Last updated: 23 May 2026
Data Controller
Michael Dobson Website: thelordsfreeman.com Contact: via the contact methods published on this website
For the purposes of the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Michael Dobson is the data controller.
What Personal Data We Collect
Server Logs
When you visit this site, our web server automatically records:
- Your IP address
- Date and time of access
- Pages visited
- Browser type and operating system
- Referring URL
Legal basis: Legitimate interest (security monitoring, abuse prevention, and site performance).
Analytics Data (with consent only)
If you consent to analytics cookies, Google Analytics (GA4) collects:
- Pages visited and time spent
- Approximate geographic location (country/region level)
- Device type, browser, and operating system
- Referral source
Google Analytics uses cookies and similar technologies. This data is processed by Google LLC under their data processing terms. IP anonymisation is enabled.
Legal basis: Consent (Article 6(1)(a) UK GDPR / GDPR). You can withdraw consent at any time using the “Manage cookie preferences” link in the site footer.
Newsletter Subscriptions
If you subscribe to the newsletter, the self-hosted Listmonk newsletter service stores:
- Your email address
- Your name, if you provide one
- The mailing list you subscribed to
- Subscription status and confirmation timestamps
- Delivery, bounce, unsubscribe, and preference records needed to run the mailing list
Legal basis: Consent (Article 6(1)(a) UK GDPR / GDPR). You can withdraw consent by using the unsubscribe or preferences link in any newsletter email, or by contacting us.
Post Comments
Post comments are handled by the self-hosted Remark42 comment service. If you comment on a post, the service may store:
- Your display name
- The comment text you send
- The post URL/thread you commented on
- Your IP address and browser metadata in server/application logs for abuse prevention
- Authentication cookies needed to keep your comment session active
Anonymous commenting is enabled to reduce friction. Email login and social login are not enabled unless the site policy is updated later. Moderation tools allow abusive comments or users to be removed or blocked.
Legal basis: Consent (Article 6(1)(a) UK GDPR / GDPR) when you submit a comment, and legitimate interest for security, abuse prevention, and moderation.
Data We Do Not Collect
- We do not collect names, email addresses, or other identifiers unless you voluntarily provide them (e.g., via newsletter signup or post comments).
- We do not sell, rent, or trade any personal data to third parties.
How We Use Your Data
- Server logs: Security monitoring, identifying technical issues, preventing abuse. Retained for 90 days, then deleted.
- Analytics: Understanding visitor patterns to improve content and site experience. Retained per Google Analytics default retention settings (14 months), then automatically deleted.
- Newsletter: Sending newsletter emails, managing subscriptions, handling unsubscribe/preference requests, and processing delivery failures.
- Comments: Displaying reader comments, managing replies, preventing abuse, and moderating comments or users where needed.
Third-Party Services
| Service | Purpose | Data Shared | Privacy Policy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Analytics (GA4) | Site analytics (consent required) | Pseudonymised browsing data | Google Privacy Policy |
| Google Fonts | Typography | IP address (on page load) | Google Privacy Policy |
| Listmonk | Self-hosted newsletter subscriptions | Email address, optional name, subscription status, delivery/preference records | Listmonk project |
| Remark42 | Self-hosted post comments | Display name, comment text, post URL/thread, comment-session cookies, IP/browser metadata in logs | Remark42 project |
No data is sold to or shared with any other third parties.
Data Retention
| Data Type | Retention Period |
|---|---|
| Server logs | 90 days |
| Analytics data | 14 months |
| Consent preferences | 365 days (localStorage on your device) |
| Newsletter subscription data | Until you unsubscribe or request deletion |
| Comment data | Until the comment is deleted, withdrawn, or deletion is requested |
International Transfers
Google Analytics data may be processed in the United States. Google LLC participates in the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework and maintains appropriate safeguards for international transfers.
Your Rights
Under UK GDPR and EU GDPR, you have the right to:
- Access — request a copy of your personal data
- Rectification — request correction of inaccurate data
- Erasure — request deletion of your data (“right to be forgotten”)
- Restriction — request we limit how we process your data
- Portability — receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format
- Object — object to processing based on legitimate interest
- Withdraw consent — at any time, without affecting prior lawful processing
To exercise any of these rights, contact us using the details above.
Complaints
If you believe your data protection rights have been infringed, you have the right to lodge a complaint with:
Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) Website: ico.org.uk Helpline: 0303 123 1113
For EU residents, you may also contact your local supervisory authority.
Children’s Privacy
This site is not directed at children under 16. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this policy from time to time. The “last updated” date at the top of this page will be revised accordingly. Continued use of the site after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.