Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

The Swindon Post ("we", "our", or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website swindonpost.co.uk.

Please read this privacy policy carefully. If you do not agree with the terms of this privacy policy, please do not access the site.

2. Information We Collect

We may collect information about you in a variety of ways. The information we may collect includes:

• Personal Data: Name, email address, phone number, and other contact information you voluntarily provide when submitting events, contacting us, or creating an account.
• Usage Data: Information about how you access and use our website, including your IP address, browser type, pages visited, and time spent on pages.
• Cookies: We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to track activity on our website and hold certain information.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Process and publish event submissions
• Respond to your inquiries and provide customer support
• Send you updates about events and services (with your consent)
• Improve our website and user experience
• Analyze website usage and trends
• Comply with legal obligations

4. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information only in the following circumstances:

• With service providers who assist us in operating our website and conducting our business
• When required by law or to protect our rights and safety
• In connection with a business transfer or merger
• With your explicit consent

5. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies to enhance your experience on our website. Cookies are small files stored on your device that help us remember your preferences and improve site functionality. You can control cookies through your browser settings, though this may affect website functionality.

We also use third-party services, including Google AdSense, which may use cookies to serve ads based on your visits to our site and other sites on the internet.

5a. Advertising and Third-Party Services

Google AdSense: Our website uses Google AdSense, a service provided by Google LLC, to display advertisements. Google AdSense uses cookies and similar technologies to:

• Serve personalized ads based on your browsing history and interests
• Measure ad performance and effectiveness
• Prevent fraud and abuse

Google may collect and use information about your visits to this and other websites to provide relevant advertisements. This information may include your IP address, browser type, device information, and browsing patterns.

Opt-Out Options: You can opt out of personalized advertising by:

• Visiting Google's Ad Settings
• Using the Digital Advertising Alliance's opt-out page
• Adjusting your browser settings to block cookies

Please note that opting out does not mean you will not see advertisements; it means the ads you see may be less relevant to your interests.

For more information about how Google uses data when you use our site, please visit Google's Privacy & Terms.

5b. Google Analytics

This site uses Google Analytics 4 (measurement ID G-Y68X26CNNJ) to understand how pages are used. That includes visits to the business directory and whether listing forms are started or submitted.

Analytics loads only after you grant analytics consent in Google's Funding Choices message. Until you grant that consent, or if you choose Do not consent, the Analytics script is not loaded and Analytics cookies such as _ga are not set.

You can change or withdraw analytics consent later using Privacy and cookie settings in the Funding Choices message. If you withdraw analytics consent, further Analytics collection stops, and Analytics cookies are cleared where that is technically possible.

Withdrawing analytics consent does not remove every cookie. The consent tool may keep a cookie so your choice can be remembered. Advertising cookies may also remain if they are permitted under the advertising consent settings.

Directory interaction events send only a numeric listing ID, the listing tier (free or premium) and, for contact clicks, whether the link was telephone, maps or website. They do not include your name, email address, telephone number, address, business description, website URL, payment reference or payment token.

6. Affiliate Links

Our website may contain affiliate links to third-party websites and services. When you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.

Affiliate partners may use cookies and tracking technologies to track your activity and attribute sales to our website. This information is used to calculate commissions and may be shared with us in aggregated form.

We only work with reputable affiliate partners and are committed to transparency. Affiliate links do not affect the price you pay for products or services.

7. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information. However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

8. Your Rights

Under data protection laws, you have the right to:

• Access your personal data
• Correct inaccurate data
• Request deletion of your data
• Object to processing of your data
• Request restriction of processing
• Data portability
• Withdraw consent at any time

To exercise these rights, please contact us at contact@swindonpost.co.uk.

9. Children's Privacy

Our website is not intended for children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe we have collected information from a child under 13, please contact us immediately.

10. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page and updating the "Last Updated" date. You are advised to review this Privacy Policy periodically for any changes.

11. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us:

Email: contact@swindonpost.co.uk
Website: Contact Form