This privacy policy explains how Cornish.co.uk (the directory and guide at cornish.co.uk) collects, uses, and protects personal data. We aim to be clear about what we do and give you practical control — especially over cookies and analytics.
Who we are
The site is operated as the Cornish business and places directory. For privacy enquiries, contact us at [email protected] or via our contact page.
What data we collect
Depending on how you use the site, we may process:
- Visitors — pages viewed, approximate location (if you allow it), device/browser type, referral source, and anonymous visitor IDs used for site analytics.
- Comments and reviews — name, email address, comment text, IP address, and browser user agent (for spam prevention).
- Member and business accounts — login details, profile information, and listing content you submit when you register or claim a business.
- Newsletter — email address if you subscribe in the footer.
- Contact form — name, email, subject, and message when you write to us.
- Cookie consent — your category choices, a consent reference ID, and timestamp (stored in your browser; we also keep an anonymised server-side audit record).
Cookies and similar technologies
We use cookies and local storage to run the site, remember settings, measure traffic, and (only if you allow it) support relevant advertising measurement. Our built-in consent panel lets you choose categories:
- Necessary — required for security, session management, and core features (always on).
- Preferences — remembers choices such as accessibility settings and visitor ID sync between cookie and local storage.
- Statistics — helps us understand how the site is used (for example via Google Analytics / Google Site Kit, subject to your consent).
- Marketing — used for advertising storage and personalisation signals where applicable (for example Google AdSense / Consent Mode), only if you allow it.
We do not load third-party consent banners. Consent choices are saved in your browser under duchy_cmp_consent_v2 and related keys. You can change your mind at any time using Cookie settings in the site footer or the button in the section below.
If you visit our login page, WordPress may set a temporary cookie to test whether your browser accepts cookies. When you log in, session cookies keep you signed in (typically up to two days, or longer if you choose “Remember me”).
How we use your data
- Operate and improve the directory, maps, search, and member tools.
- Moderate comments and protect the site from spam or abuse.
- Send the newsletter you signed up for (you can unsubscribe by contacting us).
- Respond to contact and support messages.
- Produce anonymous analytics and aggregated visitor behaviour insights inside our Cornwall Engine tooling.
- Meet legal, security, and accounting obligations.
Legal bases (UK GDPR)
We rely on: consent (newsletter, non-essential cookies, optional analytics/marketing); contract (providing account and listing services you request); legitimate interests (running and securing the site, understanding aggregate usage, preventing fraud); and legal obligation where required.
Embedded content and third parties
Some pages include embedded maps, media, or tools from other providers. Those services may collect data under their own policies if you interact with them. We may use:
- Google — analytics, tag management, and advertising technologies (controlled by your cookie choices via Consent Mode).
- Gravatar — if you use an email linked to Gravatar on comments, a hashed identifier may be sent to check for an avatar.
- Hosting and email — infrastructure providers that process data on our behalf under contract.
Who we share data with
We do not sell personal data. We share it only with service providers who help us run the site (hosting, email delivery, analytics when consented), when required by law, or to protect our rights and users. If you request a password reset, your IP address is included in the reset email sent to you.
How long we keep data
- Comments — kept while relevant to the listing or post, unless you ask us to remove them.
- Accounts and listings — kept while your account is active and for a reasonable period afterwards.
- Newsletter emails — until you unsubscribe or ask us to delete them.
- Contact messages — as long as needed to handle your enquiry and our records.
- Consent audit logs — anonymised records retained for compliance evidence.
- Analytics — aggregated or anonymised where possible, per provider retention settings.
Your rights
Under UK data protection law you may have the right to access, rectify, erase, restrict, or object to processing of your personal data, and to data portability where applicable. You may withdraw cookie consent at any time via Cookie settings (this does not affect processing already carried out). You can also lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
To exercise your rights, email [email protected] with enough detail for us to identify your request.
Security
We use appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect data. No online service can guarantee absolute security; please use a strong password for member accounts and contact us if you suspect unauthorised access.
Changes to this policy
We may update this page when our services or legal requirements change. The latest version is always published here. Material changes to cookies or tracking will be reflected in the consent panel where required.
Last updated: May 2026.
Cookie preferences
You can review or change which cookies we use at any time. Your choices are stored in your browser; we also keep an anonymised consent record on our server.
