Privacy Policy – ThisIsSouthWest.com

Effective Date: 1st August 2025

This Privacy Policy explains how ThisIsSouthWest.com (“we,” “our,” “us”) collects, uses, and protects information when you interact with our website https://thisissouthwest.com, our Facebook Business Page, and associated Facebook Groups.

We are based in the United Kingdom, and all data is processed in accordance with UK data protection laws, including the Data Protection Act 2018 and the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR).

By using our website, engaging with our Facebook Page or Groups, or otherwise providing us with your information, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy.

1. Minimum Age Requirement

This website, Facebook Page, and Groups are intended for users aged 18 and over. By engaging with our content, you confirm that you meet this requirement. We do not knowingly collect or store information from individuals under 18.

2. Information We Collect

We may collect the following information:

Details you provide directly (comments, messages, contact forms).
Analytics data such as IP address, browser type, and pages visited.
Affiliate link activity (when you click and purchase through a partner link).
If you visit our Facebook page or Group, publicly available information from your Facebook profile (depending on your privacy settings).
Content shared in our Facebook Groups (posts, comments, interactions).

3. How We Use Information

We use this information to:

Manage and improve our website, Facebook Page, and Groups.
Respond to enquiries and messages.
Moderate community discussions in line with group rules.
Provide unbiased travel guides, recommendations, and updates.
Monitor site performance via Google Analytics.
Earn revenue through affiliate marketing partnerships.

4. Comments & Spam Detection

When visitors leave comments on our website, we collect the data shown in the comments form, IP address, and browser details to help spam detection.

We use Akismet (by Automattic) for spam filtering. Akismet may collect information such as your IP address, user agent, and referrer. Read their privacy policy here: https://automattic.com/privacy/.

Gravatar may also be used for profile images with comments. Learn more at: https://automattic.com/privacy/.

5. Cookies & Tracking

Our website uses cookies for:

Saving login and comment preferences.
Display settings and basic functionality.
Analytics (via Google Analytics) to measure visitor activity.
Affiliate tracking when you click external partner links.

You can manage cookies in your browser settings. Google Analytics can be opted out of using their browser add-on: https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout.

6. Embedded & Third-Party Content

Articles may include embedded content (videos, images, or posts). Embedded content behaves as if you visited the third-party site directly, and those sites may collect data, use cookies, and track your interactions.

Our site also contains affiliate links to third-party providers. If you make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Please review the privacy policies of these third parties for details.

7. Facebook Page & Groups

When you interact with our Facebook Business Page or Groups:

Any content you post is at your own discretion.
While we moderate posts and comments, ThisIsSouthWest.com is not liable for the accuracy, opinions, or consequences of member-generated content.
Posts, screenshots, or content from our Groups may not be shared externally without permission.
By participating, you agree to our Group Rules, which include respecting others, no spam, and no sharing of personal or business complaints.
Administrators reserve the right to remove content or members at their sole discretion.

8. Sharing of Information

We do not sell, rent, or trade personal data. We may share anonymised data with:

Akismet (spam detection).
Google Analytics (site performance monitoring).
Affiliate partners (for tracking purchases via referral links).

9. Data Retention

Comments are stored indefinitely for recognition of follow-up comments.
For registered users, personal information is stored in profiles (editable or deletable by the user at any time).
Facebook interactions remain on the platform subject to Facebook’s own policies.

10. Your Rights

Under the UK GDPR, you may request to:

Access personal data we hold about you.
Request correction or deletion of your data.
Withdraw consent for cookie tracking.
Request an export of your data.

Requests can be sent to mail@thisissouthwest.com.

11. Data Security

We take reasonable measures to protect your data. However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. Please avoid posting sensitive personal information in public forums.

12. External Links

Our website and Facebook Page may contain links to third-party sites. We are not responsible for their privacy practices.

13. Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy from time to time. Any updates will be posted on this page with a revised effective date.

14. Contact Us

For privacy concerns, please contact:
📧 mail@thisissouthwest.com
🌐 https://thisissouthwest.com