Who we are (Data Controller)
Scope & laws that apply
This policy applies to visitors and users in the United Kingdom. We process personal data in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (“UK GDPR”) and the Data Protection Act 2018. Where we use the term “personal data”, we mean information relating to an identified or identifiable individual.
Personal data we collect
Information you provide to us
- Account & contact data (e.g., name, email) when you contact us or sign up for features.
- Search submissions or other queries you choose to enter on the Site.
- Feedback/support messages and any attachments you send.
Information we collect automatically
- Device & usage data such as IP address, browser type, operating system, pages viewed, and timestamps.
- Cookies and similar technologies to operate the Site, remember preferences, and measure performance (see Cookies below).
- Analytics data to understand aggregate usage and improve features.
Why we use your data (lawful bases)
- To operate the Site and provide features you request (e.g., handling search queries) — performance of a contract or legitimate interests.
- To maintain security, prevent fraud/abuse, debug and monitor reliability — legitimate interests and, where appropriate, legal obligations.
- To analyse performance and improve our services — legitimate interests.
- To respond to messages, support requests or complaints — legitimate interests or performance of a contract.
- To comply with law (e.g., responding to enforcement or lawful requests) — legal obligations.
- With your consent (e.g., optional cookies or marketing, if offered) — consent. You can withdraw consent at any time.
Sharing your data
We may share personal data with:
- Service providers (e.g., hosting, analytics, security) who act under our instructions and appropriate contractual safeguards.
- Professional advisers (e.g., legal counsel) and authorities where required by law.
- Business transfers if we undergo a reorganisation, merger, or sale of assets, where permitted by law.
We do not sell your personal data.
Cookies & similar technologies
We use essential cookies to make the Site work and may use optional performance/analytics cookies to understand how the Site is used. Where required, we will present a cookie banner and respect your preferences. You can adjust your browser settings to block or delete cookies; doing so may affect functionality.
International transfers
Where personal data is transferred outside the UK, we use appropriate safeguards such as the UK’s International Data Transfer Agreement (IDTA) or the UK Addendum to the EU Standard Contractual Clauses, and perform transfer risk assessments where required.
Data retention
We retain personal data only for as long as necessary for the purposes described above, including to comply with legal, accounting, or reporting requirements. Retention periods vary depending on the data category and our obligations. We periodically review and securely delete or anonymise data when it is no longer needed.
Your rights (UK)
Under the UK GDPR you may have the right to:
- Access your personal data and receive a copy.
- Rectify inaccurate or incomplete data.
- Erase your data (the “right to be forgotten”).
- Restrict or object to processing (including profiling) where we rely on legitimate interests.
- Data portability where processing is based on consent or contract and carried out by automated means.
- Withdraw consent at any time where processing relies on consent.
- Lodge a complaint with the UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
To exercise these rights, contact us at privacy@academicdictionary.com. We may need to verify your identity before acting on your request.
Children
Our Site is intended for a general audience. If you believe a child has provided us with personal data without appropriate consent, please contact us so we can take appropriate steps.
Security
We implement technical and organisational measures designed to protect personal data. No system is completely secure; we encourage you to use strong passwords and keep your devices/software up to date.
Third-party links
The Site may link to third-party websites or services. Those have their own privacy practices, and we encourage you to review their policies.
Changes to this policy
We may update this policy from time to time. The “Last updated” date at the top reflects the most recent changes. Material changes will be highlighted where appropriate.
Contact us
Questions or requests about this policy can be sent to privacy@academicdictionary.com.
Complain to the ICO
You can complain to the UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) if you are unhappy with how we have handled your data. See ico.org.uk/make-a-complaint/.