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Privacy Policy
Standard Intelligence

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Last Updated: 19 August 2025

Effective Date: 1 August 2025

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Introduction and Data Controller Information

This privacy policy explains how Michael Clark ("we," "us," or "our") collects, uses, and protects your personal information when you visit our website or interact with our services.

 

Data Controller Details:

 

We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring transparency about how we handle your personal data in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

 

What Personal Information We Collect

Understanding what constitutes personal information helps you make informed decisions about sharing your data. Personal information is any data that can identify you as an individual, either directly or when combined with other information.

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Information You Provide Directly

  • None

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Information We Collect Automatically​

Website Analytics:

  • IP address (anonymised after processing)

  • Browser type and version

  • Operating system

  • Pages visited and time spent

  • Referral source (how you found our site)

  • Device type and screen resolution

  • General geographic location (country/region level)

 

Technical Information:

  • Cookies and similar tracking technologies

  • Website performance data

  • Error logs and security monitoring data

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Legal Basis for Processing Your Data

The UK GDPR requires us to have a valid legal reason for processing your personal information. Think of these as the "permission slips" that allow us to handle your data for specific purposes.

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Consent (Article 6(1)(a) UK GDPR)

We rely on your explicit consent for:

  • Email newsletter subscriptions: You actively choose to subscribe and can withdraw consent at any time

  • Marketing communications: Any promotional emails beyond basic service updates

 

When we process data based on consent, you have the absolute right to withdraw that consent at any time. Withdrawing consent will not affect the lawfulness of processing before withdrawal.

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Legitimate Interests (Article 6(1)(f) UK GDPR)

We rely on legitimate interests for:

  • Contact form processing: We have a legitimate business interest in responding to your enquiries, and you would reasonably expect us to do so

  • Website analytics: Understanding how our site is used helps us improve content and user experience

  • Security monitoring: Protecting our website and users from fraud, abuse, and technical issues

 

Before relying on legitimate interests, we conduct balancing tests to ensure our interests do not override your privacy rights. You have the right to object to processing based on legitimate interests.

 

How We Use Your Personal Information

Understanding the purpose behind data collection helps you appreciate why certain information is necessary and how it benefits your experience.

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Primary Uses

Providing Our Services:

  • Maintaining website functionality and security

 

Communication:

  • Responding to your questions and support requests

  • Notifying you of important service changes (such as privacy policy updates)

 

Website Improvement:

  • Analyzing website traffic patterns to identify popular content

  • Understanding user preferences to create more relevant content

  • Improving website performance and user experience

  • Detecting and preventing technical issues

 

We Do Not

  • Sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties

  • Use your data for automated decision-making or profiling

  • Send unsolicited marketing communications

  • Share your information for others' marketing purposes

 

Data Sharing and Third-Party Services

Transparency about who else might access your data is crucial for maintaining trust. We work with carefully selected service providers who help us deliver our services securely.

 

Website Analytics

  • Service Provider: Google Analytics

  • Data Shared: Anonymised usage statistics, aggregated visitor data

  • Purpose: Understanding website performance and user behaviour

  • Privacy Measures: IP anonymisation enabled, data retention limited to 26 months

 

Website Hosting

  • Service Provider: Wix

  • Data Shared: All website data necessary for site operation

  • Purpose: Hosting and maintaining website functionality

  • Security: Encrypted connections, regular security updates, backup procedures

 

Data Transfers Outside the UK

When we use services that transfer data internationally, we ensure appropriate safeguards protect your information:

  • EU/EEA Countries: Adequate level of protection recognised by UK law

  • Other Countries: Data transfer agreements, adequacy decisions, or standard contractual clauses

 

Data Retention Periods

We keep your personal information only as long as necessary for the purposes we collected it. Think of this as our "digital decluttering" policy that ensures we don't accumulate unnecessary personal data.

 

Specific Retention Periods

Website Analytics:

  • Detailed logs: 26 months maximum

  • Aggregated statistics: Retained indefinitely after anonymisation

 

Technical Logs:

  • Security logs: 12 months for security monitoring

  • Error logs: 6 months for technical troubleshooting

 

Your Data Protection Rights

The UK GDPR grants you significant control over your personal information. Understanding these rights empowers you to manage your privacy according to your preferences.

 

Right of Access (Subject Access Request)

You can request a copy of all personal information we hold about you. We will provide this information in a commonly used, machine-readable format within one month of your request.

 

Right to Rectification

If any personal information we hold is inaccurate or incomplete, you can ask us to correct it. We will update our records promptly and notify any third parties if necessary.

 

Right to Erasure ("Right to be Forgotten")

You can request deletion of your personal information in certain circumstances:

  • The data is no longer necessary for the original purpose

  • You withdraw consent and there's no other legal basis for processing

  • Your data has been unlawfully processed

  • Erasure is required for compliance with legal obligations

 

Right to Restrict Processing

You can ask us to limit how we use your data while we investigate concerns about accuracy or lawfulness of processing.

 

Right to Data Portability

For data processed based on consent or contract performance, you can request a copy in a structured, commonly used format that you can transfer to another service provider.

