UKTN, also known as Tech City News Limited, has published a comprehensive update to its privacy policy, reinforcing its commitment to protecting user personal data. The new policy, effective from February 2024, provides detailed information on how the company collects, uses, and safeguards information when users visit its website or engage with its services. This article extracts the key headlines and facts from the document to help users understand their rights and the company's obligations.
Who Controls Your Data?
UKTN serves as the data controller for all personal information collected through its platform. The company has appointed Marco Callegari as Data Protection Officer (DPO) to oversee privacy matters. Users can contact the DPO via email at mydata@wearemvi.com or by post at 124 City Road, London, EC1V 2NX. In case of unresolved concerns, users have the right to lodge a complaint with the UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).
Types of Data Collected
The policy categorizes personal data into several types: Identity Data (name, title, date of birth), Contact Data (email, address, phone), Financial Data (bank account and payment card details), Transaction Data (purchase history), Technical Data (IP address, browser type, operating system), Profile Data (preferences, feedback), Usage Data (how users navigate the site), and Marketing and Communications Data (consent preferences). UKTN also collects Aggregated Data, which is not personally identifiable but may be used for statistical analysis.
How Data Is Collected
Data is gathered through three primary methods: direct interactions (form submissions, account creation, newsletter sign-ups, competition entries), automated technologies (cookies, server logs), and third-party sources (analytics providers like Google, advertising networks). The policy specifies that users can control cookie preferences through their browser settings.
Purposes and Legal Bases for Processing
UKTN processes personal data for specific purposes, each backed by a lawful basis under GDPR. For example, registering a user as a customer relies on contract performance. Processing orders and payments also uses contract performance and legitimate interest in debt recovery. Managing relationships (e.g., notifying policy changes) combines contract performance, legal obligation, and legitimate interest. Marketing activities, including personalized offers and advertising, are based on legitimate interest, while direct third-party marketing requires explicit consent. Data analytics to improve services is also grounded in legitimate interest. Importantly, the policy notes that UKTN does not rely on consent for most processing unless it involves third-party marketing.
User Rights and Choices
Users are granted a suite of rights under data protection laws: the right to access their personal data (subject access request), correct inaccuracies, request erasure (subject to legal retention requirements), object to processing (including direct marketing), restrict processing, and request data portability. There is no fee for most requests, though a reasonable charge may apply for unfounded or excessive demands. UKTN aims to respond within one month. Users can also withdraw consent at any time, though this may affect service delivery.
Marketing and Opt-Out
The policy distinguishes between promotional offers from UKTN and third-party marketing. Users will receive marketing communications if they have requested information, made a purchase, or entered a promotion — unless they have opted out. For third-party marketing, explicit opt-in consent is required. Opting out can be done via account settings or by contacting the company. Importantly, unsubscribing from marketing does not affect transactional communications related to purchases or services.
Data Sharing and International Transfers
UKTN may share personal data with internal third parties (other companies in the same group), external third parties (service providers, professional advisers, regulators), and in the event of a business sale or merger. All third parties must adhere to strict security and confidentiality requirements. The policy states that UKTN does not transfer data outside the European Economic Area (EEA), but if it does, it will use approved mechanisms such as adequacy decisions or standard contractual clauses.
Security and Retention
Appropriate security measures are in place to prevent unauthorized access, alteration, or disclosure. Access is limited to personnel with a business need. In case of a data breach, UKTN will notify affected users and regulators where legally required. Data is retained only as long as necessary: basic customer data (Contact, Identity, Financial, Transaction) is kept for six years after the end of the customer relationship for tax purposes. Aggregated anonymized data may be kept indefinitely for research.
Cookies and Tracking
Users can configure their browsers to reject cookies, though this may impair website functionality. The policy references a separate cookie policy for more details. UKTN uses cookies for automated data collection, including via analytics providers and advertising networks like Google.
Changes to the Policy
The current version was last updated on 4 February 2024. Users are encouraged to check for updates and to provide any changes to their personal information to ensure accuracy. The policy also warns about third-party links on the website for which UKTN is not responsible.
Special Categories and Failure to Provide Data
UKTN does not collect special categories of personal data (e.g., race, religion, health) or information about criminal convictions. If a user fails to provide required data under a contract, UKTN may be unable to perform the service, but will inform the user in such cases.
Source: UKTN News