Web App, Offline Features & Device Storage Notice

1. Introduction

VALCORED News Network is designed to make news accessible across a range of digital devices.

Where supported, readers may be able to install the VNN website as a Progressive Web App (PWA), providing a convenient way to launch the publication from a device’s home screen, app launcher or similar interface.

A Progressive Web App uses web technologies to provide an application-like experience.

This notice explains the general nature of VNN’s web-app functionality, the role of browser storage, potential offline limitations, supported-device considerations and the choices available to users.

Our guiding principle is:

Convenient access to journalism should be supported by transparent technology and reasonable control over device-stored information.

2. Purpose

This notice explains:

• The nature of VNN’s web app.
• Installation and removal.
• Browser compatibility.
• App icons and branding.
• Device storage.
• Saved stories.
• Offline functionality.
• Caching.
• News content updates.
• Notification permissions.
• Privacy and security.
• Accessibility.
• Technical limitations.
• User support.

3. What Is the VNN Web App?

The VNN web app is an application-like experience delivered using the official VNN website and compatible browser technologies.

Depending on the device and implementation, installation may provide:

• A home-screen or app-launcher icon.
• Direct access to the VNN website.
• A more app-like browsing window.
• Convenient access to news content.
• Browser-managed local storage.
• Selected offline functionality where implemented.
• Other supported device features.

The available experience depends on the actual VNN configuration and the user’s browser and operating system.

4. Website Versus Native Application

A Progressive Web App is not necessarily a separately compiled application distributed through an official mobile app marketplace.

The VNN web app may be installed directly through a compatible web browser without using an application store.

VNN should not claim that its web app is available from Apple’s App Store, Google Play or another marketplace unless an authorised listing actually exists.

The availability of browser-based installation does not establish sponsorship, certification or endorsement by a device manufacturer.

5. Current Web-App Information

Application Name

VALCORED News Network

Short Name

VNN

Official Website

valcorednews.com

Web-App Status

Available. You can install VNN from your browser; no app store is involved.

Supported Installation Methods

Add to Home Screen from the Share menu in Safari on iPhone and iPad; Install app or Add to Home screen in Chrome, Edge and Samsung Internet on Android and computers. Step-by-step instructions are in “Install the app” at the bottom of every page.

Offline Functionality

Limited. When there is no connection, an offline page explains that you need to reconnect. Stories are not stored for offline reading.

Saved-Story Functionality

Available. Use the bookmark button on any story; your list is on the Saved stories page.

Push Notifications

None. VNN does not send push notifications. Breaking news alerts are available by email.

User Account Synchronisation

Not available. Saved stories, followed topics and display settings stay on the device where you set them.

These details should be reviewed whenever the website’s application functionality changes.

6. Installing the Web App

Installation methods vary across browsers and devices.

Where the browser supports installation, users may be able to select an option such as:

• Install App.
• Add to Home Screen.
• Add to Dock.
• Create Shortcut.
• Another browser-specific installation option.

The exact wording and availability depend on the browser and operating system.

VNN does not control every device’s installation interface.

7. iPhone and iPad Installation

On compatible Apple devices, users may be able to add VNN to their home screen through a supported browser.

The precise steps depend on the iOS or iPadOS version and browser interface.

Where the feature is available, the installed icon may provide direct access to VNN.

Adding a website to the home screen does not necessarily mean that the website has been downloaded as a native App Store application.

Some features may behave differently from those on Android or desktop devices.

8. Android Installation

On compatible Android devices, supported browsers may offer an installation option.

Depending on the browser and web-app configuration, installation may create an application-like launcher entry or another form of home-screen shortcut.

The available functionality may vary.

VNN does not guarantee identical performance across every Android manufacturer, browser or operating system version.

9. Desktop Installation

Some desktop browsers support installation of Progressive Web Apps.

Where supported, an installed VNN web app may appear in the computer’s application launcher, taskbar, dock or similar interface.

Installation availability depends on the browser and operating system.

Readers may continue to access VNN through an ordinary browser even if installation is unavailable.

10. Official App Identity and Branding

VNN’s web-app identity may include:

• Application name.
• Short application name.
• App icon.
• Website favicon.
• Splash-screen or launch appearance.
• Theme colour.
• Other browser-supported branding.

These elements may be controlled by website configuration and device-specific installation behaviour.

Browsers may retain previously cached icons or display different icon formats.

A visual change on the website does not guarantee that an existing installed icon will update immediately.

11. App-Store Logos and Download Badges

VNN may display information explaining how to install its web app on supported devices.

Any use of Apple, Android, Google Play or other platform branding must accurately describe the available service and comply with relevant brand-use requirements.

