Manchester Independent (“we”, “our”, or “us”) operates the website https://manchesterindependent.co.uk/
(the “Website”). We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring that personal data is handled lawfully, fairly, and transparently.
This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect personal information in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.
By using this Website, you agree to the practices described in this Privacy Policy.
Who We Are
Manchester Independent is a UK-based digital news and media platform providing local, regional, and national news coverage. For the purposes of data protection law, Manchester Independent is the data controller responsible for determining how personal data is processed.
Information We Collect
When you visit our Website, we may automatically collect limited technical information. This includes your IP address, browser type, operating system, device information, pages viewed, referral sources, and the date and time of your visit. This information is collected for analytical, operational, and security purposes and does not usually identify you personally.
If you contact us by email or through a contact form, we may collect personal details such as your name, email address, and any information you choose to provide.
Where newsletter subscriptions or similar services are offered, we may collect your email address and communication preferences only where you have actively chosen to provide them.
We do not knowingly collect personal data from children under the age of 13.
How We Use Your Information
We process personal data only where there is a lawful basis to do so under UK GDPR.
Automatically collected information is used to operate and maintain the Website, analyse readership trends, improve editorial content, and protect the security and integrity of our services.
Information you provide directly is used to respond to enquiries, manage communications, and provide services you have requested.
We do not sell, rent, or trade personal data to third parties.
Cookies and Analytics
Our Website uses cookies and similar technologies to ensure proper functionality and to help us understand how readers interact with our content.
Cookies are small text files stored on your device. Some cookies are essential for the Website to function correctly, while others help us analyse traffic and improve user experience.
We may use third-party analytics services, such as Google Analytics, to collect aggregated and anonymised information about Website usage. This data does not identify individual users.
You can control or disable cookies through your browser settings at any time. Please note that disabling cookies may affect certain Website features.
Legal Basis for Processing
We process personal data on the basis of legitimate interests, consent (where applicable), and legal obligations. Where consent is relied upon, you have the right to withdraw that consent at any time.
Data Security
We take reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect personal data from unauthorised access, loss, misuse, or disclosure. While no system can guarantee complete security, we work to protect your information in line with recognised industry standards.
Data Retention
We retain personal data only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes for which it was collected or to comply with legal requirements.
Technical and analytics data is retained for a limited period. Personal information provided through direct contact is retained only for as long as required to manage correspondence.
Sharing of Information
We may share limited personal data with trusted third-party service providers who assist in operating the Website, such as hosting providers or analytics services. These providers are required to process data securely and in compliance with data protection law.
We may also disclose information where required by law or to protect our legal rights.
Your Rights
Under UK data protection law, you have the right to request access to your personal data, request correction or deletion, object to processing, and request restriction of processing in certain circumstances.
You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) if you believe your data protection rights have been infringed.
External Links
Our Website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of external sites, and we encourage users to review their privacy policies.
Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect legal, technical, or editorial changes. Any updates will be published on this page, and the “Last updated” date will be revised accordingly.
Contact
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or how your personal data is handled, please contact us using the contact details provided on manchesterindependent.co.uk.