Privacy Policy

Last Updated: 3rd November 2025

This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, and protect your information when you visit our website. Claire Lives is run by a small group of individuals who are committed to respecting your privacy whilst maintaining transparency about our practices.

Who We Are

Claire Lives is operated by a team of home design enthusiasts based in the United Kingdom. Our website address is: clairelives.co.uk

For any privacy-related queries, you can contact us at: admin@clairelives.co.uk

Information We Collect

Information You Provide Directly

We collect information that you voluntarily provide when you:

  • Leave comments on our articles
  • Subscribe to our email newsletter
  • Contact us via email or contact forms
  • Participate in surveys or competitions (if applicable)

This may include your name, email address, and any information you choose to include in your message or comment.

Information Collected Automatically

When you visit our website, we automatically collect certain technical information through cookies and similar technologies:

  • IP address
  • Browser type and version
  • Device type and operating system
  • Pages visited and time spent on each page
  • Referring website
  • Approximate geographic location (city and country level)
  • Date and time of access

This information helps us understand how visitors use our website and improve the user experience.

Legal Basis for Processing (UK GDPR)

Under UK GDPR, we process your personal data based on the following legal grounds:

Consent: When you subscribe to our newsletter, leave comments, or accept cookies, you provide explicit consent for us to process that information.

Legitimate Interests: We process certain data based on legitimate interests that do not override your privacy rights, including:

  • Website analytics to improve our content and user experience
  • Security and fraud prevention
  • Technical operation of the website

Legal Obligation: We may need to retain certain information to comply with legal requirements, such as tax records related to affiliate earnings.

How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

  • Respond to your comments, questions, and enquiries
  • Send you newsletters and updates (only if you have subscribed)
  • Improve our website content and functionality
  • Analyse website usage and visitor behaviour
  • Maintain website security and prevent abuse
  • Comply with legal and regulatory obligations

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties for their marketing purposes.

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files placed on your device when you visit websites. They enable websites to recognise your device and remember certain information about your preferences or past actions.

Types of Cookies We Use

Strictly Necessary Cookies: Essential for the website to function properly. These cannot be disabled if you wish to use our website.

Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how visitors interact with our website through services like Google Analytics. These cookies collect anonymous data about page visits, time spent on site, and user journey.

Advertising Cookies: Used by advertising networks such as Google AdSense to display relevant advertisements. These cookies track browsing behaviour across websites to show you ads based on your interests.

Affiliate Tracking Cookies: Enable us to earn commission when you make purchases through our affiliate links. These cookies track that a sale originated from our website but do not identify you personally.

Managing Your Cookie Preferences

You can control and manage cookies through your browser settings. Most browsers allow you to:

  • View stored cookies
  • Delete cookies
  • Block cookies from specific websites
  • Block all third-party cookies
  • Clear all cookies when you close your browser

Please note that disabling certain cookies may affect website functionality and your user experience.

You can find detailed information about managing cookies in your specific browser through these links:

Third-Party Services and Data Processors

We work with several third-party services that process data on our behalf. These services are selected for their reliability and compliance with UK data protection regulations.

Google Analytics

Purpose: To analyse website traffic and understand how visitors use our site.

Data Collected: Anonymised IP addresses, pages visited, time on site, device and browser information, approximate location.

Privacy Controls: You can opt out of Google Analytics by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.

Data Protection: Google Analytics is configured to anonymise IP addresses and complies with UK GDPR requirements.

Google AdSense

Purpose: To display advertisements that help fund our website operations.

Data Collected: Cookie data, browsing behaviour, ad interaction data.

Privacy Controls: You can manage your ad preferences through Google Ad Settings or use ad-blocking browser extensions.

Data Protection: Google complies with UK GDPR and provides appropriate consent mechanisms for UK users.

Affiliate Networks

We participate in the following affiliate programmes:

  • Affiliate Window (Awin)
  • FlexOffers
  • Commission Junction (CJ)
  • ShareASale
  • Webgains

Purpose: To earn commission on products we recommend when purchases are made through our links.

Data Collected: Cookie data to track referrals and purchases. No personally identifiable information is collected by these services through our site.

Privacy Controls: You can block third-party cookies through your browser settings.

Email Service Provider

Purpose: To manage our subscriber list and send newsletters.

Data Collected: Email address, name (if provided), subscription date, email engagement metrics (opens, clicks).

Privacy Controls: Every email includes an unsubscribe link. You can unsubscribe at any time without explanation.

