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Privacy Policy

Effective Date: October 21, 2025

Quick Summary

When you visit Snopes.com or use the Snopes mobile applications (the "Apps"):

  • We collect information about your activity, device, and usage for advertising, analytics, and operation.

  • The Apps may also collect limited data from your mobile device (e.g., crash logs, device identifiers, push token).

  • You can manage permissions through your device settings or privacy controls.

  • We recognize Global Privacy Control (GPC) signals and offer opt-out mechanisms.

  • Third parties like Meta (Facebook) and Google may collect data independently.

  • California residents: See Section 7 for your CCPA/CPRA rights.

By using the Site or Apps, you accept the data practices described in this policy.

1. Introduction

Snopes, Inc. ("Snopes," "we," "us," or "our") operates the Snopes.com website and the Snopes mobile applications available on iOS and Android (the "Apps").
This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect information about visitors and users of the Site and Apps. Please also review our Terms of Service, which govern your use of the Site and Apps.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

When you interact with the Site or Apps, you may voluntarily provide:

  • Contact or account information (e.g., name, email).

  • Payment details if you subscribe or make in-app purchases.

  • User-generated content, submissions, or feedback.

  • Preferences or profile information you choose to share.

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

We and our partners may automatically collect:

  • Device information (mobile OS, model, unique device identifiers, app version, language, and network info).

  • IP address and general location.

  • Usage data (pages or screens viewed, buttons tapped, time in app, referring source).

  • Crash reports, diagnostics, and performance analytics.

2.3 Mobile App Permissions and Data Sources

Depending on your settings and platform, the Apps may request or access:

  • Device storage (to cache content for offline use).

  • Notifications (to send you breaking-news alerts).

  • Analytics identifiers (e.g., Firebase Analytics, Apple App Analytics).

  • In-App Purchase Data from Apple App Store or Google Play (to validate subscriptions).

You can manage these permissions in your device’s system settings. Denying optional permissions may limit some features but will not affect core functionality.

2.4 Cookies and Similar Technologies

The Site uses cookies, and the Apps use analogous identifiers such as device or advertising IDs for analytics and advertising.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use information to:

  • Operate, maintain, and improve the Site and Apps.

  • Deliver personalized or contextual content and ads.

  • Provide account or subscription management.

  • Send push notifications or emails if you opt in.

  • Analyze usage trends and app performance.

  • Comply with legal obligations and protect against fraud.

 

When you visit or log in to our website, cookies and similar technologies may be used by our online data partners or vendors to associate these activities with other personal information they or others have about you, including by association with your email or home address. We (or service providers on our behalf) may then send communications and marketing to these email or home addresses. You may opt out of receiving this advertising by visiting https://app.retention.com/optout.

4. Third-Party Tracking and Advertising

We partner with third parties including Meta, Google, and mobile analytics providers such as Firebase and App Store Connect to deliver and measure ads, analyze usage, and fix issues.

4.1 App-Specific Analytics and Advertising

  • Google Firebase Analytics and Crashlytics help us understand app performance.

  • Google Ad Manager or App-Store Ads may deliver in-app ads or measure engagement.

  • Meta SDKs (for Facebook Login or ads) may collect device and interaction data.

These partners collect data directly from your device or browser under their own privacy policies.

4.2 Other Advertising Partners

We also work with:

  • Advertising networks (for targeted advertising).

  • Analytics providers (for measurement and reporting).

  • Header bidding partners (for ad auction optimization).

These partners may set their own cookies or identifiers and use them under their own policies.

5. Your Privacy Choices and Controls

5.1 Global Privacy Control (GPC)

We recognize and honor GPC signals sent by your browser.
If your browser or device sends a GPC signal:

  • We treat it as an opt-out of "sale" and "sharing" under CCPA.

  • Third-party behavioral tracking technologies should not load.

  • Ads shown will be contextual rather than behaviorally targeted.

5.2 "Do Not Sell My Personal Information" Opt-Out

You can opt out via:

  1. Global Privacy Control (recommended).

  2. Our Opt-Out Tool — Click "Do Not Sell My Personal Information" in our footer.

  3. Device Settings — Limit Ad Tracking (iOS) or Opt Out of Ads Personalization (Android).

5.3 Browser and Device Controls

You can:

  • Manage or delete cookies in your browser.

  • Reset your device advertising ID.

  • Disable or manage notifications.

Blocking essential cookies or permissions may affect functionality.

5.4 Advertising Opt-Out Tools

6. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We share information with:

  • Service Providers: hosting, analytics, email, and payment vendors.

  • Advertising Partners: for targeted ads (may constitute a "sale" under CA law).

  • App Stores: to process in-app purchases and prevent fraud.

  • Crash and Diagnostic Vendors: such as Firebase Crashlytics.

  • Legal and Compliance: when required by law or to protect our rights.

We may also share aggregated, anonymized information that does not identify you personally.

7. California Privacy Rights (CCPA/CPRA)

7.1 Right to Opt Out of "Sale" or "Share"

California law considers sharing personal information with ad partners to be a "sale" or "share."
You have the right to opt out — see Section 5 above.

7.2 Your CCPA/CPRA Rights

  • Right to Know what data we collect and how it’s used.

  • Right to Delete personal information (with exceptions).

  • Right to Correct inaccurate data.

  • Right to Non-Discrimination for exercising these rights.

7.3 How to Exercise Your Rights

Email: legal@snopes.com
Mail: Snopes, Inc., Attn: California Privacy Rights, 8 The Green, Suite 8298, Dover, DE 19901
We may verify your identity before fulfilling requests.

8. Data Security

We implement reasonable safeguards including encryption (HTTPS), access controls, and vendor security reviews.
However, no internet transmission is 100% secure.

9. Data Retention

We retain data only as long as necessary for our business purposes and legal obligations.

  • Usage data: up to 2 years.

  • Account data: while active plus a short period thereafter.

10. Children’s Privacy

The Snopes Site and Apps are not directed to children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect information from them.
If you believe we have, please contact us and we’ll delete it.

11. International Users

The Site and Apps are operated in the United States.
If you access them from outside the U.S., your data will be processed here under U.S. law.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically.
Material changes will be reflected on this page and noted by an updated Effective Date.

13. Contact Us

Email: legal@snopes.com
Mail:
Snopes, Inc. – Attn: Privacy Officer
8 The Green, Suite 8298
Dover, DE 19901

By using the Site and Apps, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to this Privacy Policy.