Privacy Policy
Last Updated: 15th January 2025
At Macafil, we take your privacy seriously. This policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal information when you work with us. We've written this in plain English because legal documents shouldn't require a law degree to understand.
Who We Are
Macafil is an IT service provider specialising in computer system performance optimization, based at 99 Roundwell St, Tunstall, Stoke-on-Trent ST6 5AW, United Kingdom. When we refer to "we," "us," or "our" in this policy, we're talking about Macafil. "You" means you, the person whose data we're discussing.
We're committed to complying with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. If you have questions about how we handle your information, you can reach us at support@macafil.com or call +447738675941.
Information We Collect
The type of information we collect depends on how you interact with us. Here's what we typically gather:
When You Contact Us
- Your name and contact details (email address, phone number)
- Company information if you're enquiring on behalf of a business
- Details about your technical issues or service requirements
- Communication history and preferences
When We Provide Services
- System information necessary for diagnostics and optimization
- Technical specifications of your hardware and software
- Performance data and system logs
- Access credentials (when you authorise remote support)
- Payment and billing information
Website Usage
When you visit macafil.com, we collect basic technical information like your IP address, browser type, and pages you visit. This helps us understand how people use our site and where we can improve things.
How We Use Your Information
We're not in the business of collecting data for the sake of it. Everything we gather serves a specific purpose:
| Purpose | Legal Basis |
|---|---|
| Providing IT services and technical support | Contract performance |
| Responding to your enquiries | Legitimate interest |
| Processing payments | Contract performance |
| Improving our services and website | Legitimate interest |
| Sending service updates and important notices | Contract performance |
| Complying with legal obligations | Legal requirement |
Marketing Communications: We'll only send you marketing emails if you've explicitly agreed to receive them. You can opt out anytime by clicking the unsubscribe link in any email or contacting us directly.
Sharing Your Information
We don't sell your data. That's not our business model, and it never will be. However, we do share information in limited circumstances:
- With payment processors to handle transactions securely
- With cloud service providers who help us store data safely
- With law enforcement when legally required
- With professional advisers (solicitors, accountants) when necessary for business operations
Any third party we work with is carefully vetted and contractually obligated to protect your information according to UK data protection standards.
International Transfers
We primarily store data within the United Kingdom. In some cases, our service providers may process data in other countries. When this happens, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place through standard contractual clauses approved by UK authorities.
If you're concerned about where your data is stored, just ask. We're happy to provide specifics about any international transfers that might affect your information.
Data Security
We take security seriously—after all, it's what we do for a living. Here's how we protect your information:
- Encrypted data transmission using industry-standard SSL/TLS protocols
- Secure storage systems with regular backups
- Access controls ensuring only authorised personnel can view your data
- Regular security audits and updates to our systems
- Staff training on data protection and security practices
No system is completely immune to breaches, but we maintain robust defences and have procedures in place to respond quickly if something goes wrong. If a data breach affects you, we'll notify you promptly as required by law.
How Long We Keep Your Data
We don't keep information longer than necessary. Retention periods depend on the type of data:
- Client records and service history: 7 years after our last interaction (for legal and tax purposes)
- Financial records: 6 years as required by UK tax law
- Marketing consent records: Until you withdraw consent, plus 3 years
- Technical diagnostics and logs: 12 months unless needed for ongoing support
- Website analytics: 26 months
After these periods, we securely delete or anonymise your information so it can no longer identify you.
Your Rights
UK data protection law gives you several rights regarding your personal information. Here's what you can do:
- Access your data: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you
- Correct inaccuracies: Ask us to update or fix incorrect information
- Delete your data: Request deletion in certain circumstances (though we may need to retain some information for legal reasons)
- Restrict processing: Ask us to limit how we use your information
- Data portability: Receive your data in a structured, commonly used format
- Object to processing: Oppose certain uses of your information, particularly for marketing
- Withdraw consent: Remove permission you've previously given (though this won't affect processing we've already done legally)
To exercise any of these rights, contact us at support@macafil.com or call +447738675941. We'll respond within one month, though complex requests might take up to three months—we'll let you know if that's the case.
Cookies and Website Tracking
Our website uses cookies—small text files stored on your device that help the site function properly and remember your preferences. We use:
- Essential cookies necessary for the website to work
- Analytics cookies to understand how visitors use our site
- Functional cookies to remember your preferences
You can control cookies through your browser settings, though disabling certain cookies might affect website functionality. We don't use third-party advertising cookies that track you across the internet.
Children's Privacy
Our services aren't directed at children under 16, and we don't knowingly collect information from them. If you're a parent who believes we've inadvertently gathered data about your child, please contact us immediately so we can delete it.
Changes to This Policy
We review this privacy policy regularly and update it when our practices change or when required by law. Significant changes will be posted on our website with an updated date at the top of this document. For major changes affecting how we use your data, we'll notify you directly by email.
The current version was last updated on 15th January 2025.
Complaints and Concerns
If you're unhappy with how we've handled your personal information, please let us know. We take complaints seriously and will investigate thoroughly.
You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), the UK's data protection authority. You can contact them at ico.org.uk or call their helpline on 0303 123 1113.
Questions About This Policy?
We're here to help clarify anything that's unclear.
Email: support@macafil.com
Phone: +44 7738 675941
Address: 99 Roundwell St, Tunstall, Stoke-on-Trent ST6 5AW, United Kingdom