SMS Privacy Policy

Best Edit ("Best Edit," "we," "us," or "our") operates an SMS messaging service for community reporting, source interviews, and tip-line follow-up. This SMS Privacy Policy explains what information we collect through that program, how we use it, how we protect it, and the choices you have. It covers our website, our SMS messaging program, and our voice call-in interview line.

NewsHound is a product of Best-Edit, a division of Monumental Stories LLC. The SMS program described in this policy — NewsHound Tips & Interviews — is operated by Monumental Stories LLC, and messages are sent from (708) 501-6397. The ways you can opt in are described on our SMS Opt-In page.

Information we collect

When you contact us by phone, text message, or web form, we may collect:

• Your mobile phone number
• Your name, if you provide it
• The content of your text messages, voicemails, recorded interview responses, tips, story leads, or other communications
• The date, time, and duration of your calls or messages
• Your opt-in, opt-out, consent, HELP, STOP, and other SMS compliance records
• Any other information you choose to provide

For SMS messages and voice calls, we receive the information you choose to send or provide to us. If you visit our website, we may also collect limited website data through server logs, cookies, or similar technologies as described below.

When you opt in through the web form on our SMS Opt-In page, we also record the exact consent wording shown to you, the date and time you submitted it, and the IP address the submission came from. We keep these records so we can demonstrate your consent to a carrier or regulator if we are ever asked.

How we use your information

We may use the information we collect to:

• Respond to your tip, message, interview question, or request
• Send interview questions, tip-line replies, scheduling messages, confirmations, and service messages
• Operate our SMS messaging program and voice call-in interview workflow
• Record, transcribe, review, organize, edit, and manage interview responses or tip-line submissions
• Maintain records of your SMS opt-in, opt-out, consent, HELP, STOP, and other compliance activity
• Prevent fraud, abuse, misuse, or unauthorized access, and debug, secure, and maintain our services
• Comply with legal obligations, lawful requests, subpoenas, court orders, and regulatory requirements

We do not use your mobile information for unrelated third-party marketing.

Mobile information — non-sharing

No mobile information will be shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes. Text messaging originator opt-in data and consent will not be sold, rented, shared, or transferred to any third party, affiliate, lead generator, or other organization for marketing or promotional purposes.

We do not sell, rent, lease, or trade your phone number, SMS opt-in status, SMS consent records, or message content.

We may share information only in these limited cases:

• With service providers who help us operate our messaging, voice, transcription, hosting, security, and support systems. These providers may use the information only to provide services to us and may not use it for their own marketing.
• When required by law, subpoena, court order, or to protect the rights, safety, or security of any person.

SMS program — what to expect

When you opt in to our SMS program (by texting our number, submitting your phone number on our website, or confirming participation in a scheduled interview):

• Message frequency: Message frequency varies. You may receive between 1 and 10 messages per week depending on news activity and your interaction with us.
• Message and data rates may apply. Your mobile carrier may charge you for sending or receiving text messages. Check with your carrier for details. Neither Best Edit nor NewsHound charges for messages.
• Help: Reply HELP to any message for assistance, or email support@best-edit.com.
• Opt out: Reply STOP to any message to unsubscribe. You will receive one final confirmation that you have been unsubscribed, after which we will not send further messages unless you opt in again.
• Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages.

Cookies and website data

If you visit our website, we may use cookies and similar technologies to remember your preferences and analyze how the site is used. You can disable cookies in your browser settings; some site features may not work correctly without them.

Children

Our services are not directed to children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect information from anyone under 13. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us and we will delete it.

Your choices

• Stop receiving SMS messages by replying STOP at any time.
• Request that we delete the information we hold about you by emailing support@best-edit.com.

Security

We use commercially reasonable safeguards to protect your information. No system is perfectly secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security, but we work hard to prevent unauthorized access or disclosure.

Changes to this policy

We may update this policy from time to time. The "Last updated" date above will reflect the most recent change. Significant changes will be communicated through our website or, where appropriate, by SMS or email.

Contact

This SMS program is operated by Monumental Stories LLC, Harvey, Illinois. Questions about this policy? Email us at support@best-edit.com or call (708) 501-6397. See also our SMS Terms & Conditions and our SMS Opt-In page.