[Eril-l] Gannett newspapers and privacy policy

[Electronic Resources in Libraries discussion list]

Hi Laura,

Apologies for the slow response. We looked at this offering from Gannett as well, in our case because we're very interested in being able to offer web access to the Des Moines Register. Like you, we were taken aback by their privacy policy, particularly when combined with their authentication scheme (personal accounts only, no IP or SSO). It's easily the worst I've seen. We walked away from their offer and provided them feedback on what would get us to revisit it.

If enough libraries do the same, maybe they will recognize the need to meet library expectations around privacy (and authentication).

Matthew



___________

Matthew Goddard

Access and Acquisitions Head

Iowa State University Library

204 Parks Library | Ames, IA 50011

mgoddard at iastate.edu<mailto:mgoddard at iastate.edu>

(515) 294-6650


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Sent: Thursday, October 2, 2025 1:53 PM
To: 'eril-l at lists.eril-l.org' <eril-l at lists.eril-l.org>
Subject: [Eril-l] Gannett newspapers and privacy policy


Hello



Our library is looking at a site-wide license to the Indianapolis Star.  However, we have read through Gannett’s privacy policy<https://www.gannett.com/privacy-statement/> and it is very broad and we have concerns.  Gannett is explicit in the types of information it might collect using examples such as driver’s license number, social security number, job performance evaluations, student grades, transcripts, etc.  For a user to register, they have to agree to this privacy policy along with a video viewing policy<https://cm.indystar.com/video-viewing-notice/> which is broad as well.



  *   If you subscribe to any Gannett products, were you aware the level of personal information they want permission to collect?
  *   Have you licensed other resources that collect similar types of information or does this seem extreme?
  *   Have you pushed back on the types of personal information they want to collect and changed the requirements for registration?  Meaning you could opt-out at the time of registration versus being required to opt-in.



We welcome any thoughts, opinions or advice.  Thank you!



Kind regards,



Laura Vogler

Associate Library Director



Wabash College Lilly Library<https://library.wabash.edu/> | 301 W Wabash Ave | Crawfordsville IN 47933 | P: 765.361.6215


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