PRIVACY
Our Privacy Policy
Who we are:
Spoil The Vote (“we”, “us”, “our”)
Website: https://www.spoilthevote.ie
Contact: privacy@spoilthevote.ie
We respect your privacy and collect as little personal data as possible. This policy explains what we collect, why, how long we keep it, and your rights.
1) What we collect
- Contact details (e.g., email address) when you subscribe or contact us.
- Technical data from your browser (IP address, device, pages viewed, timestamps) for security and basic site operation.
- Cookies used only for essential functions and, if you later opt in, for any future non-essential tools.
- Messages you send us (e.g., questions or corrections).
We do not intentionally collect special-category data (e.g., political opinions). Please don’t include such data in free-text fields. If we inadvertently receive it (e.g., in your message), we’ll rely on your explicit consent or delete/redact it.
2) Why we use your data (and legal bases)
- Deliver emails you requested (news/updates). Legal basis: Consent (you can withdraw any time via “unsubscribe”).
- Respond to enquiries you send us. Legal basis: Legitimate interests (to reply) or consent if appropriate.
- Run and secure the website (fraud prevention, error logs). Legal basis: Legitimate interests (keeping services secure).
- Analytics (cookieless) to understand page performance and improve content. Legal basis: Legitimate interests (details in Section 3).
We don’t use your data for automated decisions or profiling.
3) Analytics (cookieless)
We use Independent Analytics for WordPress to measure page views and traffic sources. It does not use cookies and does not store personally identifiable information. Analytics data is created and stored on our own server. We use these metrics to understand which pages are useful and to improve the site. No data is sent to third-party analytics platforms.
If we add any analytics or marketing tools in future that set non-essential cookies or involve third-party tracking, we will update this policy and display a cookie consent banner before those load.
4) Cookies
- Essential cookies: required for core site functions (cannot be switched off).
- No analytics cookies: our current analytics are cookieless.
If we introduce any tools that set non-essential cookies (e.g., marketing pixels, most social embeds, or third-party analytics), we’ll ask for your consent first and provide controls to change your choice at any time.
5) Sharing your data (by category, not vendor)
We don’t sell your data. We share limited data with service providers acting on our instructions to run the site. They must keep it secure, use it only for our purposes, and comply with GDPR. The categories of recipients are:
- Website hosting and infrastructure
- Email delivery/newsletter
- Security and anti-spam=
- (If enabled in future) analytics or marketing services
If required by law, we may disclose data to competent authorities.
6) International transfers
Some providers (now or in future) may process data outside the EEA/UK. Where that happens, we use appropriate safeguards (e.g., EU Standard Contractual Clauses and supplementary measures). You can contact us for more information about international transfers or our current processors.
7) How long we keep data (retention)
- Email subscribers: until you unsubscribe, or after 24 months of inactivity—whichever is sooner.
- Enquiry emails: up to 12 months after we close your request, unless needed longer for security or dispute handling.
- Logs/security data: typically 30–90 days, unless required longer to investigate issues.
We delete or anonymise data when retention ends.
8) Your rights
You can: access, correct, delete, restrict, or object to certain processing; withdraw consent (e.g., unsubscribe); and request data portability.
Email privacy@spoilthevote.ie to exercise rights—we may need to verify your identity. You can complain to the Data Protection Commission (DPC) in Ireland; we’d appreciate the chance to resolve issues first.
9) Children
Our website is for adults. We don’t knowingly collect data from children under 16. If you think a child has provided data, contact us and we’ll delete it.
10) Security
We use reasonable technical and organisational measures (e.g., TLS/HTTPS, access controls, minimisation, regular updates) to protect your data. No system is perfectly secure, but we work to prevent unauthorised access and disclosure.
11) Third-party links & embedded content
Our site may link to other websites or display embedded content (e.g., social posts, videos). Those services have their own privacy practices. If any embed would set non-essential cookies, we’ll block it by default and ask for your consent first.
12) Changes to this policy
We may update this policy from time to time. Material changes will be noted on this page with a new effective date. If changes significantly affect you, we’ll notify subscribers by email.
13) How to contact us
Email: privacy@spoilthevote.ie