The Scope of Collection

Aevum News operates under a strict framework governing how information is gathered, processed, and stored. This document outlines the scope of collection across our editorial operations, digital platforms, and user interactions. Our approach balances journalistic integrity with transparent data practices, ensuring compliance with global standards while maintaining the independence required for rigorous reporting.

All collection activities are conducted in accordance with applicable privacy regulations, ethical journalism codes, and internal editorial guidelines. This scope applies to our newsroom, digital properties, mobile applications, and affiliated research divisions.

1. Editorial Information Gathering

Our newsroom collects information through verified journalistic channels. The scope includes:

• Open-Source Intelligence: Public records, government filings, academic publications, satellite imagery, and verified social media archives.
• Field Reporting: On-the-ground interviews, observational documentation, and accredited press interactions in conflict zones, policy hubs, and crisis regions.
• Expert Consultation: Structured interviews with academics, former officials, industry specialists, and independent analysts.
• Document Analysis: Systematic review of leaked, FOIA-released, or publicly disclosed institutional records, processed through our verification pipeline.

All editorial collection adheres to the "minimization by design" principle: we gather only what is necessary to verify, contextualize, and publish accurate reporting.

Verification Protocol

Every piece of collected information undergoes a three-tier verification process before publication. Raw data is cross-referenced against at least two independent sources. When dealing with sensitive or single-source material, our ethics board reviews the collection methodology for compliance and risk assessment.

2. Digital Data & User Privacy

Aevum News operates several digital touchpoints. Our technical data collection is strictly limited to service functionality, security, and aggregate analytics. We do not sell user data, nor do we engage in behavioral advertising profiling.

Third-party integrations are audited quarterly. We maintain strict data isolation between our editorial servers, analytics infrastructure, and user-facing platforms. All collection endpoints require explicit consent where mandated by jurisdiction.

3. Boundaries & Exclusions

Transparency requires clear boundaries. Aevum News explicitly does not engage in the following collection practices:

• Surveillance of private communications without legal mandate or explicit consent
• Collection of biometric data from readers or sources
• Purchase of commercial data broker datasets
• Monitoring of private social media accounts without public disclosure
• Retaining unverified whistleblower material beyond the 72-hour secure intake window

Our editorial policy prohibits collection that violates source confidentiality agreements, endangers individuals in at-risk regions, or circumvents legal privacy protections. Any deviation requires written approval from our Chief Ethics Officer.

4. Retention & Lifecycle Management

Data collected by Aevum News follows a tiered retention schedule aligned with its purpose:

• Published Content & Archives: Retained indefinitely as part of historical record, with periodic format migration for accessibility.
• Editorial Working Files: Retained for 36 months post-publication, then archived or securely deleted.
• User Interaction Data: Purged after 13 months unless tied to an active subscription or support ticket.
• Source Communications: Stored in encrypted, air-gapped infrastructure for 5 years, then destroyed via cryptographic erasure.

Automated lifecycle policies run monthly. Exceptions require documented editorial or legal justification. Users may request data export or deletion at any time through our privacy portal.

5. Compliance & Governance

Aevum News maintains compliance with GDPR, CCPA, ePrivacy Directive, and applicable regional press freedom frameworks. Our collection practices are reviewed annually by an independent third-party auditor.

Internal governance is structured across three tiers:

1. Editorial Standards Board: Oversees journalistic collection methodology and source protection.
2. Data Protection Office: Manages technical compliance, consent workflows, and breach response.
3. Ethics Review Committee: Adjudicates high-risk collection requests and policy exceptions.

All personnel with access to collection systems undergo mandatory security and ethics training. Access logs are maintained and subject to quarterly internal audit.

6. Revision History

This document is living and subject to revision as regulatory landscapes evolve and our operational scope expands. All material changes are logged above and communicated to subscribers within 30 days of publication.

7. Contact & Inquiries

For questions regarding our scope of collection, data rights, or editorial methodology, please contact:

We respond to all legitimate inquiries within 5 business days. For urgent data protection matters, our DPO office operates on a 24/7 escalation protocol.

© 2025 Aevum News. This document is published in the public interest to ensure transparency in our editorial and technical operations.