Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Welcome to True Crime Cases You Haven’t Heard. I am committed to protecting your privacy and being transparent about how information is handled on this website.

This Privacy Policy explains:

• What information is collected
• How your information is used
• Who it’s shared with (spoiler: almost no one)
• Your rights and choices
• How to contact me with questions

By using this website or subscribing to the email list, you agree to this Privacy Policy.

2. Information Collected

2.1 Information You Provide Directly

Email Address: When you subscribe to receive episode notifications, this website collects your email address. That’s it. I don’t ask for your name, phone number, address, or any other personal details.

Case Suggestions: If you submit a case suggestion through the contact form, I may collect your email address (optional) and the content of your message.

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

Analytics Data: This website uses analytics tracking pixels to understand how visitors use the site. This includes:

• Pages you visit and how long you stay
• Which episodes are most popular
• What device and browser you’re using (e.g., iPhone with Safari)
• General location (city/region level, not your exact address)
• How you found the site (search engine, social media, direct link)

Important: This analytics data is anonymous. The system can see “someone from Dallas visited Episode 5” but doesn’t identify who that person is unless you’ve separately subscribed to the email list.

2.3 Information Not Collected

This website deliberately does not collect:

• Credit card or payment information (nothing is sold)
• Social Security numbers or government IDs
• Precise geolocation tracking
• Biometric data
• Health or medical information
• Information from children under 13 (see Section 9)

3. How Your Information Is Used

3.1 Email Address

Your email address is used exclusively to:

• Send you notifications when new episodes are released
• Deliver promised case file documents (court records, evidence compilations)
• Occasionally share updates about the podcast (no more than 1-2 emails per month)

I will never:

• Sell your email to third parties
• Rent or lease the email list
• Share your email for marketing purposes
• Send you spam or unrelated promotional content

3.2 Analytics Data

Anonymous website analytics are used to:

• Understand which episodes resonate with listeners
• Improve website performance and user experience
• Identify technical issues (broken links, slow pages)
• Make informed decisions about future content

3.3 Legal Compliance

True Crime Cases You Haven’t Heard may use or disclose information if required by law, such as:

• Responding to valid legal requests (subpoenas, court orders)
• Protecting rights or property
• Investigating fraud or security incidents
• Complying with regulatory requirements

4. Information Sharing

4.1 Email Service Provider

This website uses a third-party email service (such as Mailchimp or similar) to manage the subscriber list and send emails. They have access to your email address but are contractually obligated to:

• Use your data only for sending emails
• Maintain security and confidentiality
• Comply with privacy laws
• Not use your data for their own marketing

4.2 Analytics Services

This website uses analytics services (such as Google Analytics or similar) to track website usage. These services collect anonymous data through tracking pixels and cookies. They cannot identify you personally.

4.3 Website Hosting

This website is hosted on SiteGround servers. They have access to server logs and technical data but do not use this information for any purpose other than hosting the site.

4.4 No Data Sales

I have never sold personal information and never will. Your email address stays with me and trusted service providers only.

5. Information Protection

I take data security seriously and implement industry-standard measures:

• Encryption: Data transmitted between your browser and the servers is encrypted using SSL/TLS
• Secure Storage: Email addresses are stored on secure servers with access controls
• Limited Access: Only I can access subscriber data
• Regular Updates: Systems and software are kept up to date with security patches

However: No method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. While I strive to protect your information, absolute security cannot be guaranteed.

6. Your Rights and Choices

6.1 Unsubscribe from Emails

Every email includes an “unsubscribe” link at the bottom. Click it once and you’re immediately removed from the list. No questions asked, no hoops to jump through.

6.2 Access Your Data

You have the right to know what personal information is stored about you. Email me at contact@truecrimeunheard.com and I’ll send you a copy.

6.3 Correct Your Data

If your email address changes or is incorrect, contact me and I’ll update it.

6.4 Delete Your Data

You can request deletion of your email address from the system at any time. I’ll remove it within 30 days (some backup systems may retain data for a short period).

6.5 Opt Out of Analytics

Most browsers allow you to:

• Block cookies entirely
• Delete existing cookies
• Install privacy extensions (like uBlock Origin, Privacy Badger)
• Enable “Do Not Track” settings

You can also install the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on if this site uses Google Analytics.