Data Protection: Our email service provider is UK GDPR compliant and stores data securely.

Web Hosting Provider

Purpose: To host our website and ensure it remains accessible.

Data Collected: Server logs including IP addresses, access times, and requested pages.

Data Protection: Our hosting provider maintains secure servers and complies with UK data protection standards.

Your Rights Under UK GDPR

As a UK resident, you have comprehensive rights regarding your personal data:

Right to Access

You can request a copy of all personal data we hold about you. We will provide this information within one month of your request.

Right to Rectification

If any information we hold is inaccurate or incomplete, you have the right to have it corrected.

Right to Erasure (Right to be Forgotten)

You can request deletion of your personal data. We will comply unless we have a legitimate reason to retain it, such as legal obligations.

Right to Restrict Processing

You can request that we limit how we process your data in certain circumstances, such as while we verify its accuracy.

Right to Data Portability

You can request your data in a structured, commonly used format that allows you to transfer it to another service.

Right to Object

You can object to our processing of your data for specific purposes, particularly:

  • Direct marketing (unsubscribe from emails)
  • Processing based on legitimate interests
  • Automated decision-making (though we do not use this)

Right to Withdraw Consent

Where we process data based on your consent, you can withdraw that consent at any time.

How to Exercise Your Rights

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at: admin@clairelives.co.uk

Please include:

  • Your full name
  • Your email address
  • Details of your request
  • Any information that will help us locate your data

We will respond within one month. For complex requests, we may extend this by an additional two months, in which case we will inform you promptly.

Data Security

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

  • SSL/TLS encryption for all website traffic
  • Secure hosting with reputable UK-based or GDPR-compliant providers
  • Regular security updates and patches
  • Limited access to personal data
  • Secure password protocols

Whilst we take all reasonable precautions, no internet transmission is entirely secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security but maintain industry-standard protections.

Data Retention

We retain personal data only as long as necessary for the purposes outlined in this policy:

Email Subscriptions: Retained until you unsubscribe.

Comments: Retained indefinitely unless you request deletion. Comments contribute to the public discussion on our articles.

Contact Form Submissions: Typically retained for 12-24 months unless you request earlier deletion.

Analytics Data: Retained for 26 months in accordance with Google Analytics default settings.

Cookie Data: Retention periods vary by cookie type. Most expire after 12-24 months.

Legal and Financial Records: Retained as required by UK law, typically 6-7 years for tax-related documentation.

International Data Transfers

Some of our third-party service providers are based outside the United Kingdom. When we transfer data internationally, we ensure:

  • The receiving country has adequate data protection laws recognised by the UK
  • Appropriate safeguards are in place, such as Standard Contractual Clauses
  • The service provider complies with UK GDPR requirements

By using our website, you consent to these necessary international data transfers.

Children’s Privacy

Our website is not directed at children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal data, please contact us immediately at admin@clairelives.co.uk and we will delete such information promptly.

Data Breach Notification

In the unlikely event of a data breach that poses a risk to your rights and freedoms, we will:

  • Notify the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) within 72 hours of becoming aware
  • Notify affected individuals without undue delay if the breach poses a high risk
  • Provide information about the nature of the breach and remedial actions
  • Implement measures to prevent future breaches

Your Right to Complain

If you believe we have not handled your personal data in accordance with UK GDPR, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the supervisory authority:

Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)
Website: https://ico.org.uk/
Telephone: 0303 123 1113
Address: Information Commissioner’s Office, Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 5AF

We encourage you to contact us first at admin@clairelives.co.uk so we can address your concerns directly.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices, legal requirements, or service providers. When we make changes:

  • We will update the “Last Updated” date at the top of this page
  • Significant changes will be prominently announced on our website
  • Continued use of our website after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy

We recommend reviewing this policy periodically to stay informed about how we protect your information.

Contact Information

For any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

Email: admin@clairelives.co.uk
Response Time: We aim to respond to all enquiries within 5 working days

When contacting us about privacy matters, please include “Privacy Query” or “Data Request” in the subject line to ensure prompt handling.

Summary

This policy explains that we:

  • Collect minimal personal data necessary for website operation
  • Use cookies for analytics, advertising, and affiliate tracking
  • Work with reputable, GDPR-compliant third-party services
  • Respect your rights under UK GDPR
  • Implement appropriate security measures
  • Retain data only as long as necessary
  • Provide clear methods for exercising your data rights

We are committed to protecting your privacy whilst maintaining transparency about our data practices. If you have any concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at admin@clairelives.co.uk.