Instead of putting the burden on the user I think the burden should be put on the forum to announce any changes. This can be done via forum statistics updates or even via a post here in Meta.
In my opinion this should be changed to specifically say that even though the forum admin has the ability to read user’s direct messages, he/she does not unless requested by legal authorities. It should also state something along the lines of:
Sorry I don’t have time to write up something proper that can be, after review, be used directly. Either way those are my suggestions/opinions.
I would also like to see a topic/thread about “general privacy practices”. It would be, in my opinion, better coming officially from the forum. Sharing steps users can take to protect their identity, vpn’s etc…recommendations and links regarding desktop and mobile OS’s. This could start as a thread but grow into something more official. I may start one when I can make time.
Any thoughts on the suggestions I have made regarding the privacy policy? And my apologies for throwing in the “general privacy practices” in there as its off-topic from the OP but I didn’t want to start a thread (time limitations) and thought feedback first might be better.