Privacy Policy: Hey Shoals

Effective date: October 29, 2025
Last updated: October 29, 2025

Hey Shoals (“we,” “us,” or “our”) is a local media brand that highlights stories, businesses, and people across the Shoals area. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your information when you visit our website, social media pages, or use our app (collectively, the “Services”).

By using Hey Shoals, you agree to the terms of this policy.

1. Information We Collect

A. Information You Provide

We collect personal information that you voluntarily provide, such as:

  • Your name, email address, or phone number (for contact or subscriptions)

  • Messages or comments you send us

  • Media or content you choose to share

B. Information Collected Automatically

When you use our site or app, we automatically collect:

  • IP address, browser type, device information

  • Pages visited and interactions

  • Cookies and analytics data to help us improve performance

C. Information from Third Parties

We may receive information from analytics or ad partners like Google and Meta (Facebook/Instagram) to understand how people interact with our content.

2. How We Use Information

We use information to:

  • Provide and improve our Services

  • Communicate updates, promotions, and responses to inquiries

  • Personalize your experience

  • Analyze trends and measure engagement

  • Maintain security and legal compliance

We do not sell your personal information.

3. Cookies and Tracking

We use cookies, pixels, and similar tools for analytics and advertising performance. You can disable cookies in your browser, but some features may not work properly.

Common tools we may use include:

  • Google Analytics

  • Meta (Facebook/Instagram) Pixel

  • Google Ads tracking

4. How We Share Information

We may share limited data with:

  • Service providers (hosting, analytics, email delivery)

  • Advertising or analytics platforms (in aggregated or anonymous form)

  • Legal authorities, if required by law

We do not share your contact details for other companies’ marketing purposes.

5. Data Retention

We keep personal data only as long as needed to fulfill its purpose or comply with legal obligations. Data is securely deleted or anonymized when no longer necessary.

6. Your Rights and Choices

You can:

  • Unsubscribe from emails anytime

  • Manage app permissions for camera, photos, or location in your device settings

  • Request to access or delete your data by contacting us

7. Children’s Privacy

Hey Shoals does not knowingly collect data from children under 13. If we learn a child has submitted information, we will promptly delete it.

8. Security

We use reasonable safeguards to protect your information. However, no online service can be 100% secure.

9. Third-Party Links

Hey Shoals content may link to external sites or embed videos/social media posts. We are not responsible for their privacy practices — please review their policies separately.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. The “Effective Date” above reflects the latest version. Updates will be posted here, and significant changes may be communicated via email or in-app notice.

11. Contact Us

If you have any questions or requests about this policy, please contact us: heyshoalsal@gmail.com


Summary:
We collect minimal data to help Hey Shoals run smoothly, share local stories, and improve your experience. We don’t sell your data, and you can opt out or manage your info anytime.

Terms of Service — Hey Shoals

Effective Date: October 29, 2025
Last Updated: October 29, 2025

Welcome to Hey Shoals, operated by Hey Media (“we,” “us,” or “our”). These Terms of Service (“Terms”) govern your access to and use of our website, app, and any related services (collectively, the “Services”).

By using Hey Shoals, you agree to these Terms. If you do not agree, please discontinue use of our Services.

1. Use of Services

Hey Shoals provides local stories, videos, photos, and information about businesses and life in the Shoals area. You may use our Services only for lawful, personal, and non-commercial purposes unless otherwise approved in writing.

You agree not to:

  • Use the Services in any unlawful or harmful way.

  • Attempt to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to our systems.

  • Upload or share content that is false, defamatory, harassing, or infringes on another’s rights.

We may suspend or terminate your access at any time for violations of these Terms or other misuse.

2. Intellectual Property

All content published by Hey Shoals — including text, images, videos, graphics, and logos — is the property of Hey Media or its content partners and is protected by copyright and trademark laws.

You may share our content for personal or noncommercial use (e.g., social media sharing with credit). You may not reproduce, distribute, modify, or use our content commercially without written permission.

3. User Content

If you submit comments, photos, or other materials (“User Content”), you grant Hey Shoals a nonexclusive, royalty-free, worldwide license to use, reproduce, publish, and distribute that content in connection with our Services and promotions.

You are responsible for ensuring your content does not infringe on others’ rights. We may remove or edit content that violates these Terms or our standards.

4. Third-Party Links and Services

Hey Shoals may include links or integrations with third-party websites, products, or services. We are not responsible for the content or practices of those third parties. Using them is at your own risk, and their terms and privacy policies apply.

5. Disclaimers

Our Services are provided “as is” and “as available.”
We make no warranties, express or implied, regarding:

  • The accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content

  • Uninterrupted or error-free operation

  • Fitness for a particular purpose

You assume full responsibility for how you use the information we provide.

6. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Hey Shoals and Hey Media are not liable for any indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages arising from your use or inability to use our Services — including loss of data, profits, or goodwill.

Some jurisdictions do not allow certain limitations of liability, so these limitations may not apply to you.

7. Indemnification

You agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless Hey Shoals, Hey Media, and its affiliates, officers, employees, and partners from any claims, damages, liabilities, or expenses (including legal fees) arising out of your use of the Services or violation of these Terms.

8. Modifications and Termination

We may update or modify these Terms at any time. Changes will take effect when posted on this page. Your continued use after such changes means you accept the updated Terms.

We reserve the right to discontinue the Services or portions of them at any time.

9. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by and construed under the laws of the State of Alabama, without regard to its conflict of laws principles. Any disputes will be handled in the appropriate state or federal courts located in Alabama.

10. Contact Us

For questions about these Terms, please contact us: heyshoalsal@gmail.com

Summary: Hey Shoals exists to celebrate the people and places of the Shoals. We keep it honest, creative, and respectful — and we ask our users to do the same. Be kind, stay real, and enjoy the stories we share.