This policy explains how you handle user data, in compliance with the UK GDPR.
Who We Are
Mac User is a independent journalist writing about tech.
Information We Collect: Include details like names, emails, IP addresses, cookies, and any other personal data. We don’t use nor pass on any information from this website to any 3rd parties
How We Use Information: Specify the purposes, such as improving services, sending updates, or fulfilling requests. Comments will be reviewed on a ad hot bases and reviewed accordingly with any changes to the web content.
Sharing Data: Clarify if and when data is shared with third parties (e.g., payment processors, analytics tools). We don’t share, sell or pass on any information. Parties are welcome to help support this website by clicking on the advertisements made available by Google Adsense.
User Rights: Include rights to access, rectify, delete, and restrict data use.
Contact Information: Provide an email or contact form for privacy inquiries.
“macuser.org.uk is committed to protecting your privacy. We collect and use personal data in compliance with the UK GDPR and ensure secure handling of your information. For any concerns, email us at support@macuser.org.uk.”
Terms and Conditions
Acceptance of Terms: Explain that using the website signifies agreement to the terms.
Use of Content: Specify restrictions on reproducing or redistributing website content.
User Responsibilities: Clarify expectations, such as not engaging in malicious or illegal activities.
Liability Limitations: Limit liability for issues like downtime, errors, or third-party links.
Changes to Terms: Reserve the right to update terms at any time.
“The information provided on macuser.org.uk is for general informational purposes only. By accessing our site, you agree not to use it for unlawful purposes. We reserve the right to modify these terms at any time.”
Comments
When visitors leave comments on the site we collect the data shown in the comments form, and also the visitor’s IP address and browser user agent string to help spam detection.
An anonymised string created from your email address (also called a hash) may be provided to the Gravatar service to see if you are using it. The Gravatar service Privacy Policy is available here: https://automattic.com/privacy/. After approval of your comment, your profile picture is visible to the public in the context of your comment.
Media
If you upload images to the website, you should avoid uploading images with embedded location data (EXIF GPS) included. Visitors to the website can download and extract any location data from images on the website.
Cookies
If you leave a comment on our site you may opt in to saving your name, email address and website in cookies. These are for your convenience so that you do not have to fill in your details again when you leave another comment. These cookies will last for one year.
If you visit our login page, we will set a temporary cookie to determine if your browser accepts cookies. This cookie contains no personal data and is discarded when you close your browser.
When you log in, we will also set up several cookies to save your login information and your screen display choices. Login cookies last for two days, and screen options cookies last for a year. If you select “Remember Me”, your login will persist for two weeks. If you log out of your account, the login cookies will be removed.
If you edit or publish an article, an additional cookie will be saved in your browser. This cookie includes no personal data and simply indicates the post ID of the article you just edited. It expires after 1 day.
Embedded content from other websites
Articles on this site may include embedded content (e.g. videos, images, articles, etc.). Embedded content from other websites behaves in the exact same way as if the visitor has visited the other website.
These websites may collect data about you, use cookies, embed additional third-party tracking, and monitor your interaction with that embedded content, including tracking your interaction with the embedded content if you have an account and are logged in to that website.
Purpose of Cookies information
Cookies are used to:
Ensure Security: Necessary cookies can protect user sessions and prevent unauthorized access.
What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files stored on your device (computer, smartphone, tablet) when you visit a website. These files contain information that helps websites remember your actions, preferences, or other data to improve your browsing experience.
Enhance User Experience: By remembering your preferences, such as login details or preferred themes, cookies streamline your interaction with a website.
Track Performance: Cookies help site owners analyze user behavior to identify issues and optimize the website.
Enable Personalization: They allow websites to offer content or recommendations tailored to your interests.
Deliver Relevant Advertising: Cookies track your browsing activity to show ads aligned with your preferences.
Cookies are sent back to the originating website or another site that recognizes the cookie, enabling them to “remember” you. They are not programs or viruses and cannot access your device files.
Types of Cookies
There are several types of cookies, each serving a specific purpose:
Example: Sharing content via social media buttons.
Necessary Cookies: Essential for website functionality.
Advertising Cookies: For personalised ads (if applicable).
How to Control Cookies: see link to cookies settings (bottom of page).
Consent Management:
Users can accept or reject cookies when they first visit.
Contact Details:
Email support@macuser.org.uk for cookie-related queries.
Necessary Cookies
Purpose: These cookies are essential for a website to function properly. They enable core functions such as page navigation, secure logins, and shopping cart use. Enhance user experience.
Example: Remembering items in a cart or ensuring you stay logged in to your account.
Performance Cookies
Purpose: These cookies collect data on how visitors interact with the website, such as which pages are visited most often or if error messages occur. Used for analytics, see link to cookies settings (bottom of page).
Example: Used for website analytics to improve site functionality and design.
Functional Cookies
Purpose: These cookies allow websites to remember your preferences, such as language settings, region, or personalization options.
Example: Automatically loading a website in your preferred language.
Targeting/Advertising Cookies
Purpose: These cookies are used to track your online activity and deliver personalized ads based on your interests.
Example: Showing ads for a product you viewed on another site.
Third-Party Cookies
Purpose: Placed by services other than the website you’re visiting, such as social media platforms or advertisers, for additional functionality or tracking purposes.
“macuser.org.uk uses cookies to enhance user experience, analyze site performance, and provide targeted advertising. By continuing to browse, you consent to our use of cookies unless you adjust your browser settings. For detailed cookie management instructions, see [Link to Cookie Settings].”
Who we share your data with
If you request a password reset, your IP address will be included in the reset email.
How long we retain your data
If you leave a comment, the comment and its metadata are retained indefinitely. This is so we can recognise and approve any follow-up comments automatically instead of holding them in a moderation queue.
For users that register on our website (if any), we also store the personal information they provide in their user profile. All users can see, edit, or delete their personal information at any time (except they cannot change their username). Website administrators can also see and edit that information.
What rights you have over your data
If you have an account on this site, or have left comments, you can request to receive an exported file of the personal data we hold about you, including any data you have provided to us. You can also request that we erase any personal data we hold about you. This does not include any data we are obliged to keep for administrative, legal, or security purposes.
Where your data is sent
Visitor comments may be checked through an automated spam detection service.