1. Introduction
Britain Online ("we", "our", or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, process, and protect your data when you use our website and services.
We are registered as a data controller under the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and Data Protection Act 2018.
2. Information We Collect
Personal Information You Provide
- Name and contact details (email, phone, address)
- Company information and business details
- Communication preferences
- Any information you provide in forms or correspondence
Information Automatically Collected
- IP address and browser information
- Website usage data and analytics
- Cookie and tracking information
- Device and technical information
3. How We Use Your Information
We use your personal information for the following purposes:
- Service Provision: To provide consultancy and business services
- Communication: To respond to enquiries and provide customer support
- Marketing: To send relevant business insights and service updates (with consent)
- Legal Compliance: To comply with legal obligations and protect our rights
- Website Improvement: To analyse usage and improve our website functionality
4. Legal Basis for Processing
We process your personal data based on the following legal grounds:
- Consent: Where you have given clear consent for specific purposes
- Contract: Where processing is necessary for contract performance
- Legitimate Interests: For business operations and service improvement
- Legal Obligation: Where required by law
5. Information Sharing
We do not sell your personal information. We may share your data with:
- Service Providers: Trusted third parties who assist in service delivery
- Legal Requirements: When required by law or to protect our rights
- Business Partners: With your consent, for relevant business opportunities
All third parties are contractually bound to protect your data and use it only for specified purposes.
6. Cookies and Tracking
We use cookies and similar technologies to:
- Ensure website functionality and security
- Analyse website usage and performance
- Personalise your experience
- Provide relevant marketing content
You can manage your cookie preferences through our cookie settings or browser controls. For detailed information, please see our Cookie Policy.
7. Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal information:
- Encryption of data in transit and at rest
- Regular security assessments and updates
- Access controls and staff training
- Secure hosting and backup procedures
8. Data Retention
We retain your personal information only as long as necessary for the purposes outlined in this policy:
- Customer Data: For the duration of our business relationship plus 7 years
- Marketing Data: Until you withdraw consent or 3 years of inactivity
- Website Analytics: Anonymised after 26 months
- Legal Requirements: As required by applicable law
9. Your Rights
Under UK GDPR, you have the following rights regarding your personal data:
- Access: Request a copy of your personal data
- Rectification: Correct inaccurate or incomplete data
- Erasure: Request deletion of your personal data
- Restriction: Limit how we process your data
- Portability: Receive your data in a structured format
- Objection: Object to processing based on legitimate interests
- Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent at any time
To exercise these rights, please contact us using the details below.
10. International Transfers
We primarily process data within the UK. If we transfer data internationally, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, including:
- Adequacy decisions by the UK government
- Standard contractual clauses
- Binding corporate rules
- Approved certification schemes
11. Children's Privacy
Our services are not intended for children under 16. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we become aware that we have collected information from a child, we will take steps to delete it promptly.
12. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of material changes by:
- Posting the updated policy on our website
- Sending email notification to registered users
- Updating the "last modified" date
13. Contact Information
For questions about this Privacy Policy or to exercise your rights, please contact us:
If you are not satisfied with our response, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) at ico.org.uk.