Privacy Policy

Accounts are optional

You can use AZ News without creating an account. On the mobile app, there is no login screen when you open the app — you can browse news immediately as a guest.

If you want newsroom access (for example, to apply as a reporter or submit stories), you may sign in or create an account from Profile → Newsroom in the app. We only collect account-related information when you choose to do that.

On the website, sign-in is also optional and available from the header when you want account features such as bookmarks. To post comments in the mobile app, you must sign in with Google when you choose to comment.

Sign in with Google (comments)

Posting comments in the AZ News mobile app requires Google Sign-In. You are not asked to sign in when you open the app or browse news — only when you choose to comment.

When you sign in with Google, we receive information Google shares with us for authentication, such as your name, email address, profile picture (if available), and a unique Google account identifier. We use this to create or link your AZ News reader account, display your name on comments, and prevent abuse.

Google processes your sign-in according to Google's Privacy Policy. We do not receive your Google password.

Who we are

AZ News is built and maintained by Inficrux (inficrux.com). This Privacy Policy applies to the AZ News website, mobile app, and related services that link to this page.

For privacy-related questions, account deletion requests, or data access requests, contact us at info@inficrux.com.

Information we collect

How we use your information

• Create, authenticate, and manage your account
• Deliver news content, comments, bookmarks, and personalized features
• Process reporter applications and newsroom submissions
• Send OTP codes and essential service-related messages you request
• Review comment reports submitted by signed-in users and take moderation action
• Moderate content, prevent fraud, abuse, and unauthorized access
• Monitor performance, fix errors, and improve the product
• Comply with legal obligations and enforce our terms
• Respond to support, privacy, and data requests

We do not sell your personal information.

Content moderation

Comments and other content you post may be reviewed by our team. We may hide or remove content that violates our rules, is abusive, unlawful, or otherwise inappropriate.

When a comment is hidden, other users may see a moderation notice instead of the full text. The original comment may remain stored for moderation, safety, and legal purposes. Readers may choose to view hidden comment text in the app at their own discretion.

Signed-in users on the website or mobile app may report comments they believe violate our rules. When you submit a report, we store the comment reference, the reason you select, any optional details you provide, your account identifier, and the time of the report. Reports are reviewed by our moderation team. We may hide or remove reported comments, dismiss reports we find unfounded, and restrict accounts that abuse the reporting feature. You cannot report your own comments.

Reporter applications

If you apply to become a reporter in the mobile app, you must accept the Reporter Terms and Conditions shown during signup before submitting. We collect the information and documents you provide (such as work email, experience, profile photo, government ID, and press or degree certificate) to review your application. Application data is used only for newsroom onboarding, verification, and related communication.

When you submit or update a story as a reporter or contributor, you must confirm that your content is original and does not violate copyright or applicable laws. We log your user ID, submission time, the confirmation text accepted, and technical metadata (such as IP address and device/browser information) to support moderation and resolve disputes.

Mobile app permissions

The AZ News mobile app may request the following permissions only when needed and with your consent:

• Phone / SMS: to verify your identity using OTP only when you choose to sign in or sign up (Profile → Newsroom on mobile)
• Camera: to take photos for story submissions when you choose to
• Photos / media: to select images from your gallery for uploads
• Location: to tag a story or profile location only when you explicitly enable it

You may deny optional permissions and still browse news without an account. Permissions for phone/SMS, camera, photos, or location are only used when you start the related action (such as signing in or uploading a story).

Cookies and similar technologies

Our website uses cookies and local storage for authentication, session management, theme preferences, and essential functionality. We may use analytics or diagnostic tools that rely on cookies or similar technologies to understand traffic and reliability. You can control cookies through your browser settings. If you sign in on mobile, the app stores a login token securely on your device until you sign out.

How we share information

We may share limited data only in these situations:

• Service providers: hosting, database, SMS/OTP delivery, Google Sign-In (authentication for comments), analytics, and infrastructure partners that process data on our behalf under contractual safeguards
• Legal requirements: when required by law, regulation, court order, or to protect rights, safety, and security
• Business changes: in connection with a merger, acquisition, or asset transfer, subject to continued protection of your information

Public content you post (such as comments or published stories) may be visible to other users as part of the service.

Data security and retention

We use reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect your information, including encrypted connections (HTTPS), hashed passwords, and access controls. No method of transmission or storage is 100% secure.

We retain personal data only as long as necessary to provide the service, meet legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce agreements. When data is no longer needed, we delete or anonymize it where practicable.

Your rights and choices

• Browse news on the mobile app without creating an account or signing in
• Access and update profile information where available after you sign in
• Withdraw optional permissions (location, camera, photos) in device settings
• Control cookies through your browser on the website
• Opt out of non-essential communications where applicable
• Request account deletion or a copy of your data by emailing info@inficrux.com or using our delete account page

We will verify your request and respond within a reasonable time, subject to legal and operational requirements. Some information may be retained where required by law or for legitimate business purposes (for example, fraud prevention or backup retention).

Children's privacy

AZ News is not directed to children under 13 years of age (or the minimum age required in your jurisdiction). We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided us personal data, contact us at info@inficrux.com and we will take appropriate steps to delete it.

International users

AZ News is operated from India. If you access our services from other regions, your information may be processed and stored in India or where our service providers operate. By using the service, you understand that your data may be transferred to jurisdictions that may have different data protection laws than your own.

Changes to this policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do, we will revise the "Last updated" date at the top of this page. Material changes may also be communicated through the app or website. Continued use of AZ News after changes become effective means you accept the updated policy.

Contact us

Data controller: Inficrux (inficrux.com)

Email: info@inficrux.com

You may also reach us through our contact page. See also our Terms of Service.