Risk Management & Compliance Policies
Effective Date: March 10, 2025

1. Purpose

The purpose of this document is to establish Cumberland Unfiltered’s policies for risk management and compliance with applicable regulations, including but not limited to FCC (Federal Communications Commission), FTC (Federal Trade Commission), and journalistic standards. This ensures ethical content creation, responsible media practices, and legal compliance.

2. Regulatory Compliance

2.1 FCC Compliance (Broadcast & Media Standards)
  • Cumberland Unfiltered adheres to FCC content regulations, ensuring no unlawful broadcasts, obscene material, or violations of public decency standards.
  • Political content or public-interest discussions must follow fairness and equal-time principles, where applicable.
  • Compliance with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) for any content that could be accessed by minors.

2.2 FTC Compliance (Advertising & Sponsorship Disclosures)
  • All sponsorships, paid promotions, and affiliate marketing must be transparently disclosed in accordance with FTC Endorsement Guidelines.
  • Native advertising must not mislead audiences; disclosures such as “Sponsored Content” or “Ad” must be clearly labeled.
  • Endorsements and testimonials must reflect genuine opinions and experiences.

2.3 Journalistic Standards (Ethical & Investigative Integrity)
  • All content must adhere to truthful reporting, fact-checking, and responsible sourcing.
  • If corrections or retractions are required, they must be issued transparently and promptly.
  • Protection of confidential sources is maintained in line with ethical journalism principles.

3. Content Review & Risk Assessment

  • Pre-Publication Review: All content undergoes internal review to identify potential legal, ethical, or reputational risks.
  • Sensitive Topics: When discussing sensitive or controversial issues, Cumberland Unfiltered ensures balance, fairness, and due diligence in sourcing.
  • Legal Review: Any content involving public accusations, investigative journalism, or third-party claims must be vetted by legal counsel if necessary.

4. Data Privacy & Security Compliance

  • User Data Protection: Personal information collected through the website, SMS, and other channels is safeguarded per privacy policies and data security best practices.
  • Compliance with GDPR/CCPA: If applicable, Cumberland Unfiltered ensures opt-in consent for data collection and provides users the ability to manage their data.
  • Third-Party Tools & Integrations: External platforms used for analytics, marketing, or payment processing must comply with data protection laws.

5. Internal Compliance & Accountability

  • All staff, contractors, and contributors must complete compliance training on media ethics, sponsorship disclosures, and legal obligations.
  • A compliance officer or designated team member ensures adherence to these policies and updates them as needed.
  • Periodic audits of content and business practices ensure ongoing compliance with changing laws and industry standards.

6. Enforcement & Penalties for Non-Compliance

  • Violations of these policies may result in:
    • Content removal or correction
    • Termination of contributor or sponsorship agreements
    • Legal action if required for regulatory breaches
  • Any complaints regarding policy violations can be submitted to [email protected] for review.

7. Governing Law

This policy is governed by the laws of the State of Rhode Island, USA. Any legal disputes shall be handled in Rhode Island courts.

8. Policy Updates & Revisions

Cumberland Unfiltered reserves the right to update this policy to reflect changes in regulations or industry standards. The latest version will always be available on the company website.

For any questions regarding compliance, please contact [email protected].
📅 Next Policy Review Date: March 10, 2026