A significant update to the company’s privacy and cookie policy has been released, reaffirming its commitment to protecting personal data and respecting user privacy. The revised policy, which comes into effect immediately, provides a comprehensive overview of the data collection practices, usage policies, and user rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). As data protection becomes a growing concern for internet users worldwide, this update aims to offer greater transparency and control.

The GDPR, which came into force in May 2018, sets a high standard for data protection across the European Economic Area and beyond. It requires organizations to process personal data lawfully, fairly, and transparently, and gives individuals greater control over their information. The updated policy reflects these principles and is designed to ensure compliance with all applicable laws. This article summarizes the key facts from the policy, including what data is collected, how it is used, when it is shared, and what rights users have.

Key Facts at a Glance

• The company acts as a data controller under GDPR and has appointed a nominated representative to oversee data protection matters.
• Personal data is collected from users directly, through automatic website interactions, and from third-party sources.
• The data is used for contract performance, marketing, site improvement, security, and advertising purposes.
• Sharing of personal data occurs with group entities, business partners, advertisers, and analytics providers, as well as in business transfers or legal proceedings.
• Data is stored on secure servers within the European Economic Area for a period of 10 years.
• Users enjoy a range of rights, including access, rectification, erasure, restriction, portability, and objection.
• The cookie policy outlines the use of analytical, functionality, and targeting cookies, along with instructions on how to block cookies.

Information the Company Collects

The updated policy identifies three main categories of personal information. The first category is information users provide directly. This includes data submitted when filling out forms on the website, registering for an account, interacting with the site, or corresponding with the company by phone, email, or other communication channels. This information typically includes your name, address, email address, and phone number, as well as preliminary details about your business and its location. Such data is necessary for the company to respond to inquiries, provide services, and manage user accounts.

The second category is information collected automatically about each visit. This is largely technical in nature and is gathered through small data files known as cookies. This information includes IP addresses, browser types, operating systems, pages viewed, and how users interact with the site. The data helps the company deliver a good browsing experience and identify where the website may require improvement. A separate cookie policy provides more detail on how cookies work, which cookies are used, and why.

The third category is information received from other sources. This includes data from other websites operated by the same company group, as well as from third parties such as business partners, subcontractors in technical services, advertising networks, analytics providers, and search information providers. Whenever information is received from these sources, the company states that it will notify the user and explain the purposes for which the data will be used. This helps users understand how their information flows across different platforms and partners.

Uses of Personal Information

All information collected or received, whether of a personal or technical nature, may be used in several ways. The primary use is to carry out obligations arising from contracts entered into between the user and the company. This includes providing information, products, and services that the user requests. The company also uses the data to send users information about other goods and services offered by the company or selected partners, provided they are similar or relevant to previous purchases or inquiries. Such contact is made only by email, phone, or SMS, and users can opt out at any time.

Another important use is to notify users about changes to the company’s services. The data also helps with site administration and internal operations, including troubleshooting, data analysis, testing, research, statistical, and survey purposes. The company uses the information to improve the website, ensuring content is presented in the most effective manner for each user and their device. Users who choose to participate in interactive features of the service will have their data used to enable those features. The data also plays a role in keeping the site safe and secure, and in measuring or understanding the effectiveness of advertising. This allows the company to deliver relevant advertising to users.

Information received from other sources may be combined with data provided by the user on one hand and data collected automatically on the other. This combined dataset is used for the same purposes outlined above, depending on the type of information received. The policy emphasizes that all processing is carried out in accordance with GDPR principles, ensuring fairness, lawfulness, and transparency.

Disclosure of Personal Information

The company may share user information with various parties. Any member of the company group may receive personal data, as may business partners, suppliers, and subcontractors who assist in the performance of contracts. Advertisers and advertising networks may receive aggregate information that does not identify individual users. For example, the company might share that 500 users live in a particular area, helping advertisers reach their target audience. The company may also use personal data to display advertisements to selected target audiences, complying with advertisers’ wishes while maintaining user privacy.

