2. People who contact us

If you email us or send us an enquiry, we hold the contents of that correspondence so we can respond and keep a record of it.

4. Website data

Like most websites, our site and its hosting provider keep basic technical logs (such as IP address and browser type) for security and reliable operation, and use a small number of cookies. See “Cookies” below.

Our lawful bases for using your data

Under UK data protection law (the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018) we must have a lawful basis for using your personal data. Ours are:

Sending you the newsletter. Consent — you ask to receive it, and can withdraw at any time. Responding to enquiries, securing and improving our site. Legitimate interests — running the business responsibly, balanced against your rights.

Who we share your data with

We do not sell your personal data, and we do not share it for anyone else’s marketing. We use a small number of trusted suppliers (“processors”) who handle data strictly on our instructions:

• Hostinger and our website platform (WordPress) — to host and operate informationmatters.net and the newsletter
• Google (Google Analytics) — to measure website traffic and usage, where you have consented.

We may also disclose personal data if the law requires us to, or to protect our legal rights.

Sending data outside the UK

Hostinger is based in Lithuania and has data centres across Europe, the US, South America and Asia.

How long we keep your data

• Newsletter: until you unsubscribe or ask us to remove you, after which we delete or suppress your details.
• Enquiries: for as long as needed to deal with the matter and a reasonable period afterwards.

Your rights

Under UK data protection law you have the right to:

• be told how your data is used (this policy);
• request a copy of the personal data we hold about you;
• ask us to correct data that is wrong or incomplete;
• ask us to delete your data, or restrict how we use it;
• object to our use of your data, or ask us to transfer it to another provider; and
• withdraw your consent at any time (for example, to the newsletter).

To exercise any of these rights, email us at info@informationmatters.net. We will respond within one month. There is normally no charge.

Cookies

Our website uses cookies that are strictly necessary for it to work, and Google Analytics cookies that help us understand how the site is used. Analytics cookies are only set with your consent, which you can give or withdraw through the cookie banner; you can also control or block cookies through your browser settings. Blocking strictly necessary cookies may affect how the site works.

How to complain

If you have a concern about how we handle your data, please contact us first so we can put it right. You also have the right to complain to the ICO, the UK’s data protection regulator:

Changes to this policy

We may update this policy from time to time. When we do, we will change the “last updated” date at the top of this page. Significant changes will be made clear on this page.