Privacy Policy

Last updated: 1 August 2026

This Privacy Policy explains how PH First ("we", "our", "us") collects, uses, and protects personal information when you visit or use our website, browser extension, and related services (together, the "Service"). We are committed to protecting your privacy in accordance with the Republic Act No. 10173, otherwise known as the Data Privacy Act of 2012 of the Philippines, and its implementing rules and regulations.

1. Information We Collect

We collect the following categories of information:

Account information. When you register, we collect your name, email address, and password (stored in hashed form). We may also collect payment information if you subscribe to a paid plan, processed through our payment provider.
Usage information. We automatically collect information about how you use the Service, such as pages visited, search queries, stories and articles you view, and features you interact with.
Content you submit. This includes fact-check requests, claims you flag, community notes, and any other content you voluntarily provide.
Device and technical information. Your IP address, browser type and version, operating system, and similar technical details needed to operate and secure the Service.
Cookies. We use cookies as described in our Cookie Policy.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

Provide, operate, and maintain the Service;
Authenticate your account and keep your session secure;
Process subscriptions and payments;
Respond to your requests, including fact-check submissions;
Improve, personalise, and measure the performance of the Service;
Prevent fraud, abuse, and security incidents;
Comply with legal obligations; and
Communicate with you about the Service where you have asked us to.

3. Legal Bases for Processing

We process personal information on one or more of the following legal bases:

Consent, where you have given it (for example, by registering or submitting a fact-check request);
Performance of a contract, to provide the Service you have requested;
Legitimate interests, such as operating and securing the Service; and
Legal obligations, where required by applicable law.

4. Cookies

We use only strictly necessary cookies to keep the Service working, such as those that remember your login session. We do not currently use advertising or analytics cookies that track you across other websites. For full details, see our Cookie Policy.

We do not sell your personal information. We may share it only in the following circumstances:

Service providers. Trusted providers who help us operate the Service (for example, hosting, payment processing, and email delivery), acting on our behalf and under confidentiality obligations;
Legal and safety. When required by law, regulation, legal process, or government request, or when we believe disclosure is necessary to protect our rights, your safety, or the safety of others;
Business transfers. In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, where the receiving party is bound by this Privacy Policy.

6. Data Retention

We keep personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes described in this Policy, comply with our legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements. When information is no longer needed, we delete or anonymise it.

7. Data Security

We use appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal information, including encryption in transit, secure storage, and access controls. No method of transmission or storage is completely secure, but we work to protect your information and to respond promptly to any security incidents.

8. International Transfers

Your information may be processed on servers located outside the Philippines. Where we transfer personal information internationally, we take steps to protect it with appropriate safeguards consistent with the Data Privacy Act of 2012.

9. Your Rights

Under the Data Privacy Act of 2012, you have the right to:

Be informed of how your personal information is collected and used;
Access the personal information we hold about you;
Correct inaccurate or incomplete information;
Object to the processing of your personal information;
Request erasure or blocking of your personal information; and
File a complaint with the National Privacy Commission.

To exercise any of these rights, contact us using the details below. We will respond within the period required by law.