Privacy & Cookies Policy

1. Introduction

ShareLynk (“we”, “our”, or “us”) is operated by a sole trader based in the United Kingdom. We are committed to protecting your privacy and comply with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

2. Information We Collect

Personal Information

• Name and email address
• Profile information you choose to add
• If you choose to upgrade to a paid plan in the future, payment information will be processed securely by our third-party payment provider (Stripe). We do not directly store payment card details.
• Account credentials

Contact and Inquiry Data

• Messages submitted through contact forms or directory inquiries
• Contact details you provide with those messages

Event and Ticket Data (if you use events)

• Engagement details such as names, email addresses, and attendance responses
• Additional information you submit (e.g., dietary requirements, accessibility needs, messages)
• Ticketing and check-in data for event access

Usage Data

• IP address and approximate location derived from IP (not precise GPS)
• Device, browser, and operating system information
• Pages visited, profile interactions, and QR code scans
• Referrer URLs and campaign parameters (UTM tags)

Some information is required to provide the Service (such as account details and necessary event contact information). Other fields are optional. If required information is not provided, we may be unable to provide certain features.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

• Provide and maintain our Service
• Provide analytics and reporting features
• Process your transactions
• Send you updates and marketing communications (with your consent)
• Improve our Service and develop new features
• Detect and prevent fraud
• Comply with legal obligations

4. Legal Basis for Processing

Under UK GDPR, we process your data based on:

• Contract: To provide the Service you've signed up for
• Consent: For marketing communications
• Legitimate Interests: To operate, secure, and improve our Service, including basic analytics
• Legal Obligation: To comply with applicable laws

5. Data Sharing and Disclosure

The data controller is Benedict Francis, trading as Sharelynk (UK sole trader).

We may share your information with:

• Service Providers: Payment processors, hosting providers, and email or infrastructure services
• Legal Requirements: When required by law or to protect our rights
• Business Transfers: In connection with a merger or acquisition

We do not sell your personal information to third parties.

6. Your Data Protection Rights

Under UK GDPR, you have the right to:

• Access: Request copies of your personal data
• Rectification: Request correction of inaccurate data
• Erasure: Request deletion of your data
• Restrict Processing: Request limitation of processing
• Data Portability: Request transfer of your data
• Object: Object to processing of your data
• Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent at any time

You can download a copy of your account data from your dashboard settings. If you do not have an account or need additional assistance, email us at privacy@sharelynk.com. We aim to respond within 30 days.

7. Data Retention

We retain your personal data only for as long as necessary to provide the Service and comply with legal obligations. Account data is kept while your account is active. Analytics data (such as profile visits and QR scans) is retained for up to 12 months and then deleted or anonymized. When you delete your account, we will delete or anonymize your data within 30 days, except where we are required to retain it by law.

8. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your data, including encryption, secure servers, and regular security audits. However, no method of transmission over the Internet is 100% secure.

9. Cookies

We use essential cookies for authentication, security, and core site functionality. We do not use advertising or third-party analytics cookies. You can control cookies through your browser settings. We also use local storage to remember preferences (such as theme and layout). This Privacy Policy also covers our use of cookies and similar technologies.

10. Automated Decision-Making

We do not use automated decision-making or profiling that produces legal or similarly significant effects.

11. International Data Transfers

Your data may be transferred to and processed in countries outside the UK. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your data in accordance with UK GDPR.

12. Children's Privacy

Our Service is not intended for children under 16. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 16. If you believe we have collected such information, please contact us immediately.

13. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes via email or through the Service. Your continued use after changes constitutes acceptance.

14. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your data protection rights, please contact us:

ShareLynk
Email: privacy@sharelynk.com
Postal address: available on request Operated in the United Kingdom

We will update this Privacy Policy with our ICO registration number once registration is complete.

You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).