Analytics and search engine providers assist in the improvement and optimization of the website and therefore receive data for these purposes. The policy also covers disclosure of personal information in specific situations, such as a sale or purchase of a business or assets, where data may be transferred to prospective sellers or buyers. In the event that the company or substantially all of its assets are acquired by a third party, personal data will be among the transferred assets. Disclosure may also occur to comply with legal obligations, enforce terms of use and agreements, or protect the rights, property, or safety of the company, its clients, or others.

Storage and Security of Personal Data

Personal information is stored on secure servers of the company or its selected business partners within the European Economic Area. The retention period is 10 years, after which data may be securely deleted or anonymized. The company takes reasonable steps to protect information, including installing a secure firewall, using anti-virus protection software, encrypting data, and carrying out regular back-ups. These measures are designed to prevent unauthorised access, accidental loss, alteration, or disclosure.

Users who have been given a password, or who have chosen one, are responsible for keeping it confidential. The company explicitly asks users not to share their password with anyone. It is important to understand that the transmission of information over the internet is not completely secure. While the company will do its best to protect personal data, it cannot guarantee the security of data transmitted to the website. Any such transmission is at the user’s own risk. Once the company receives the information, strict procedures and security features are used to prevent unauthorised access.

Your Rights under Data Protection Law

Users have several rights under law with respect to their personal information. These rights give users control over their data and ensure that the company processes information responsibly. The rights include:

• The right to be informed about the collection and use of personal information.
• The right of access to personal information to verify the legality of its use.
• The right to rectification to request that inaccurate or incomplete information is corrected.
• The right to erasure to request deletion or removal of information when there is no further reason for its use, such as withdrawn consent.
• The right to restrict use of personal information in certain circumstances.
• The right to data portability to obtain and reuse information for one’s own purposes.
• The right to object to certain uses, such as direct marketing.
• The right not to be subject to automated decisions that have legal effects based solely on automated processing.

Should users wish to exercise any of these rights, they may do so at any time by writing to the company at the address provided in the policy. In some cases, the company is permitted to charge a small administrative fee of no more than £10. To request access to personal information, users are asked to send an email with a personal ID document and specific details of the information they want, such as user account information.

Third-Party Links

The website may contain links to and from the websites of partner networks, advertisers, and affiliates. When users follow a link to any of these external websites, they should be aware that these sites have their own privacy policies. The company does not accept any responsibility or liability for these policies. It is advisable for users to check the privacy policies of external websites before submitting any personal data to them.

Changes to the Privacy Policy

The privacy policy is subject to future changes. Any updates will be posted on this page, and users are encouraged to check back frequently to stay informed of any changes. The policy update reflects evolving legal requirements and changes in business practices, ensuring that users are always aware of how their data is handled.

Contact Information

Questions, comments, and requests regarding the privacy policy are welcomed. Users should address their inquiries to the nominated representative, Ludovic Jacobs, at the email address provided in the policy. The company is committed to responding promptly and resolving any concerns.

Understanding the Cookie Policy

The cookie policy is part of the overall privacy policy and explains how the website uses cookies. Cookies are small data files that distinguish users from one another when they visit the website. This helps provide a good experience when browsing and allows the company to improve the website. By continuing to browse the website, users are agreeing to the use of cookies as described in this policy.

Types of Cookies Used

Analytical or performance cookies collect information in aggregate form to help the company understand how the website is being used and how effective marketing campaigns are. These cookies may also help customize the website for users. Functionality cookies are used to recognize users when they return to the website, enabling personalization and remembering preferences such as language or region. Targeting cookies record visits, pages viewed, and links followed, and this information may be shared with third parties to deliver relevant advertising.

Third parties, including advertising networks and external service providers such as web traffic analysis services, may also use cookies. The company has no control over these third-party cookies, which are likely to be analytical/performance cookies or targeting cookies. Users should review the privacy policies of these third parties for more information.

How You Can Block Cookies

Users can block cookies by activating the setting on their browser that allows them to refuse the setting of all or some cookies. However, blocking cookies may affect the ability to use the website. In particular, users may not be able to access all parts of the website or use the functionalities contained on it. Therefore, users should consider the impact of blocking cookies before making changes to their browser settings.

Source:Silicon UK News