Privacy Policy

I. Introduction & Data Controller

This Privacy Policy forms an integral part of our Terms of Use. It outlines how GoAds.co.uk (the "Data Controller", "we", "us", or "our") collects, uses, stores, and protects the personal data of visitors and registered users (hereinafter: "User" or "you") on the website https://goads.co.uk.

Data Controller Contact Details:
Email: [email protected]

We are committed to processing your personal data lawfully, fairly, and transparently in strict accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

II. Children's Privacy

Our Service is strictly intended for individuals who are at least 18 years old. We do not knowingly collect, maintain, or process personal data from minors under the age of 18. If we discover that we have inadvertently collected data from a minor, we will delete that information immediately.

III. Data We Collect & Legal Basis

We collect specific personal data based on the following legal grounds under the UK GDPR:

• Performance of a Contract: To create your account and publish your advertisements. Data collected: Name, Email address, Password (encrypted), County/Region, and City/Town.
• Legitimate Interests: To optimize user experience and maintain platform safety. Data collected: IP address, device information, browser type, and login timestamps.
• Legal Obligation: To comply with UK tax laws, statutory retention periods, and lawful requests from authorities.
• Consent: For setting non-essential cookies or sending direct marketing communications. You may withdraw your consent at any time.

IV. Automated Decision-Making, AI & Profiling

To comply with the Online Safety Act, we may use automated systems (including AI moderation tools) to scan advertisements and user behavior for fraud, scams, and illegal content.

While these systems may automatically temporarily restrict or suspend suspicious accounts or hide violating advertisements, they are not intended to produce legal or similarly significant effects concerning you. You always have the right to request a manual human review (appeal) of any automated moderation decision via our customer support.

V. Data Sharing & International Transfers

We do not sell your personal data, except as described in this policy. We only share your data with trusted third parties under strict confidentiality agreements:

• Service Providers: IT, hosting (e.g., AWS/Google Cloud), and analytics providers who process data on our behalf.
• Authorities: Law enforcement (e.g., Police, Action Fraud, NCA, ICO) if strictly necessary to investigate a crime or comply with a legal order.

International Transfers: Some of our service providers may be located outside the United Kingdom. If we transfer your personal data outside the UK, we ensure it is protected by appropriate safeguards, such as UK Adequacy Regulations or the UK Addendum to the Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs).

VI. Data Security

We implement robust technical and organizational measures to protect your personal data against unauthorized access, loss, or alteration. These measures include SSL/TLS encryption for data transmission, secure hashing of passwords, and strict access controls restricting data access to authorized personnel only.

VII. Data Retention

We store your personal data only for as long as necessary:

• Active account data and advertisements are kept for the duration of your registration.
• If you delete your account, your public profile is removed. However, we may retain certain transactional data, IP logs, and communications for up to 6 years to comply with legal/tax obligations, resolve disputes, and assist law enforcement in fraud investigations.

VIII. Cookies & Tracking Technologies

We use cookies to ensure the basic functionality of our website, enhance security, and analyze traffic. Upon your first visit, you will be presented with a Consent Banner allowing you to accept or reject non-essential cookies. You can manage or withdraw your consent at any time.

For detailed information on the specific cookies we use, their lifespans, and third-party trackers, please read our dedicated Cookie Policy.

IX. Your Rights & Legal Remedies

Under the UK GDPR, you possess the following rights:

• Right of Access: Request a copy of the data we hold about you.
• Right to Rectification: Correct inaccurate or incomplete data.
• Right to Erasure ("Right to be Forgotten"): Request the deletion of your data (subject to our statutory retention obligations).
• Right to Restrict or Object: Object to specific processing, such as direct marketing.
• Right to Data Portability: Request your data in a structured, machine-readable format.

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at [email protected]. We will respond to all valid requests within one calendar month.

X. Complaints & Amendments

Complaints: If you believe your data protection rights have been breached, you have the right to seek legal remedy or lodge a formal complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) at https://ico.org.uk.

Amendments: We reserve the right to amend this Privacy Policy. Significant changes will be communicated via the website.