Privacy Policy

Last updated:

Effective Date: February 3, 2021

NorthStar ComNet Ads Manager ("we," "our," or "us") is a self-serve advertising platform operated by NorthStar Civic Media. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect information when you use the Ads Manager at comnet.northstarcivic.com.

1. Information We Collect

We collect information you provide directly and information generated during your use of the platform:

a. Account & Profile Data

  • Name, email address, and login credentials (via Auth0 authentication).
  • Business information, including organization name, contact details, and advertiser type.
  • Notification and preference settings.

b. Advertising & Application Data

  • Information submitted during the advertiser application process (e.g., business details, compliance documents, political ad disclaimers).
  • Uploaded brand assets (logos, images, ad copy).
  • Ad drafts, submissions, and approval status.

c. Technical & Usage Data

  • IP addresses, browser type, device identifiers, and usage logs.
  • Actions within the Ads Manager (e.g., draft creation, uploads, settings changes).
  • Error and performance logs (for troubleshooting and security).

2. How We Use Information

We use collected information for:

  • Account management: authenticating users, maintaining profiles, managing permissions.
  • Ad operations: processing applications, reviewing and approving ads, storing and serving ad assets.
  • Compliance: ensuring adherence to advertising and political disclosure requirements.
  • Security & integrity: preventing fraud, protecting accounts, and securing the platform.
  • Platform improvement: analyzing usage trends and system performance.
  • Communications: sending service updates, notices, or required disclosures.

We do not sell personal information to third parties.

3. How We Store & Protect Information

  • Authentication: Managed by Auth0.
  • Security: We use encryption in transit (HTTPS), input validation, rate limiting, and strict role-based access controls.

4. Sharing of Information

We only share information when necessary:

  • With NorthStar Civic Media staff for manual application review and compliance.
  • With service providers (e.g., Auth0, Cloudflare) that support platform functionality.
  • When required by law, regulation, or legal process.
  • With your consent, for specific integrations or third-party services.

5. Political & Sensitive Advertisements

Political advertisers must provide required disclosures (e.g., "Paid for by…" disclaimers). Submitted political ads and related compliance documents may be retained for regulatory purposes and may be subject to public disclosure requirements under applicable law.

6. Data Retention

  • Account and profile data are retained while your account remains active.
  • Ad drafts, assets, and submissions may be retained for recordkeeping and compliance.
  • Political ad records may be retained longer in line with legal requirements.
  • You may request deletion of your account, subject to compliance obligations.

7. Your Rights

Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have rights to:

  • Access, correct, or delete your data.
  • Restrict or object to certain processing.
  • Export your data in a portable format.

Requests may be submitted to ads@northstarcivic.com.

8. Cookies & Tracking

The Ads Manager may use cookies and local storage for:

  • Session management and authentication.
  • Saving draft progress.
  • Improving performance and security.

We do not use third-party advertising trackers.

9. Children's Privacy

The Ads Manager is not intended for individuals under 18. We do not knowingly collect information from minors.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Significant changes will be communicated via email or in-platform notices.

11. Contact Us

For questions about this Privacy Policy or your data, contact:

NorthStar Civic Media
Email: ads@northstarcivic.com
Website: https://comnet.northstarcivic.com