A platform logo must not be used in a way that falsely implies an approved store listing or official endorsement.

Where the application is available only through browser installation, the associated instructions should make that distinction clear.

12. Local Device Storage

Web technologies may store certain information on the reader’s device.

Depending on implementation, storage may involve:

• Cookies.
• Local storage.
• Session storage.
• IndexedDB.
• Cache Storage.
• Browser-managed application resources.
• Other supported storage mechanisms.

These technologies may help provide convenience features or improve website performance.

The exact information stored depends on VNN’s active features.

13. Why Device Storage May Be Used

Device storage may support:

1. Remembering certain preferences.
2. Maintaining appropriate website functionality.
3. Supporting saved-article lists.
4. Caching selected website resources.
5. Improving repeat-visit performance.
6. Supporting compatible offline functionality.
7. Maintaining other relevant browser-managed functions.

VNN should not imply that every stored item is personal information or that all device storage is operated from a central VNN database.

Different technologies process information in different ways.

14. Saved Stories

Where available, VNN may allow users to save articles for later access.

Saved-story systems can operate in different ways.

Some use local browser storage.

Others rely on registered accounts or server-based databases.

VNN should accurately describe the system currently implemented.

Current Saved-Story System

Storage Method

Local storage in your browser on this device.

Account Required

No.

Cross-Device Synchronisation

No.

Offline Article Access

No. Saving keeps a link to the story, not a copy for offline reading.

Method of Removing Saved Stories

Open Saved stories and choose Remove next to a story, or clear this website’s data in your browser settings.

Saving an article link does not necessarily download the article for offline reading.

15. Offline Functionality

Some Progressive Web Apps can provide limited access when internet connectivity is unavailable.

However, offline functionality depends on deliberate technical implementation.

Not every PWA supports full offline operation.

Where offline functions are implemented, users may be able to access selected cached resources or an offline information page.

News articles not previously cached may remain unavailable without an internet connection.

VNN does not guarantee offline access to the entire publication.

16. Cached News and Information Currency

News can change rapidly.

An article retained in a browser cache may not contain the latest developments, corrections or editorial updates.

Readers should consider the potential for cached material to become outdated.

For consequential breaking news, public safety information or significant developing events, readers should seek the most current available publication and relevant official sources.

VNN may use technical strategies intended to refresh cached material, but delivery can depend on connectivity and browser behaviour.

17. Breaking-News Alerts and Cached Content

Prominent breaking-news banners and tickers may rely on current information from the website.

When a device is offline or connectivity is impaired, displayed information may not reflect recent developments.

Readers should not assume that a cached breaking-news alert remains current.

Where technically practical, VNN should distinguish offline or stale content from fresh updates.

18. Service Workers and Background Processing

Progressive Web Apps may use a browser technology called a service worker.

A service worker can help manage requests, cached resources and certain background functions.

The presence of a service worker does not automatically establish that every webpage is available offline.

A service worker may operate as part of the website even before a reader installs the web app.

Its actual behaviour depends on the code deployed, browser support and device conditions.

19. Storage Limits and Automatic Deletion

Browsers and operating systems may impose storage limits.

Stored information may be deleted because of:

• Browser-data clearing.
• Device storage management.
• Application updates.
• Operating system behaviour.
• Security or privacy settings.
• Storage pressure.
• User actions.
• Browser-specific retention policies.

VNN cannot guarantee indefinite preservation of locally stored information.

Important information should not be treated as permanently backed up merely because it appears in a saved-story list.

20. Cross-Device Synchronisation

Information stored only on one device may not automatically appear on another.

Where VNN has not implemented account-based synchronisation, saved preferences or stories may remain device-specific.

Changing browsers or devices may result in a different saved-content experience.

VNN should not advertise cross-device synchronisation unless the necessary system genuinely exists.

21. Reader Accounts

If VNN introduces reader accounts, additional information may be processed for authentication, personalisation or synchronisation.

Such changes may require updated privacy disclosures and account terms.

Current Reader Account Status

Enabled. A reader account is created automatically when a reader subscribes or buys a story. Readers sign in with a one-time link sent by email; reader accounts have no password.

The ability to install a web app does not automatically mean a reader account is required.

22. Notifications and Permission Requests

Some web technologies can support optional push notifications on compatible devices.

However, VNN must implement the relevant functionality before notifications can be offered.

Where notifications are active, a reader may be asked to grant permission through the browser or operating system.

Permission should be requested transparently.

Readers should be able to manage or revoke notifications through the appropriate available controls.

Current Push Notification Service

None. VNN does not send push notifications. Breaking news alerts are available by email.

VNN will not describe notifications as active unless they are supported and operational.

