Privacy Policy
At Metropolis Web Design, we recognise the importance of your privacy and are committed to safeguarding how your personal information is handled online. We value the privacy of everyone who visits our website, metropoliswebdesign.co.uk (“Our Site”), and we are dedicated to collecting and using personal data only in ways that are outlined here and that comply with legal standards and your rights.
We encourage you to read this Privacy Policy thoroughly and ensure you understand it. By using Our Site or signing up for our services, you agree to our Privacy Policy. If you disagree with any part of this policy, please refrain from using Our Site.
1. Definitions and Interpretation
In this Policy, the following terms are defined as:
“Cookie”
Refers to a small text file that Our Site places on your computer or device when you visit certain areas of the site or use specific features. For more details about the Cookies we use, see section 13 below.
“Cookie Law”
Refers to the relevant sections of the Privacy and Electronic Communications (EC Directive) Regulations 2003.
“Products”
Encompasses any items available for purchase through Our Site or otherwise.
“Services”
Includes any services that we offer through Our Site or in other contexts.
Personal Data
“Personal Data” means any information relating to an identified or identifiable natural person. An identifiable person is one who can be directly or indirectly identified from that data. In this context, “Personal Data” refers to the information you provide to us through our website (“Site”).
This definition is intended to cover all applicable data protection legislation in force in the United Kingdom, including, but not limited to:
The retained EU law version of the General Data Protection Regulation ((EU) 2016/679) (“UK GDPR”), which applies in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland as part of UK law under the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018.
The Data Protection Act 2018 (and any regulations made thereunder).
The Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations 2003, as amended.
These laws collectively govern the collection, use, and protection of Personal Data and outline our obligations and your rights regarding your data.
2. About Us
We are Metropolis Web Design. Our Data Protection Officer is Daniel Bleich, who can be reached via email at daniel@metropoliswebdesign.co.uk or through our contact page at: https://metropoliswebdesign.co.uk/get-in-touch/.
3. Scope of This Policy
This Privacy Policy pertains exclusively to your interactions with us and your use of our website (“Site”). Please be aware that our Site may link to other websites that are not under our control. We are not responsible for how these third-party sites collect, store, or use your personal data. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any external sites before sharing any personal information with them.
4. Your Rights
Under the GDPR, you have several rights concerning your personal data. This Policy and our practices are designed to support and uphold these rights:
4.1 The Right to Information – You have the right to be informed about how we collect and use your personal data.
4.2 The Right of Access – You can request access to the personal data we hold about you (refer to section 12 for details).
4.3 The Right to Rectification – If any of your personal data we hold is incorrect or incomplete, you can ask us to correct it. Please use the contact details in section 14.
4.4 The Right to Erasure – You can request the deletion of your personal data. We keep your data only for as long as necessary, as outlined in section 6. If you want it deleted sooner, please contact us using the details in section 14.
4.5 The Right to Restrict Processing – You can request that we limit the processing of your personal data.
4.6 The Right to Data Portability – You can obtain a copy of your personal data to transfer to another service or organisation.
4.7 The Right to Object – You can object to our use of your personal data for specific purposes.
4.8 Rights Related to Automated Decision-Making and Profiling – You have rights regarding decisions made solely by automated processing.
If you have any issues or concerns about how we handle your personal data, please contact us using the details in section 14. We will strive to resolve your concerns. If we cannot resolve the issue, you have the right to file a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), which oversees data protection in the UK.
5. What Data Do We Collect?
Depending on your use of our Site, we may collect various types of personal and non-personal data, including:
5.1 Personal Information: Such as your name, contact details (email address and telephone number), and demographic data (postal code, preferences, and interests).
5.2 Technical Data: Including your IP address, web browser type and version, and operating system.
5.3 Activity Data: Details of your interactions on our Site, including URLs from referring sites, your activity on our Site, and sites you visit afterward.
For information on cookies and similar technologies, please refer to section 13.
5.4 Our Cookie Policy: You can also visit our cookie policy page by clicking here.
6. How Do We Use Your Data?
We use your data securely and in compliance with GDPR. Our processing is based on lawful grounds, including contractual necessity, consent, and legitimate interests. Specifically, we use your data for the following purposes:
6.1 Service Delivery and Site Management: To provide and manage the services you request, personalise your experience, and manage your access to our Site.
6.2 Contractual and Product Enhancement: To fulfill contracts, tailor products/services to your preferences, and improve our offerings based on your feedback.
6.3 Communication: To respond to your queries, and send you emails, newsletters, or updates you have opted into. You may unsubscribe or opt-out at any time by using the provided links or contacting us at daniel@metropoliswebdesign.co.uk.
6.4 Marketing: With your consent or where legally permitted, we may contact you through email, phone, text, post, or social media with information, news, and offers related to our products and services. We do not send unsolicited marketing and adhere to GDPR and the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations 2003.
6.5 Market Research and Site Improvement: To conduct market research and analyze your use of our Site for improving its functionality and user experience.
6.6 Data Retention: We retain your data only as long as necessary:
Legal Requirements: For up to 6 years or as legally required.
