Privacy Notice

Last Updated: 27th June 2026

I am committed to protecting your privacy. I have designed our website to collect the absolute minimum amount of data required to provide you with a helpful, interactive experience.

1. Data Collection & Analytics

  • Public Visitors: I do not collect or store Personally Identifiable Information (PII) from general visitors.
  • Registered Users: I only collect personal data (such as usernames and email addresses) for site administrators and other contributors. This data is used solely for site management and security.
  • Analytics: I use Independent Analytics to understand how this site is used. This tool is privacy-first: it does not use cookies, does not communicate with external servers, and does not store Personal Identifiable Information. Your IP address and user agent string combined are SALTED into unique identifiers. The unique identifier resets daily, cannot be linked across sessions, and cannot be decrypted. The data is held solely on my hosting provider’s server and is not accessible to third-parties. This ensures I can review site trends while protecting your privacy.

2. AI Chatbot

I provide an AI-powered chatbot to assist with your experience.

  • Third-Party AI Processing: To provide the website’s AI-powered chatbot functionality, I use a third-party AI service provider (Anthropic). When you interact with the chatbot, your message is sent to their systems via an encrypted connection for the sole purpose of generating a response. This provider processes your data in accordance with my instructions and strictly for the purpose of providing this service. They are prohibited from using your inputs and its outputs to train or improve their AI models. See https://www.anthropic.com/legal/commercial-terms
  • Privacy by Design: Your chatbot conversation history is not stored on the website’s servers.
  • Transient Memory: Your browser’s temporary memory holds the conversation. This memory is managed by your specific browser’s settings. Modern browsers store session histories for each tab and facilitate your ability to go back and forward without losing continuity. This gives an appearance of permanence outside the control of the website and of the AI provider.
  • Independence: Each time you open the website in a browser window, you may see your previous conversation. Your browser has retained it to provide you with continuity. Your conversation is not tracked across different sessions, different tabs, windows nor return visits.
  • Important: Please do not share sensitive personal information (such as health, financial, or private contact details) in the chat. If you need to discuss private matters with me, please use the website Contact Us page instead.

3. Cookies

The website uses only one “strictly necessary” cookie – “wpEmojiSettingsSupports”. This is essential for the technical rendering of emojis on the site. It does not track you or collect any personal data. No consent is required for this essential function.

4. Data Controller

The data controller for this website is Richard Hickman, contactable via the Contact Us page and at the address listed in Section 8.

5. Data Processors & Security 

I engage selected third-party service providers (Data Processors) to assist me in operating my website. These include my web hosting provider and AI technology partner. These providers are carefully selected to ensure they meet high standards of data protection and security. They process data only under my strict instructions and are not permitted to use your personal information for their own purposes. 

6. Cross border data

Chatbot data is processed in the US by Anthropic, covered by appropriate data transfer mechanisms in accordance with their commercial terms. See https://www.anthropic.com/legal/commercial-terms

7. Your Rights

Under the UK GDPR, you have the right to access, rectify, or request the deletion of any personal data I hold. Since I do not collect PII from public visitors, these rights primarily apply to registered administrators and contributors.

8. Contact

If you have any questions about this privacy notice, please use the Contact Us page.

My address is 26a West Riding, St Albans AL2 3QW

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