23. Newsletter and Push Notification Differences

Email newsletters and device notifications are separate communications systems.

Subscribing to an email newsletter does not automatically grant permission for device-level push notifications.

Likewise, allowing push notifications does not automatically constitute agreement to receive promotional email.

Relevant permissions and consent requirements must be assessed independently.

24. Web-App Privacy

VNN’s handling of personal information is described in its Privacy Policy.

Relevant web-app processing may involve:

• Technical device information.
• Storage identifiers.
• Reader preferences.
• Saved-article information.
• Authentication information where applicable.
• Service diagnostics.
• Notification-related information where active.

The exact information processed depends on the implementation.

VNN should minimise unnecessary collection and apply relevant privacy protections.

25. Cookies and Tracking

Using the web app may involve the same underlying website technologies as ordinary browser access.

These may include essential cookies, browser storage or authorised third-party services.

Analytics and advertising technologies, where enabled, remain subject to applicable privacy requirements.

Further details are provided in VNN’s Cookies, Tracking & Consent Policy.

26. Security of Stored Information

VNN aims to implement appropriate technical safeguards in the systems it controls.

However, information stored locally on a user’s device may also be affected by the security of that device and browser.

Readers should consider reasonable precautions, including:

• Installing device security updates.
• Protecting device access.
• Avoiding sharing credentials.
• Using trusted browsers.
• Reviewing application permissions.
• Being cautious of fraudulent websites impersonating VNN.

No internet-connected service can guarantee absolute security.

27. Accessibility

VNN aims to make the installed web-app experience accessible to users with different abilities.

Relevant considerations include:

• Screen-reader support.
• Logical navigation.
• Visible keyboard focus.
• Responsive layouts.
• Appropriate touch controls.
• Readable text.
• Colour contrast.
• Reduced-motion settings.
• Accessible forms and alerts.

The web app should not rely solely on decorative animation to convey important information.

Our Accessibility Statement provides further information.

28. Performance and Internet Connectivity

Website performance may depend on:

• Network speed.
• Device capability.
• Browser support.
• Web-hosting availability.
• Image and video file sizes.
• Cached resources.
• Third-party services.
• Device storage conditions.

Installing the web app does not guarantee faster performance in every circumstance.

Technical improvements should be assessed through actual testing rather than assumed.

29. Updating the Web App

Web-app updates may be delivered through changes to the underlying website and supported browser mechanisms.

Depending on the implementation, updates may become available when the user reconnects, reloads the service or launches the application again.

Some cached resources may remain until the browser refreshes them or they are cleared.

Readers may sometimes need to restart the installed web app to access updated functionality.

VNN cannot guarantee identical update timing across all devices.

30. Uninstalling the Web App

Users may remove the VNN web app or its shortcut through the relevant operating system or browser interface.

Removing the installed app may not automatically delete all associated website cookies, cached resources or browser storage.

Users may need to clear website data separately through their browser or device settings.

Where server-based accounts are available, uninstalling the app does not necessarily delete the associated account or server-held records.

31. Browser Compatibility

Different browsers support different combinations of Progressive Web App features.

The availability of installation, offline storage, notification permissions and background functions may vary.

VNN does not guarantee identical functionality on all browsers or devices.

Where installation is unsupported, the ordinary website may remain accessible through a compatible browser.

32. Third-Party Content and Services

Articles may include externally hosted photographs, videos, advertisements or interactive content.

Such services may require an active connection or may not be cached for offline use.

External providers may apply their own technical and privacy practices.

VNN cannot guarantee the permanent availability of third-party content.

33. Intellectual Property and Cached Content

Saving, caching or downloading content does not transfer copyright ownership.

VNN articles and third-party media remain subject to applicable intellectual property rights.

Reader access does not automatically authorise commercial republication or redistribution of protected material.

Lawful statutory exceptions remain unaffected.

34. Technical Support

Readers experiencing web-app problems may contact VNN.

Technical Support

Useful information may include:

1. Device type.
2. Operating system.
3. Browser.
4. Whether VNN is installed or opened in an ordinary browser.
5. Description of the problem.
6. Relevant webpage.
7. Whether the device is online.
8. Any error message.

Avoid sending passwords or other confidential credentials.

35. Service Availability and Changes

VNN may update, modify or discontinue web-app functionality where reasonably necessary.

Such changes may affect available features or locally stored information.

Where appropriate, material changes should be communicated to users.

Any applicable contractual and statutory rights remain unaffected.

36. Our Digital Experience Commitment

VNN recognises that readers want convenient access to reliable journalism.

We aim to develop technology that supports accessibility, usability and responsible information delivery.

A web app should simplify the way readers reach the news without misleading them about device storage, offline functionality or available services.