6.6 GDPR Rights (European Users)

If you’re in the European Union, you have additional rights under GDPR:

• Right to Access: Get a copy of your data
• Right to Rectification: Correct inaccurate data
• Right to Erasure: Delete your data (“right to be forgotten”)
• Right to Restrict Processing: Limit how your data is used
• Right to Data Portability: Receive your data in a portable format
• Right to Object: Object to processing of your data

6.7 CCPA Rights (California Users)

If you’re a California resident, you have rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act:

• Right to Know: What personal information is collected and how it’s used
• Right to Delete: Request deletion of your personal information
• Right to Opt-Out: Opt out of the “sale” of personal information (note: no data is sold)
• Right to Non-Discrimination: No discrimination for exercising your rights

7. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

7.1 What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files stored on your device by websites you visit. They help websites remember your preferences and analyze traffic.

7.2 How Cookies Are Used

This website uses cookies for:

• Essential Cookies: Required for the website to function (e.g., remembering login status)
• Analytics Cookies: Track anonymous usage data to improve the site
• Performance Cookies: Help identify and fix technical issues

This website does not use:

• Advertising/marketing cookies
• Third-party tracking for ad networks
• Social media tracking pixels (beyond basic share buttons)

7.3 Managing Cookies

You can control cookies through your browser settings:

• Chrome: Settings → Privacy and Security → Cookies
• Firefox: Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies
• Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Cookies
• Edge: Settings → Cookies and Site Permissions

8. Data Retention

• Email Addresses: Kept until you unsubscribe or request deletion
• Analytics Data: Anonymous analytics are typically retained for 26 months, then automatically deleted
• Contact Form Messages: Stored for up to 2 years for reference, then deleted
• Backup Systems: Deleted data may persist in backups for up to 90 days before permanent deletion

9. Children’s Privacy

This website is not directed to children under 13 years old. I do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13.

If you’re a parent and believe your child has provided personal information, please contact me immediately at contact@truecrimeunheard.com and I’ll delete it.

Note: True crime content may not be appropriate for children. Parental discretion is advised.

10. International Users

This website is hosted in the United States. If you’re accessing the site from outside the U.S., please be aware that:

• Your information may be transferred to and stored on U.S. servers
• U.S. privacy laws may differ from those in your country
• By using this site, you consent to this transfer

This website complies with applicable data protection laws, including GDPR for European users.

11. Third-Party Links

This website may contain links to:

• Podcast platforms (Spotify, Apple Podcasts, etc.)
• News sources and court documents
• Social media profiles
• Related websites

Important: True Crime Cases You Haven’t Heard is not responsible for the privacy practices of these third-party sites. When you click a link and leave this site, their privacy policies apply. Please review them separately.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy may be updated occasionally to reflect:

• Changes in practices
• New legal requirements
• Improvements to services
• User feedback

When changes are made:

• The “Last Updated” date will be updated
• Email subscribers will be notified if changes are significant
• The new policy takes effect immediately upon posting

You are encouraged to review this policy periodically.

13. California “Shine the Light” Law

California Civil Code Section 1798.83 permits California residents to request information about disclosure of personal information to third parties for direct marketing purposes.

Good news: I don’t share personal information with third parties for their direct marketing purposes. So there’s nothing to disclose.

14. Do Not Track Signals

Some browsers offer a “Do Not Track” (DNT) signal. Currently, there is no industry standard for how to respond to DNT signals.

Analytics tools used on this website may not recognize DNT signals, but you can block tracking through browser settings or privacy extensions (see Section 6.5).

15. Business Transfers

If True Crime Cases You Haven’t Heard is acquired by or merged with another company, your email address may be transferred as part of that transaction.

In such cases:

• You’ll be notified via email before the transfer
• The new owner must honor this Privacy Policy
• You’ll have the option to unsubscribe if you don’t want to continue

16. Contact

Questions, concerns, or requests about your privacy? I’m here to help.

Use the site contact form to reach out.

Data Requests: For data access, correction, or deletion requests, I’ll respond within 30 days as required by law.

17. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)

For European users, True Crime Cases You Haven’t Heard processes personal information based on:

• Consent: When you voluntarily provide your email address to subscribe
• Legitimate Interests: Analytics to improve the website and content (anonymized data)
• Legal Obligations: Compliance with applicable laws and regulations

You have the right to withdraw consent at any time by unsubscribing from emails.

18. Effective Date

This Privacy Policy is effective as of November 19, 2025.

If you subscribed before this date, your continued use of the services constitutes acceptance of this policy.

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Steve Rhode Podcaster - Investigator

30-year investigative journalist, former police dispatcher, and SAR pilot. Host of True Crime Cases You Haven't Heard podcast.

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