Privacy Policy for The Reading Reporter

Last updated: 20/4/26

1. Who we are

The Reading Reporter is an independent journalism project operated by The Reporter Ltd.

This website provides access to selected articles and directs readers to subscribe via external platforms.

For the purposes of data protection law, the data controller is:
The Reporter Ltd.Thames Wing, Howbery Park, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom, OX10 8BA
Contact: chris.cutmore@outlook.com

2. What data we collect

We may collect and process the following types of data:

a) Information you provide directly

  • Name and email address (for example, if you contact us or if forms are added in future)

  • Any information you include in messages or submissions 

b) Automatically collected data

  • IP address 

  • Browser type and device information 

  • Pages visited, time spent, and interactions 

c) Data collected via third parties
If you choose to subscribe or interact with The Reading Reporter via third-party platforms, your data will be collected and processed by those platforms in accordance with their own privacy policies.

3. How we use your data

We use personal data to:

  • Operate and improve the website 

  • Understand audience behaviour and content performance 

  • Respond to enquiries or communications 

  • Support and grow The Reading Reporter 

  • Deliver and measure advertising, where applicable 

  • Comply with legal obligations 

We do not sell your personal data.

4. Cookies and tracking technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to:

  • Ensure the website functions properly 

  • Analyse traffic and usage 

  • Support advertising and performance measurement, where applicable 

Where required by law, you will be asked to consent to non-essential cookies before they are used.

You can control cookies through your browser settings and via our cookie banner.

5. Third-party services

We use trusted third-party providers to operate this website and associated services, including:

  • Squarespace – website hosting and analytics 

  • Substack – newsletter subscriptions and email distribution 

As The Reading Reporter develops, we may also use:

  • Payment processors (e.g. Stripe) 

  • Analytics providers (e.g. Google Analytics) 

  • Advertising and marketing platforms, which may use cookies and similar technologies to deliver and measure adverts

These providers may process your data in accordance with their own privacy policies. We take reasonable steps to ensure appropriate safeguards are in place.

6. Legal basis for processing

Under UK data protection law, we rely on the following lawful bases:

  • Legitimate interests – to operate, analyse, and improve the website 

  • Consent – for non-essential cookies and, where applicable, marketing communications

  • Contract – where you subscribe to paid services 

  • Legal obligation – where required by law 

7. Data sharing

We may share personal data with:

  • Service providers supporting the website and newsletter 

  • Payment processors (for subscriptions, where applicable) 

  • Advertising partners (where applicable) 

  • Legal or regulatory authorities if required 

We do not sell or rent personal data to third parties.

8. International transfers

Some third-party providers may process data outside the United Kingdom. Where this happens, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, such as standard contractual clauses or equivalent mechanisms.

9. Data retention

We retain personal data only for as long as necessary to:

  • Provide services 

  • Meet legal and regulatory obligations 

  • Resolve disputes and enforce agreements 

You may request deletion of your personal data at any time.

10. Your rights

Under UK data protection law, you have the right to:

  • Access your personal data 

  • Request correction of inaccurate data 

  • Request deletion of your data 

  • Object to or restrict processing 

  • Withdraw consent at any time 

  • Lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office 

To exercise your rights, contact: chris.cutmore@outlook.com

11. Data security

We take appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect personal data and work with reputable, secure service providers.

12. Children’s data

This website is not intended for children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal data from children.

13. Changes to this policy

We may update this privacy policy from time to time as The Reading Reporter evolves. The latest version will always be published on this page with an updated date.

14. Contact

If you have any questions about this privacy policy or how your data is handled, please contact:
chris.cutmore@outlook.com