 

Right to Object

You can object to processing based on legitimate interests or for direct marketing purposes. We will stop processing unless we can demonstrate compelling legitimate grounds that override your interests.

 

Right to Withdraw Consent

Where we process data based on consent, you can withdraw it at any time. This affects future processing but doesn't invalidate previous lawful processing.

 

Exercising Your Rights

To exercise any of these rights, contact us using the details provided in this policy. We will respond within one month and will not charge a fee unless requests are manifestly unfounded or excessive.

 

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Cookies are small text files that websites store on your device to remember information about your visit. Understanding how we use cookies helps you make informed decisions about your browsing preferences.

 

Essential Cookies

These cookies are necessary for basic website functionality and cannot be disabled:

  • Session management: Keeping you logged in during your visit

  • Security: Protecting against fraud and ensuring secure connections

  • Functionality: Remembering your preferences and settings

 

Analytics Cookies

We use analytics cookies to understand how visitors interact with our website:

  • Usage patterns: Which pages are most popular and how long people spend reading

  • Technical performance: Identifying slow-loading pages or broken links

  • Content effectiveness: Understanding which topics resonate with our audience

 

Managing Cookie Preferences

You can control cookie settings through:

  • Our cookie banner: Choose your preferences when you first visit

  • Browser settings: Most browsers allow you to block or delete cookies

  • Cookie management tools: Third-party tools for granular control

 

Disabling certain cookies may limit website functionality, but essential features will continue to work.

 

Data Security Measures

Protecting your personal information is our priority. We implement multiple layers of security to safeguard your data against unauthorised access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction.

 

Technical Safeguards

  • Encryption: All data transmissions use SSL/TLS encryption

  • Secure hosting: Servers protected by firewalls and intrusion detection

  • Access controls: Limited access to personal data on a need-to-know basis

  • Regular updates: Security patches applied promptly to all systems

 

Organisational Measures

  • Staff training: Regular privacy and security awareness training

  • Data handling procedures: Clear policies for collecting, storing, and processing data

  • Incident response: Procedures for detecting and responding to data breaches

  • Regular audits: Periodic reviews of security measures and data handling practices

 

Data Breach Notification

In the unlikely event of a data breach that poses a risk to your rights and freedoms, we will:

  • Notify the Information Commissioner's Office within 72 hours

  • Inform affected individuals without undue delay

  • Provide clear information about the nature of the breach and steps being taken

  • Offer guidance on protecting yourself from potential harm

 

Children's Privacy

Our website and services are designed for adults interested in regulatory analysis and business commentary. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 16 years of age.

 

If we become aware that we have collected personal information from a child under 16 without appropriate consent, we will delete that information promptly. Parents or guardians who believe we may have collected information from their child should contact us immediately.

 

Making a Complaint About Your Personal Data

We are committed to resolving any concerns you may have about how we handle your personal information. The Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 provides you with the right to complain directly to us before contacting the Information Commissioner's Office.

 

How to Complain to Us

 

What Happens Next

  • We will acknowledge your complaint within 30 days

  • We will investigate your concerns thoroughly and keep you informed of progress

  • We will inform you of the outcome and any corrective actions taken

  • We aim to resolve complaints within 60 days of receipt

 

Escalating to the ICO

If you are not satisfied with our response, you have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner's Office:

  • Website: ico.org.uk

  • Phone: 0303 123 1113

  • Post: Information Commissioner's Office, Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 5AF

 

International Data Transfers

When we use service providers located outside the UK, we ensure your personal information receives adequate protection through appropriate safeguards.

 

Transfer Mechanisms

  • Adequacy decisions: Countries recognised as providing adequate protection

  • Standard contractual clauses: Legally binding commitments for data protection

  • Certification schemes: Providers certified under recognised privacy frameworks

 

Your Rights

International transfers do not diminish your data protection rights. You can request information about specific safeguards applied to your data and challenge transfers that may not provide adequate protection.

 

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this privacy policy to reflect changes in our practices, legal requirements, or service offerings. Understanding how we communicate changes helps you stay informed about your privacy rights.

 

Notification Process

  • Material changes: 30-day advance notice via email to newsletter subscribers and website banner

  • Minor updates: Notice on our website and updated "Last Modified" date

  • Emergency changes: Immediate notification if required for legal compliance or security reasons

 

What Constitutes Material Changes

  • Changes to the types of personal information we collect

  • New purposes for processing your data

  • Additional third-party service providers with access to your data

  • Changes to data retention periods

  • Modifications to your rights or how to exercise them

 

Your Options

  • Continued use: Using our website after changes take effect indicates acceptance

  • Objection: Contact us if you disagree with material changes

  • Withdrawal: You can always withdraw consent or request data deletion

 

Contact Information and Data Protection Officer

For any questions about this privacy policy or how we handle your personal information, please contact us:

Michael Clark / Standard Intelligence

 

Given the scale of our operations, we do not currently have a designated Data Protection Officer. All privacy-related enquiries are handled directly by Michael Clark, who has responsibility for data protection compliance.

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This privacy policy is written in plain English to help you understand your rights and our obligations. If you need clarification on any section, please don't hesitate to contact us.

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