Privacy Policy

🔒 Privacy Policy – ScotViews.com

Effective Date: June 10, 2025
Last Updated: June 29, 2025

1. Information We Collect

We collect the following personal data when you use our services:

  • Account Data: Name, email, username, profile info (e.g., avatar).

  • Content Data: Posts, comments, private messages, and all uploads.

  • Usage Data & Cookies: Page visits, interactions, IP address, device/browser type, session/activity timestamps. (Previously described under “Usage Data”).

2. Legal Bases for Processing

We process your data based on:

  • Consent – e.g., cookie tracking, newsletter subscriptions.

  • Contract – to deliver site functionality and maintain accounts.

  • Legitimate Interests – to improve services, maintain security, and prevent abuse.

3. How We Use Your Information

Your data is used to:

  • Provide, personalise, and maintain our services.

  • Improve and analyze service usage.

  • Communicate updates, respond to inquiries, and provide support.

  • Detect, prevent, or address fraud, security, or technical issues.

4. Cookies & Tracking

We use cookies for:

  • Session management (keeping you logged in).

  • Analytics and site performance.

  • Personalization (settings, preferences).

Cookie Consent:

  • A banner appears on first use, asking for consent before storing non-essential cookies.

  • You can accept all, reject non-essential, or manage preferences.

  • You can withdraw consent anytime via the cookie banner or your browser settings.

5. Disclosure of Your Information

We do not sell personal data. We may share data with:

  • Service Providers: hosting, analytics, email communications (under GDPR-compliant Data Processing Agreements).

  • Legal/Regulatory Authorities: when required by law or to protect rights or safety.

6. International Transfers

Some service providers may process data outside the UK/EU. We ensure proper safeguards (e.g., Standard Contractual Clauses) are in place.

7. Your Data Protection Rights

Under GDPR, you have the right to:

  • Access your personal data.

  • Correct inaccurate or incomplete data.

  • Delete your data (“right to be forgotten”).

  • Restrict or object to processing in some cases.

  • Request data portability.

  • Withdraw consent at any time without affecting prior processing.

  • Lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority (e.g., ICO in the UK).

Use your Privacy Settings page or email admin@scotviews.com to exercise these rights.

8. Data Retention

We retain personal data only as long as necessary for providing services, for legal, tax, accounting obligations, or as required by law. Data of deleted users is purged unless retention is needed for legal reasons.

9. Data Security

We implement robust security measures, including:

  • HTTPS for secure connections.

  • Encryption of sensitive data (e.g., passwords hashed and salted).

  • Access controls, regular audits, and vulnerability checks.

10. Data Breach Notification

In the event of a data breach that poses a risk to your rights and freedoms, we'll notify you and relevant authorities (e.g., ICO) within 72 hours in line with GDPR requirements.

11. Third‑Party Links & Services

Our site may contain links or embedded content from external providers (e.g., social platforms, video embeds). We’re not responsible for their privacy practices; please review their policies independently.

12. Children’s Privacy

We do not knowingly collect data from anyone under 16. If you’re under 16, you must obtain parental permission to use ScotViews.

13. Data Protection “Officer” Contact

For privacy questions or data requests, contact:
Data Protection Contact
Email: admin@scotviews.com

14. Policy Updates

We may update this policy from time to time. Any changes will be reflected here with a revised “Last Updated” date. We encourage you to review this page periodically.