visited our website. We use cookies and non-cookie technologies to:
• Understand how you use our services.
• Display relevant advertisements on third-party websites.
• Measure advertising campaign performance.
Opting Out of Behavioral Remarketing:
• Reject analytics cookies on our site.
• Use the opt-out platforms listed in the Cookies section for additional security.
• Adjust mobile device privacy settings.
Automated Decision-Making
We do not use automated decision-making or profiling in ways that produce legal or similarly significant effects, except:
• Automated bot detection for website security.
• Automated spam detection for comments.
• Fraud prevention for payment processing.
You have the right to request human review of automated decisions that significantly affect you.
Data Controller
For GDPR purposes, The Convergence Lens (operated by Madeline Rose) serves as the Data Controller for personal information collected through our website and services.
Accessibility
If you have difficulty accessing this policy due to a disability:
• Contact us at [email protected]
• We will provide the information in an alternative format.
Definitions
Personal Data/Personal Information: Any information relating to an identified or identifiable individual, including name, email address, IP address, device identifiers, and usage data.
Processing: Any operation performed on personal data, including collection, storage, use, disclosure, or deletion.
Data Controller: The entity that determines the purposes and means of processing personal data (The Convergence Lens).
Data Processor: An entity that processes personal data on behalf of the Data Controller (our service providers).
Cookies: Small text files stored on your device by websites you visit.
GDPR: General Data Protection Regulation – EU data protection law.
CCPA: California Consumer Privacy Act – California state privacy law.
Consent: Freely given, specific, informed, and unambiguous indication of your wishes by which you agree to processing of your personal data.
This Privacy Policy applies to information collected through our website and does not apply to information collected offline or through other channels.
By using The Convergence Lens website and services, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy.
If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us at [email protected].
