Privacy Policy

Effective Date: 17 July 2025
Underground Media Network Australia

Underground Media Network Australia ("UMN", "we", "our", "us") is an independent investigative journalism collective dedicated to fearless, survivor‑led reporting. We understand the sensitive nature of many submissions, and this privacy policy outlines how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal information, especially when you submit tips or material via our Substack secure intake portal.

You can access our secure tip submission tool here:
🔗 Secure Tip Submission
This link will take you to Substack's encrypted form, designed for confidential and secure engagement with whistleblowers and survivors.

1. Our Privacy Commitment

We protect your data in line with:

1. Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles

2. MEAA Journalist Code of Ethics

3. Australian Press Council Standards

4. Trauma-informed, culturally respectful journalism practices—particularly for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, survivors, and LGBTIQA+ communities

We encourage the use of encrypted tools (e.g., ProtonMail, Signal) for highly sensitive material.

2. What We Collect Voluntarily Provided

• Name or pseudonym

• Email address or phone number

• Tip content: documents, images, recordings, testimony

• Consent preferences, follow‑up agreements

b. Automatically Collected

• IP address

• Device and browser info

• Access timestamps and page interactions

This technical data helps us guard against spam, hacking, and coordinated misinformation.

3. How We Use Your Data

Your information is used solely for:

• Investigative, verification, and reporting purposes

• Confidential communication regarding your tip

• Assessing legal risks and consent arrangements

• Secure, long‑term archival in support of editorial integrity

We do not sell, trade, advertise, or share data with third parties unless legally compelled or with your explicit written consent.

4. Anonymity & Confidentiality

• Pseudonyms and anonymous submissions are fully supported

• Identities are never published without your informed, written consent

• In cases involving survivors, minors, or ongoing legal matters, content is rigorously de‑identified

5. Secure Data Storage

All materials are stored in encrypted, access‑restricted cloud systems with:

• End‑to‑end encryption for electronic communications

• Two‑factor staff authentication

• Regular logging and internal audits

• Scheduled deletion of obsolete or expired data

• Zero integration with ad networks or AI‑training pipelines

6. Legal Disclosure

We will only disclose data to authorities if:

• We receive a valid warrant or subpoena

• Legal obligations permit it

• We notify you unless it would endanger your safety

• Every legal avenue to protect your identity has been exercised

Our legal and editorial teams firmly defend shield laws and public‑interest protections.

7. Your Rights

You may at any time:

• Request access to, correction of, or deletion of your data

• Withdraw consent for future use of your information

• Submit privacy concerns or complaints

Contact us securely:
📧 editor@undergroundmedianetworknews.com
🔐 Encrypted communication options (Signal, ProtonMail) available on request

8. Privacy of Children & Young People

We do not knowingly collect information from individuals under 15 without their guardian's involvement. If approached by a minor, we follow best-practice child-safe protocols and refer them to the appropriate support services.

9. Retention & Deletion

We retain information only as long as necessary for:

• Editorial verification and ethical recordkeeping

• Legal compliance (defamation, FOI, archives)

• Source‑agreement obligations

Once no longer needed, data is securely deleted or permanently anonymised.

10. Updates to This Policy

We may update this policy to reflect:

• Changes in Australian privacy or media law

• New security measures or tech platforms

• Editorial or journalistic best‑practice updates

All changes are published here:
www.undergroundmedianetworknews.com/privacy
We will directly communicate significant updates regarding source protections.

11. Complaints & Oversight

• We aim to resolve privacy concerns promptly and respectfully

• If unsatisfied, you may contact:

  • Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC): 1300 363 992

  • MEAA or the Australian Press Council for editorial or ethical disputes

Your Story, Your Safety, Your Consent

By submitting via our secure tip portal or any other channel, you place trust in UMN to handle your information with the utmost care. We stand with whistleblowers, survivors, and truthtellers — and we treat your trust as sacred. To reach us securely, use:
📧 editor@undergroundmedianetworknews.com
🔐 Encrypted options available upon request