Last updated: March 2026
This Privacy Policy explains how Archie & The Rug (“we”, “our”, or “us”) collects, uses, and protects your personal information when you visit archieandtherug.com. We are committed to respecting your privacy and complying with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.
1. Who We Are
Archie & The Rug is an independent educational resource providing practical guides to UK life administration. We are not a government body, legal firm, financial advisor or data processor. Our content is for informational purposes only.
2. Information We Collect
We collect minimal information, only when necessary:
- Automatically collected: IP address, browser type, device information, pages visited, and referral source via standard server logs and analytics (anonymised where possible).
- Voluntarily provided: If you contact us via email or a contact form, we may receive your name, email address and message content.
- Cookies: We use only essential and analytics cookies. You can manage cookie preferences via your browser settings.
3. How We Use Your Information
We use collected information solely to:
- Provide, maintain and improve our website and content
- Respond to your inquiries or feedback
- Analyse site usage to enhance user experience (via anonymised analytics)
- Comply with legal obligations under UK law
4. Legal Basis for Processing (UK GDPR)
We process personal data only where we have a lawful basis:
- Legitimate interests: For website security, analytics and content improvement.
- Consent: For non-essential cookies or optional communications (where applicable).
- Legal obligation: To comply with UK regulatory requirements.
5. Cookies and Tracking
We use a minimal cookie setup:
- Essential cookies: Required for basic site functionality (e.g. security, accessibility). These cannot be disabled.
- Analytics cookies: Help us understand how visitors use our site. Data is anonymised and aggregated. You can opt out via your browser or cookie settings.
We do not use tracking pixels, retargeting ads, or third-party marketing cookies.
6. Data Sharing and Third Parties
We do not sell, rent or trade your personal information. We may share data only with trusted service providers who assist in operating our website (e.g. hosting, analytics), and only under strict confidentiality agreements. All third parties are required to comply with UK data protection law.
7. Data Retention
We retain personal information only as long as necessary:
- Server logs and analytics data: anonymised or deleted within 14 months
- Contact form submissions: retained for up to 12 months for reference, then securely deleted
- Cookie data: managed via your browser settings
8. Your Rights Under UK GDPR
If you are a UK resident, you have the following rights regarding your personal data:
- The right to access your data
- The right to rectification of inaccurate data
- The right to erasure (“right to be forgotten”)
- The right to restrict or object to processing
- The right to data portability
- The right to withdraw consent at any time (where processing is based on consent)
- The right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO): ico.org.uk
To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the details in Section 11.
9. Children’s Privacy
Our content is intended for a general audience. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 16. If you believe we have inadvertently received such information, please contact us immediately and we will delete it.
10. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. The “Last updated” date at the top of this page will be revised accordingly. We encourage you to review this page regularly.