Effective Date: 1st April 2025

1. Introduction

Welcome to AstroExchange.co.uk (“we,” “our,” or “us”). We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring that your personal data is handled securely and in compliance with applicable data protection laws, including the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal information when you use our website to post classifieds, participate in forums, or create an account.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide to Us:

  • Name, email address, and password when creating an account
  • Profile details, such as location and preferences (optional)
  • Classified ads and forum posts you create
  • Any communication you send to us (e.g., support requests)

2.2 Information We Collect Automatically:

  • IP address and browser type
  • Pages visited, time spent on the site, and interaction data
  • Device type and operating system
  • Cookies and similar tracking technologies (see Section 7)

2.3 Information from Third Parties:

  • If you sign in using a third-party service (e.g., Google, Facebook), we may collect basic account details from those providers, subject to their privacy policies.

3. Legal Basis for Processing Personal Data (UK GDPR Compliance)

Under the UK GDPR, we process personal data based on the following legal grounds:

  • Performance of a Contract: When we process your data to provide account services, facilitate classified postings, and manage forum participation.
  • Legitimate Interests: When processing is necessary for the functionality, security, and improvement of our website, provided it does not override your rights.
  • Consent: When you opt into marketing communications or accept cookies. You can withdraw consent at any time.
  • Legal Obligations: When required by law, such as responding to legal requests or ensuring compliance with data protection regulations.

4. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

  • To provide, maintain, and improve our website and services
  • To manage user accounts and provide customer support
  • To facilitate classifieds postings and forum interactions
  • To personalize content and user experience
  • To enforce our Terms of Service and prevent fraud or abuse
  • To comply with legal obligations

5. Sharing Your Information

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal data. However, we may share your data in the following circumstances:

  • With service providers: We may share data with hosting providers, analytics platforms, and customer support services under strict confidentiality agreements.
  • With law enforcement or legal authorities: If required by law or to protect our rights and the safety of our users.
  • With other users: Certain information, such as your username and public posts, will be visible to others.

6. Data Security

We implement appropriate security measures to protect your personal data, including encryption, secure servers, and restricted access. However, no method of data transmission is 100% secure. You are responsible for keeping your password confidential.

7. Cookies & Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to:

  • Enhance your experience
  • Analyze website traffic
  • Personalize content and advertisements

You can manage cookie settings through your browser. For more details, see our [Cookie Policy] (if applicable).

8. Data Retention

We retain personal data only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy, or as required by law. If you delete your account, we will remove your personal data unless we are legally required to retain it.

9. Your Rights Under the UK GDPR

As a UK resident, you have the following rights under the UK GDPR:

  • Right to Access – Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.
  • Right to Rectification – Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data.
  • Right to Erasure (“Right to be Forgotten”) – Request deletion of your data in certain circumstances.
  • Right to Restrict Processing – Request to limit how we use your data.
  • Right to Data Portability – Request to transfer your data to another service.
  • Right to Object – Object to data processing based on legitimate interests.
  • Right to Withdraw Consent – Withdraw consent where we rely on it for processing.

To exercise your rights, please contact us at [Insert Contact Email]. We will respond within one month in compliance with UK GDPR regulations.

10. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to external sites. We are not responsible for their privacy practices and encourage you to review their policies.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated Effective Date.

12. Contact Information

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or your personal data rights, you can contact us at:

Email: admin@astroexchange.co.uk
Website: www.astroexchange.co.uk

If you are not satisfied with how we handle your data, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO):