Privacy Policy

Information We Collect

We collect a variety of information to provide a comprehensive and personalised news experience for our visitors. This includes information you provide directly, such as your name and email address when subscribing to newsletters or submitting feedback. In addition, we automatically collect certain technical data when you interact with our site, like your IP address, browser type, device identifiers, and browsing behaviour through the use of cookies and similar technologies. We may also collect information about your engagement with our content, such as articles read, preferences, and interactions with features, to better understand audience interests and improve our services. All information gathered is handled in accordance with UK data protection laws, and we are committed to transparency regarding what data we collect and why.

How We Use Your Information

Your information is used primarily to operate, maintain, and enhance our website and your experience with us. We use collected data to deliver relevant news content, manage your subscriptions, respond to your queries, and personalise your interactions based on your interests and previous engagement. Additionally, your information may be used to improve our site’s features, monitor site usage and performance, and develop new services that benefit our readers. We may also use your details to send you important updates, newsletters, and community announcements, but only if you have opted in. All uses of your information are conducted within the bounds of applicable UK regulations, and we do not employ your data for any purpose that has not been clearly communicated to you.

Data Protection & Security

We take your privacy and security very seriously and employ robust safeguards to protect your personal data from unauthorised access, alteration, or loss. Our website uses secure protocols for data transmission, and all collected information is stored on protected servers with restricted access. We regularly review our security practices in line with industry standards and comply with the requirements of the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. While we strive to use all reasonable measures to protect your data, it is important to note that no method of online transmission or storage can be guaranteed to be 100% secure. We encourage users to take precautions and contact us immediately if they suspect any breach or misuse of their information.

Data Sharing & Third Parties

We do not sell your personal information to third parties. However, in certain circumstances, we may share your data with trusted partners, such as analytics providers or service vendors, who help us maintain and improve our website’s functionality and performance. These third parties are contractually obligated to process your data in compliance with UK privacy laws and only for the purposes we have specified. In addition, we may disclose information if required by law, regulation, or to protect the rights, property, or safety of Harbour Beacon, its users, or others. We take care to ensure that any data sharing is limited and subject to appropriate safeguards, so your privacy remains a priority at all times.

Your Rights & Choices

As a resident of the United Kingdom, you have specific rights under data protection laws regarding your personal information. You can access, correct, update, or request the deletion of your data at any time by contacting us directly. You also have the right to object to or restrict certain types of processing, as well as to request a copy of the data we hold about you in a commonly used format. If you have given consent for any particular use of your information, you may withdraw it at any time. We provide clear options to manage your preferences, such as subscribing or unsubscribing from newsletters. If you have concerns about how your data is handled, you may also lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) in the UK.

Data Retention

We retain your personal data only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes for which it was collected, including providing our services, meeting legal obligations, and resolving disputes. The retention period varies depending on the type of information and the nature of your interaction with our website. For example, subscription details are kept for as long as you remain subscribed or until you request deletion, while technical data may be retained for a shorter duration to analyse website performance. We regularly review our data retention policies to ensure compliance with current regulations and industry best practices. Once data is no longer needed, we securely delete or anonymise it to protect your privacy.