Privacy Policy
Last updated: February 20, 2026
We don’t sell your data. We don’t track you across the internet. We collect the minimum information needed to run this website and deliver the newsletter. That’s it.
Information We Collect
Newsletter subscriptions. Email signups on this site are processed through Substack (theranterofficial.substack.com). When you enter your email address in the subscribe form, that information is collected and managed by Substack, not by us directly. Your email is used only to send you newsletter articles and episode notifications. Substack’s privacy policy governs how they handle your email address and subscription data. You can read it at substack.com/privacy.
Website visits. This site uses Google Analytics to understand how visitors use our site. This includes pages visited, time spent on site, general location (country/city level), and device type. This data is anonymized and cannot identify you personally. Standard WordPress hosting also logs basic server data (IP address, browser type) for site security and performance.
Email contact. If you send tips, stories, or questions to stories@theranter.com, we receive your email address and whatever information you choose to include. We do not add you to any mailing list without your consent. If you request anonymity, we respect it.
What We Don’t Collect
We do not collect payment information on this website. We do not sell, trade, or share your personal information with third parties for marketing purposes.
Cookies
This site uses essential cookies required for WordPress to function and analytics cookies through Google Analytics to understand site traffic. We do not use advertising cookies. The embedded Substack signup form may set its own cookies as governed by Substack’s cookie policy. You can disable cookies in your browser settings.
Third-Party Services
This site integrates with the following services that may collect data:
- Substack (newsletter subscription and email delivery)
- Google Analytics (anonymized site traffic data, subject to Google’s privacy policy)
- WordPress/hosting provider (site delivery and security)
- YouTube (embedded videos when episodes launch, subject to Google’s privacy policy)
Your Rights
You may unsubscribe from the newsletter at any time through the link at the bottom of any Substack email. If you want your email removed from Substack’s records entirely, contact Substack directly or email us at stories@theranter.com and we will initiate removal on your behalf.
If you have submitted a tip or story and want it deleted, email stories@theranter.com.
Data Retention
Server logs are retained according to our hosting provider’s standard retention period. Newsletter subscriber data is managed entirely through Substack. Emails sent to stories@theranter.com are retained only as long as needed to respond or to verify sourcing for published content.
Children
This site is not directed at anyone under 18. We do not knowingly collect information from minors.
Changes to This Policy
If we update this policy, the date at the top changes. Significant changes will be noted in the newsletter.
Contact
Questions about this policy: stories@theranter.com
We critique systems, not people. That includes respecting your data.