Privacy
NorthFacts is a reference site run by one person, James MacDonald, a reference librarian in Ottawa, Ontario. The site exists to give Canadians quick, reliable answers to factual questions, and that mission extends to how I handle your privacy. This page explains exactly what happens when you visit northernfocus.org and what happens to any email you send in.
No cookies, no tracking, no storage
NorthFacts does not use cookies. I do not store any information about visitors, and I have no third-party trackers, analytics scripts, or advertising networks on the site. When you load a page, your browser requests the page from my hosting provider, and that request is processed and forgotten. I do not build profiles, I do not follow you across the web, and I do not sell or share data with anyone. The site is funded by my own savings and a small Patreon, which means there is no pressure to monetize your visit.
What happens to email you send
If you email me at james@northernfocus.org or info@northernfocus.org, I receive that message in my personal inbox. I read it, and I typically reply within a few days. I keep your email only as long as needed to answer your question or address your correction. I do not add you to any mailing list, I do not share your address with anyone, and I do not use your message for any purpose other than responding to you. If you ask me to delete your email, I will do so promptly.
Why this matters
I started NorthFacts because I believe reliable information should be free and ad-free. That principle extends to your privacy. I have spent nine years as a reference librarian, and I know that trust is built on transparency. When you look up a fact on this site — whether it is about people, sports, history, or nature — you should not have to worry about being tracked. You are here to get an answer, and that is all.
If you have any questions about this policy, or if you notice something on the site that seems inaccurate, please send me a note. I am happy to clarify anything. For more about how I work, see the about page or the method page.
Thank you for trusting NorthFacts.