Privacy Policy

Last updated: December 2024

Your privacy matters. Here's how we protect and respect your data.

Introduction

BLKOUT Creative Ltd ("we", "our", or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our platform and services.

We understand the importance of privacy, especially within our community. Your trust is essential to us, and we take our responsibility to protect your data seriously.

1. Information We Collect

Information You Provide

  • Account Information: Name, email address, username, and password when you register
  • Profile Information: Optional details you choose to share (bio, interests, location)
  • Communications: Messages you send through our platform or to our support team
  • Content: Posts, comments, photos, and other content you share
  • Survey Responses: Information you provide when participating in surveys or feedback

Information Collected Automatically

  • Device Information: Device type, operating system, and browser type
  • Usage Data: Pages visited, features used, and time spent on the platform
  • Log Data: IP address, access times, and referring URLs
  • Cookies: Small data files stored on your device (see Cookie Policy below)

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

  • Provide, maintain, and improve our platform and services
  • Create and manage your account
  • Facilitate community connections and interactions
  • Send important updates about the platform and community events
  • Respond to your enquiries and provide support
  • Ensure community safety and enforce our Terms of Service
  • Analyse usage patterns to improve user experience
  • Comply with legal obligations

3. Information Sharing

We do not sell your personal information. We may share your information in the following circumstances:

  • With Your Consent: When you explicitly agree to share information
  • Community Features: Profile information you choose to make public
  • Service Providers: Trusted partners who help us operate our platform (hosting, email, analytics)
  • Legal Requirements: When required by law or to protect safety
  • Business Transfers: In connection with any merger or acquisition (with notice to you)

4. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal data, including:

  • Encryption of data in transit and at rest
  • Secure authentication and access controls
  • Regular security assessments and updates
  • Limited access to personal data by authorised personnel only
  • Secure hosting with reputable providers

While we strive to protect your data, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. We encourage you to use strong passwords and protect your account credentials.

5. Your Rights (UK GDPR)

Under UK data protection law, you have the following rights:

  • Right of Access: Request a copy of your personal data
  • Right to Rectification: Request correction of inaccurate data
  • Right to Erasure: Request deletion of your data ("right to be forgotten")
  • Right to Restrict Processing: Request limitation of how we use your data
  • Right to Data Portability: Request transfer of your data to another service
  • Right to Object: Object to certain types of processing
  • Rights Related to Automated Decision-Making: Not be subject to purely automated decisions

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at hello@blkoutuk.com. We will respond within one month.

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal data only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes outlined in this policy, unless a longer retention period is required by law.

  • Active Accounts: Data retained while your account is active
  • Deleted Accounts: Most data deleted within 30 days of account deletion
  • Legal Requirements: Some data may be retained longer for legal compliance
  • Anonymised Data: May be retained indefinitely for analytics

7. Cookies & Tracking

We use cookies and similar technologies to:

  • Essential Cookies: Required for the platform to function (authentication, security)
  • Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and preferences
  • Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how you use the platform

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Note that disabling certain cookies may affect platform functionality.

8. Third-Party Services

We use the following third-party services that may collect data:

  • Hosting: Vercel (website hosting)
  • Database: Supabase (secure data storage)
  • Analytics: Privacy-focused analytics tools
  • Email: SendFox (newsletter communications)
  • Social Media: When you connect social accounts

These services have their own privacy policies. We encourage you to review them.

9. Children's Privacy

BLKOUT is not intended for users under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we become aware that we have collected data from a child, we will take steps to delete that information.

10. International Data Transfers

Your data may be processed in countries outside the UK. When we transfer data internationally, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, such as Standard Contractual Clauses or adequacy decisions, to protect your data in accordance with UK GDPR.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the new policy on this page and updating the "Last updated" date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

12. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your data rights, please contact us:

  • Email: hello@blkoutuk.com
  • Website: blkoutuk.com
  • Data Protection: For GDPR enquiries, email hello@blkoutuk.com with "Data Protection" in the subject line

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 violated.