Last updated: 5 May 2026
Cream is reader-supported and ad-supported. We collect the minimum data we need to run the site, serve the ads we sold ourselves, and let you do things like comment under your byline or subscribe to our newsletters. We do not sell reader data. This page explains the rest in plain language.
The short version
- If you only read articles, we collect almost nothing about you beyond aggregate analytics and a per-page view counter.
- If you make an account or subscribe to a newsletter, we collect your email address and whatever else you choose to give us.
- If you comment, we publish your name and comment publicly. Your email is private and used only to contact you about your comment.
- We never sell your data. We never share it with advertisers in a personalized way. We do not run third-party trackers for behavioral advertising.
- You can ask us to access, export, or delete your data at any time. Email [email protected].
What we collect
Account data. If you create a Cream account, we store the name, email, and password you provide. Passwords are hashed; we never see them in plain text.
Newsletter data. If you subscribe to one of our newsletters, we store the email address you provided and which newsletters you opted into. You can unsubscribe at any time using the link in any newsletter footer.
Comment data. When you post a comment, we store the name and email you submit, your IP address (for spam protection), and the content of your comment. The name and comment are public; the email and IP are private.
Analytics. We use server-side analytics to count page views, identify popular stories, and improve the site. This data is aggregated and does not identify you personally.
Cookies. We set a small number of cookies, all first-party. Authentication cookies keep you signed in. Preference cookies remember things like your saved stories. We do not set third-party tracking cookies for behavioral advertising.
Server logs. Our hosting provider keeps standard server logs (IP address, user agent, requested URL, timestamp) for security and debugging. These are rotated within thirty days.
How we use your data
- To deliver the site, including loading articles, accepting comments, and sending newsletters.
- To improve the site, by understanding which stories readers find and engage with.
- To prevent spam, abuse, and security incidents.
- To respond to you when you contact us.
We do not use your data to train AI models, build advertising profiles, or sell to data brokers. Our advertising is hand-sold and not personalized to individual readers.
Who we share data with
We share the minimum amount of data needed to run the site, only with vendors who help us operate it:
- Our hosting provider, which stores the data we collect and serves it back to you.
- Our email service, which delivers our newsletters.
- Our spam protection service, which inspects comment metadata to filter automated spam.
We do not share data with advertisers, data brokers, social platforms, or AI training services. We will only disclose data to government or law enforcement when required by valid legal process, and we will tell you when we are legally permitted to.
How long we keep your data
- Account data: until you delete your account.
- Newsletter data: until you unsubscribe, plus a short audit period.
- Comments: indefinitely, unless you ask us to remove them.
- Server logs: thirty days.
- Analytics: aggregated; individual events are not retained.
Your rights
You can ask us to:
- Tell you what data we hold about you.
- Send you a copy of that data.
- Correct anything that is wrong.
- Delete some or all of it.
- Stop sending you marketing communications.
Send any of these requests to [email protected]. We respond within thirty days. If you are in the EU, UK, or California, you have additional rights under GDPR or CCPA, and the same email address handles those requests.
Children
Cream is not directed at children under thirteen. We do not knowingly collect data from anyone under thirteen. If you believe a child has given us their data, email [email protected] and we will delete it.
Changes to this policy
If we make material changes to this policy, we will update the date at the top of this page and, where appropriate, notify you by email or with a banner on the site. The current version always lives at this URL.
Contact
For privacy questions, write to [email protected]. For everything else, the contact page has the right address for whatever you need.