This website is operated by BLACKdot., a freelance web development and SEO consultancy based in South Wales, UK.
Contact: tom@blackdot.wales
Legal
Privacy & Cookie Policy
Last updated: March 2026
This policy explains how BLACKdot. collects, uses, and protects your personal data when you use this website, and how we use cookies. Please read it carefully.
1. Who We Are
2. What Data We Collect
We only collect data you actively provide to us:
- Contact form — your name, email address, and message. This data is sent to our inbox via Resend (see section 5) and stored as a standard email. We do not use a CRM or database for enquiries.
- Analytics data — if you consent, Google Analytics 4 collects anonymised data about how you interact with the site (pages visited, session duration, device type). This does not identify you personally.
We do not collect payment details, and we do not run advertising campaigns that target individuals.
3. Legal Basis for Processing
| Data | Legal Basis |
|---|---|
| Contact form submissions | Legitimate interest — to respond to your enquiry |
| Google Analytics | Consent — only collected after you accept analytics cookies |
4. How Long We Keep Your Data
- Contact enquiries — retained in our email inbox for as long as reasonably necessary to manage the business relationship, and deleted when no longer needed.
- Analytics data — retained in Google Analytics for 14 months (the default retention period), after which it is automatically deleted.
5. Third-Party Processors
We use the following third-party services to operate this website. Each acts as a data processor on our behalf and is bound by their own privacy commitments.
| Provider | Purpose | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Vercel | Website hosting and delivery | USA (SCCs in place) |
| Sanity | Content management system | USA (SCCs in place) |
| Google Analytics 4 | Anonymised usage analytics (consent-gated) | USA (SCCs in place) |
| Resend | Transactional email delivery (contact form) | USA (SCCs in place) |
SCCs = Standard Contractual Clauses, which provide a lawful mechanism for transferring personal data outside the UK under UK GDPR.
6. Cookies
Cookies are small text files stored on your device. We use them only as described below. You can manage your preferences at any time using the cookie banner or by .
Strictly Necessary
Always OnRequired for the website to function. These cannot be disabled. They do not store any personally identifiable information.
No strictly necessary cookies are currently set by this website.
Analytics & Performance
Consent RequiredThese cookies help us understand how visitors use the site so we can improve it. All data is anonymised. No personal information is shared with third parties for advertising purposes.
| Cookie | Provider | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| _ga | Google Analytics | Distinguishes unique users by assigning a randomly generated number | 2 years |
| _ga_XXXXXXXX | Google Analytics 4 | Persists session state for GA4 data streams | 2 years |
| _gid | Google Analytics | Distinguishes users for short-term session tracking | 24 hours |
7. Google Consent Mode v2
This website uses Google Consent Mode v2. This means that before any analytics scripts load, default “denied” signals are sent to Google. Analytics cookies are only set after you explicitly accept them. If you decline, Google Analytics does not track your visit.
We do not use Google’s advertising or remarketing features. Ad-related consent signals (ad_storage, ad_user_data, ad_personalization) are permanently set to denied.
8. Your Rights Under UK GDPR
You have the right to:
- Access — request a copy of any personal data we hold about you
- Rectification — ask us to correct inaccurate data
- Erasure — ask us to delete your data
- Restriction — ask us to limit how we use your data
- Objection — object to processing based on legitimate interest
- Withdraw consent — change your cookie preferences at any time using the banner on this site
To exercise any of these rights, email tom@blackdot.wales. We will respond within 30 days.
You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) (opens in new tab).
9. Changes to This Policy
We may update this policy from time to time. The “Last updated” date at the top of this page will always reflect the most recent version. Continued use of the site after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
10. Contact
For any privacy-related queries, contact us at: tom@blackdot.wales