Privacy Policy
Comment (“Comment,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) is published by Cardus, a Canadian think tank. We know you care how your information is used and shared, and we appreciate your trust that we will do so carefully and sensibly. This notice describes our privacy policy for comment.org.
Last updated: February 2026
What information we collect
We collect information you provide directly to us, as well as information gathered automatically when you use our site.
Information you provide directly:
- Name and email address when you subscribe to our newsletter or create an account
- Billing address, payment information, and order details when you purchase a subscription or make a donation
- Any information you choose to submit through contact forms or correspondence
Information collected automatically: We collect certain information automatically when you visit comment.org, including your IP address, browser type, operating system, referring URLs, pages viewed, and the date and time of your visit. This is standard practice for websites and helps us understand how our content is being used.
Cookies and tracking technologies
We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to operate and improve our site. A cookie is a small data file placed on your device. You can configure your browser to refuse cookies, though some features of the site may not function properly if you do.
We use the following types of cookies:
- Essential cookies — necessary for the site to function, including account login and shopping cart
- Analytics cookies — help us understand how visitors use the site (see Third-Party Services below)
- Marketing cookies — used to deliver relevant content and measure the effectiveness of our outreach
We use the Facebook Pixel, a tracking tool provided by Meta Platforms, Inc., to measure the effectiveness of our advertising and understand how visitors interact with our site after viewing our ads. Data collected through the Facebook Pixel may be used by Meta in accordance with their data policy. You can learn more at facebook.com/privacy/explanation.
How we use your information
We use the information we collect to:
- Operate and improve comment.org and its content
- Process subscription orders, donations, and account registrations
- Send our weekly newsletter, Comment Weekly, and other editorial communications you have opted into
- Respond to your questions and requests
- Understand how our audience engages with our content
- Comply with legal obligations
Email communications
If you subscribe to Comment Weekly or otherwise opt in to receive email from us, you will receive periodic emails with new articles, issue announcements, and other editorial content. Every email we send includes an unsubscribe link. You may opt out at any time, and we will promptly honour that request.
We use a third-party email service provider to manage and send our newsletters. Your email address and name are shared with this provider solely for the purpose of delivering our communications.
How we share your information
We do not sell your personal information. We may share your information in the following limited circumstances:
- Service providers — We share information with trusted vendors who help us operate the site, process payments, and deliver email. These providers are contractually bound to use your data only to provide services to us.
- Payment processing — Credit card and payment information is transmitted securely to our payment processor. We do not store full credit card numbers on our servers.
- Legal requirements — We may disclose information if required to do so by law or in the good-faith belief that such action is necessary to comply with legal obligations or protect our rights.
- Business transfers — In the event of a merger, acquisition, or organizational restructuring, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction.
Data security
We take reasonable steps to protect your information from unauthorized access, disclosure, or misuse. Our site uses Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption for data transmitted between your browser and our servers. However, no method of internet transmission is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
Third-party services
Our site integrates services from the following third parties, each of which operates under its own privacy policy:
- Meta (Facebook Pixel) — Advertising and analytics
- Google Analytics / Google Tag Manager — Site usage analytics
- Payment processors — Secure handling of subscription and donation transactions
- Podcast platforms — Podast episodes may be hosted or distributed via third-party podcast services
- Third-party ticketing provider — Ticket purchases for The Understory and other Comment events are processed through an external ticketing platform. When you purchase a ticket, you will be directed to that provider’s checkout and your payment and registration information will be subject to their privacy policy. We receive only the information necessary to manage your registration (such as your name and email address).
We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party services you interact with through our site.
Your privacy rights
Depending on where you live, you may have certain rights regarding your personal information. Residents of Canada are protected under Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL) and applicable provincial privacy laws. Residents of the European Economic Area are protected under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). California residents have rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA).
These rights may include:
- The right to access or receive a copy of the personal information we hold about you
- The right to correct inaccurate personal information
- The right to request deletion of your personal information, subject to certain exceptions
- The right to withdraw consent for processing where consent is the legal basis
- The right to opt out of marketing communications at any time
To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at the address below. We will respond to your request within a reasonable timeframe.
Children’s privacy
Our site is not directed at children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have inadvertently collected information from a child, please contact us and we will promptly delete it.
Links to other sites
Our site may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those sites and encourage you to review their policies independently.
Changes to this policy
We may update this privacy policy from time to time. When we do, we will revise the “last updated” date at the top of this page. We encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed about how we protect your information.
Contact us
If you have questions or concerns about this privacy policy or how we handle your information, please contact us:
Comment / Cardus 1 Balfour Drive Hamilton, ON L9C 7A5 Canada
Email: team@comment.org Phone: 905.528.8866
