Privacy policy

This policy explains how Pulse (“we”, “us”, “our”) collects and uses personal data when you use our website, contact us, subscribe to updates, or interact with our content.

Who we are (data controller)

Pulse is the data controller for personal data processed through this website and related communications. You can contact us at [privacy email]. Our location is the United Kingdom. Our trading name and legal name are [Trading name / legal name].

What personal data we collect

The personal data we collect depends on how you use the site. If you contact us or submit a tip, we may collect your name if you provide it, your email address, the content of your message, and any attachments. If you request a correction or make a complaint, we may collect the information needed to assess and respond.

When you browse the site, we may collect technical information such as your IP address, device and browser details, pages viewed, interactions, and approximate location derived from IP. We also use cookies and similar technologies where applicable.

If commenting or public interaction features are enabled, we may process the display name you choose, the content you post, timestamps, and limited technical data used for anti-spam and moderation.

How we use your data

We use personal data to operate and maintain the website, respond to messages and tip-offs, handle correction requests and complaints, send newsletters if you subscribe, understand website usage through analytics, prevent fraud and abuse, and meet legal obligations or protect our legal rights.

Lawful bases (UK GDPR)

We rely on consent where required, such as for newsletter sign-up and non-essential cookies. We rely on legitimate interests to operate a news service, keep the site secure, handle enquiries, and understand basic performance. We may also rely on legal obligation where processing is required by law. Where applicable, we process personal data for journalistic purposes in the public interest with appropriate safeguards.

Journalistic purposes and public interest

As a news publisher, we may process personal data for journalistic purposes where there is a public-interest justification. This can affect how some rights apply in specific cases, particularly where compliance would undermine responsible journalism or public-interest reporting. We still aim to be fair, proportionate, and lawful in how we handle personal data.

Automated processing

We may use automated tools to help run the site and manage information efficiently. This can include spam prevention, security monitoring, analytics, transcription, summarising messages, or drafting internal notes. We do not make decisions that have legal or similarly significant effects on individuals based solely on automated processing.

Cookies and analytics

We use cookies and similar technologies to make the site work properly, remember preferences where applicable, measure traffic and performance, and reduce spam or abuse. Where required, we ask for consent for non-essential cookies via a banner or settings tool. You can also control cookies through your browser settings.

Email newsletters

If you sign up, we use your email address to send updates. You can unsubscribe at any time using the link in each email. We do not sell newsletter lists.

Sharing your data

We may share personal data with trusted service providers who help us operate the website and editorial workflow, such as hosting, content delivery, email and newsletter services, analytics, spam prevention, security, publishing tools, and content-management services. These providers act under contract and may only process data for specified purposes.

We may also disclose data where required by law, or to protect rights, safety, and security.

International transfers

Some providers may store or process data outside the UK. Where this happens, we use appropriate safeguards such as UK adequacy regulations or approved contractual protections.

Data retention

We keep personal data only as long as necessary for the purpose it was collected, including legal and security needs. Enquiries and tip-offs are retained for as long as needed to handle the matter, then archived or deleted. Newsletter subscription data is kept until you unsubscribe. Analytics retention depends on provider settings. Complaints and correction records may be retained for accountability and dispute handling.

Your rights

You may have rights including access, correction, deletion in certain circumstances, restriction in certain circumstances, objection where processing is based on legitimate interests, data portability in certain circumstances, and withdrawal of consent where applicable. To exercise your rights, email editorial@pulselocal.co.uk.

Security

We take reasonable steps to protect personal data. No system is perfect, but security is treated as a practical requirement, not an afterthought.

Third-party links and embeds

Our site may link to third-party websites or embed content such as social media. Those services have their own privacy practices, and we are not responsible for them.

Children

This website is not aimed at children. If you believe a child has provided personal data to us, contact editorial@pulselocal.co.uk and we will handle it appropriately.

Complaints

If you are unhappy with how we handle your data, contact us at editorial@pulselocal.co.uk. You also have the right to complain to the UK regulator, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).