Other Purposes: Until the purpose for collection is fulfilled or your relationship with us ends.
6.7 Third-Party Cookies: Third parties like Instagram, Google, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube may place cookies on our Site. We do not control their activities. For details, see section 13 on cookies.
6.8 Consent Withdrawal: You may withdraw your consent to our data processing at any time and request the deletion of your data.
7. How and Where Do We Store Your Data?
7. Data Storage, Security, and Transfers
7.1 Data Storage: We retain your personal data only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in section 6, or as long as you permit.
7.2 International Transfers: Some of your data may be stored outside the European Economic Area (EEA). By using our Site and submitting information, you consent to this. We ensure that any data transferred outside the EEA is protected to the same standard as within the UK and in compliance with GDPR.
7.3 Data Security: We employ appropriate measures to protect your data against unauthorised access, loss, or misuse.
8. Sharing Your Data
8.1 Data Sharing: We do not share your personal data with third parties except as described below.
8.2 Legal Obligations: We may disclose your data if required by law for legal proceedings, compliance with legal obligations, or to respond to court orders or governmental requests.
8.3 Service Providers: We may engage third parties to perform functions on our behalf, such as payment processing, delivery, or marketing. We ensure these third parties handle data in compliance with GDPR.
8.4 Anonymised Data: We may use anonymised data for statistical purposes. Such data cannot be used to identify individuals and is handled in accordance with the law.
8.5 Data Processors Outside the EEA: If we use data processors outside the EEA, we implement appropriate safeguards to ensure data protection.
9. Changes in Business Ownership
9.1 Business Transfers: In the event of a business sale or transfer, your data may be transferred to the new owner or controlling party. The new party will be bound by this Privacy Policy and will use your data only for the purposes for which it was originally collected.
9.2 Notification: We may not contact you in advance regarding such changes, but we will update our Privacy Policy to reflect any changes in data handling practices.
10. Controlling Your Data
10.1 Data Management: You have the right to control how we use your data, including opting out of direct marketing. You can manage your preferences through unsubscribe links in our communications or by contacting us at daniel@metropoliswebdesign.co.uk.
10.2 Preference Services: You may register with services like the Telephone Preference Service (TPS), the Corporate Telephone Preference Service (CTPS), or the Mailing Preference Service (MPS) to reduce unsolicited marketing. Note that these services will not prevent marketing communications you have agreed to receive.
11. Withholding Information
11.1 Access Without Data: You can browse our Site without providing personal data. However, to access certain features, you may need to provide or permit the collection of certain information.
11.2 Cookie Restrictions: You can control our use of cookies. See section 13 for details on how to manage cookies.
12. Accessing Your Data
You have the right to request a copy of your personal data that we hold. This service is free of charge under GDPR. For more information or to make a request, contact us at daniel@metropoliswebdesign.co.uk.
13. Use of Cookies
13.1 First-Party Cookies: We use cookies placed directly by us to enhance your experience on our Site. These cookies are carefully selected and managed to protect your privacy.
13.2 Third-Party Cookies: Third-party cookies from external sites like Instagram, Google, and Facebook may be present on our Site. You can choose to decline these cookies without affecting your experience on our Site. For details, see section 6.
13.3 Compliance with Cookie Law: All cookies used on our Site comply with applicable cookie laws.
13.4 Strictly Necessary Cookies: Some cookies are essential for the Site to function properly. You are not asked for consent for these cookies, but you may block them through your browser settings (see section 13.8), which may impact Site functionality.
13.5 Analytics Cookies: We use analytics services like Google Analytics to gather anonymous data about Site usage to improve our offerings. You can opt out of these cookies, but doing so may limit our ability to enhance your experience.
13.6 Managing Cookies: You can enable or disable cookies through your browser settings. For more details, consult your browser’s help menu or device documentation.
13.7 Pop-ups and Lead Pages: Our Site may use pop-ups and lead pages. Disabling these features may limit your access to some Site functions, such as newsletter sign-ups.
13.8 Deleting Cookies: You can delete cookies from your device at any time. This might affect your ability to use the Site efficiently, including login and personalisation settings.
13.9 Browser Updates: Keep your browser and operating system updated. Consult your browser’s help resources or device manufacturer for assistance with privacy settings.
14. Contact Us
If you have questions or concerns about our Site or this Privacy Policy, please contact us at:
Email: daniel@metropoliswebdesign.co.uk
Website Contact Form: https://metropoliswebdesign.co.uk/get-in-touch/
Please provide clear details about your query, especially if requesting information about your personal data (refer to section 12).
15. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in the law or our practices. Updates will be posted on our Site, and your continued use of the Site constitutes acceptance of the revised policy. We recommend checking this page regularly for updates.
Google’s Privacy Policy
We use Google Analytics on our website to help us understand how visitors interact with our content, which allows us to enhance the user experience. Google Analytics uses cookies to collect data on website traffic and usage patterns, but it does not identify individual users. While we have our own privacy and cookie policies in place to explain how we handle your data, if you would like to learn more specifically about how Google processes data through Google Analytics, you can visit their Privacy Policy at Google’s Privacy Policy.