Last updated: December 16th 2025
Al-Muwaten (“we”, “our”, or “us”) is committed to protecting personal data in accordance with the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), applicable Lebanese data protection principles, and relevant data protection frameworks across the MENA region.
This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, process, and protect personal data when you access our website, content, and services.
1. Data Controller
For the purposes of the GDPR and applicable data protection laws:
Al-Muwaten
info@almuwatan.com
https://almuwatan.com
Al-Muwaten acts as the Data Controller for all personal data processed through its platform.
2. Scope & Applicability
This Privacy Policy applies to:
- Visitors and users in Lebanon
- Users in the European Union / EEA
- Users in the MENA region
- Members of the Lebanese diaspora worldwide
Where GDPR provides a higher level of protection, GDPR standards prevail, regardless of user location.
3. Personal Data We Collect
a) Data provided directly by you
- Name, email address, organization, role
- Information submitted via contact forms, newsletters, interviews, or research
- Startup, business, or professional data shared for editorial or analytical purposes
b) Data collected automatically
- IP address (anonymized where possible)
- Device, browser, and operating system data
- Usage data (pages visited, timestamps, referral sources)
- Cookies and similar technologies (see Section 10)
We do not intentionally collect special category data (Article 9 GDPR).
4. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR Article 6)
We process personal data only when a lawful basis applies:
- Consent – e.g. newsletters, contact forms
- Legitimate interest – journalism, research, analytics, ecosystem reporting
- Contractual necessity – collaborations, reports, partnerships
- Legal obligation – compliance with applicable laws
You may withdraw consent at any time without affecting prior lawful processing.
5. Purpose of Processing
Personal data is processed for the following purposes:
- Editorial coverage and publishing
- Business intelligence, trend analysis, and reporting
- Communication with users, contributors, and partners
- Platform security, analytics, and performance
- Legal and regulatory compliance
We do not use personal data for automated decision-making or profiling that produces legal or significant effects.
6. Journalism, Research & Public Interest
Al-Muwaten operates at the intersection of media, research, and public-interest reporting.
Where applicable, processing is carried out under Article 85 GDPR (freedom of expression and information).
Data used for reports, indices, and analytics is:
- Aggregated
- Anonymized where possible
- Never sold as personal data
Correction, clarification, or removal requests are respected unless overridden by legitimate journalistic grounds.
7. Data Sharing & Third Parties
We share personal data only when necessary, and never sell it.
Possible recipients:
- Hosting and infrastructure providers
- Analytics and security services
- Professional partners (only anonymized or aggregated data)
All third parties are contractually bound to GDPR-compliant processing and confidentiality obligations.
8. International Data Transfers
Personal data may be transferred outside the EU, including to Lebanon or MENA jurisdictions.
When transfers occur, we ensure appropriate safeguards, including:
- EU Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs)
- Data minimization and encryption
- GDPR-equivalent protections where required
9. Data Retention
Personal data is retained only for as long as necessary to fulfill its purpose or legal obligations.
Retention criteria include:
- Nature of the data
- Legal and journalistic requirements
- User consent status
You may request deletion subject to legal and editorial exemptions.
10. Cookies & Tracking Technologies
We use cookies for:
- Website functionality
- Analytics and performance
- Audience measurement
Where required, cookies are used only with consent.
You may manage cookie preferences through your browser or consent tools.
11. Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures, including:
- Secure hosting
- Access controls
- Encryption where applicable
Despite safeguards, no system can guarantee absolute security.
12. Your Rights (GDPR Articles 12–23)
You have the right to:
- Access your personal data
- Rectify inaccurate data
- Request erasure (“right to be forgotten”)
- Restrict or object to processing
- Data portability
- Withdraw consent at any time
- Lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority
Requests can be submitted using the contact details below.
13. Third-Party Websites
Our website may link to external websites. We are not responsible for their privacy practices.
14. Policy Updates
This Privacy Policy may be updated periodically. Changes will be published on this page with a revised date.
15. Contact & Data Requests
For privacy inquiries or GDPR requests:
Al-Muwaten
info@almuwatan.com
https://almuwatan.com
