Privacy notice
How we handle your details
Last updated 15 September 2026
In short: we collect your email address and, if you give it, your first name, so we can send you our monthly newsletter. We send it only because you asked, you can unsubscribe from any email in one click, and we don't sell your details.
1. Who we are
We are the controller of the personal data described in this notice, which means we decide how and why it is used.
For anything about your data, email newsletter@thedatadistillery.net.
2. What we collect
When you subscribe
- Your email address.
- Your first name, if you choose to give it.
- The date and time you subscribed, and the form you used, as a record of your consent.
When you read our emails
Our email platform records whether an email was delivered, opened, and which links were clicked. This tells us which topics are useful and helps us spot delivery problems. Some email apps block this, and that is fine.
When you visit this website
Our hosting provider keeps standard server logs, such as IP address, browser type and the pages requested, to keep the site secure and working. We don't run analytics or advertising on this site.
3. How we use it, and our lawful basis
| What we do | Lawful basis (UK GDPR) |
|---|---|
| Send you the newsletter and occasional updates about The Data Distillery | Your consent, given when you subscribe |
| Keep a record that you consented, and a record that you unsubscribed so we don't email you again | Legal obligation |
| Measure opens and clicks to improve the newsletter | Your consent, as part of subscribing |
| Keep the website secure through server logs | Legitimate interests in running a safe website |
| Reply when you email us | Legitimate interests in answering you |
We don't use your details for automated decisions that affect you, and we don't sell or rent them to anyone.
4. Who else handles your data
We use a small number of service providers who process data on our behalf, under contract, and only for the purposes above:
- Kit stores our subscriber list and sends the newsletter. See Kit's privacy policy.
- Hostinger hosts this website and our email inbox. See Hostinger's privacy policy.
- Google Fonts supplies the typefaces on this website. Loading a page sends your IP address to Google so the fonts can be delivered. See Google's privacy policy.
We may also disclose information if the law requires it.
5. Transfers outside the UK
Some of our providers, including Kit and Google, are based in the United States or process data there. Where your data leaves the UK, we rely on the safeguards UK law allows, such as the UK Extension to the EU-US Data Privacy Framework or the International Data Transfer Addendum to standard contractual clauses. Our providers' privacy policies explain the safeguards they use.
6. How long we keep it
- Subscriber details: until you unsubscribe. If you stop opening our emails for a long period, we may remove you from the list.
- Unsubscribe record: your email address is kept on a suppression list after you leave, so you are never emailed again by mistake.
- Emails you send us: for as long as needed to deal with them, and no longer than two years.
- Server logs: for the period set by our hosting provider.
7. Cookies and tracking
This website sets no cookies of its own. When you submit the signup form, your details go directly to Kit, which may set cookies needed to process the form. Our emails contain small tracking links and images that record opens and clicks, as described in section 2.
8. Your rights
Under UK data protection law you have the right to:
- ask for a copy of the personal data we hold about you
- have inaccurate data corrected
- have your data deleted
- withdraw your consent at any time, most easily through the unsubscribe link in any email
- object to or restrict how we use your data
- receive your data in a portable format
To use any of these rights, email newsletter@thedatadistillery.net. We will reply within one month. There is normally no charge.
If you are unhappy with how we have handled your data, please tell us first so we can put it right. You also have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner's Office at ico.org.uk or on 0303 123 1113.
9. Age
The Data Distillery covers alcoholic spirits and is intended for adults. Please subscribe only if you are 18 or over.
10. Changes to this notice
If we change how we use your data, we will update this page and the date at the top. If the change is significant, we will tell subscribers by email before it takes effect.