Privacy Policy
Data Controller Identification
This Privacy Policy outlines how MD Puppies Online ("we", "our", "us") collects, processes, uses, and protects personal data in accordance with the laws of the United Kingdom, including the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. MD Puppies Online is operated and owned by Celeste Farnell, University of Bristol, Senate House, Tyndall Avenue, Bristol BS8 1TH, United Kingdom. Questions or concerns regarding this Privacy Policy or your personal data can be directed to our Data Controller via [email protected]. We are committed to ensuring your rights are respected and transparent about our data handling practices.
Information We Collect
We collect personal information that you voluntarily provide when you use our website, such as your name, email address, and communication preferences. Additionally, as you browse MD Puppies Online, we automatically collect data through cookies and similar technologies, including IP addresses, browser type and version, device identifiers, pages visited, time spent on site, and referring URL. We may also collect information when you interact with our email communications, complete forms, or subscribe to newsletters. On occasion, we may process sensitive information when required by applicable laws or with your explicit consent. This data is collected only for the purpose of improving site performance, providing relevant information, researching trends, tailoring content, and fulfilling user requests.
How We Use Your Information
The information we collect is used to provide you with high-quality, reliable, and personalised pharmaceutical reference services. Data processing purposes include managing user accounts, responding to inquiries, sending service updates, personalising user experiences, and conducting internal analytics for website enhancements. We use information to comply with legal obligations, monitor security, and prevent misuse or fraud. Your details may be used for newsletter delivery only if you expressly opt in. At no point do we sell or rent your personal data to third parties. We may aggregate non-identifiable data for research and reporting but ensure all information is anonymised appropriately. Where required, we seek your clear consent before using your details for marketing.
Legal Basis for Processing
We process your personal data under several legal bases as required by UK law. We do so with your consent, for the performance of a contract with you, to comply with legal obligations, and for our legitimate interests in providing and improving MD Puppies Online. Where consent is relied upon, you may withdraw it at any time without affecting the lawfulness of processing before your withdrawal. Our legitimate interests include maintaining website security and functionality, responding to inquiries, and conducting analytics. We review our data processing activities routinely to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and to determine if additional lawful bases apply as our services evolve.
Cookie Usage and Similar Technologies
MD Puppies Online uses cookies and analogous tracking technologies to enhance functionality, remember user preferences, and analyse web traffic trends. Cookies are small text files placed on your device and can be session-based or persistent. Essential cookies are necessary for site operation, while analytics cookies help us understand user behaviour, which informs our website improvements. Where applicable, you will be presented with a consent banner to manage your cookie preferences. You may adjust your browser settings to refuse cookies or to alert you when cookies are being sent, although some features of the site may not function optimally as a result. We regularly review our use of cookies and update our Cookie Policy as laws and technology change.
Information Sharing and Disclosure
We take your privacy seriously and only share your personal data under strict circumstances. Your data may be disclosed to trusted third-party service providers who assist us in website hosting, maintenance, communications, analytics, and security, strictly for the purposes outlined in this policy. All service providers are subject to confidentiality obligations and data processing agreements that ensure compliance with applicable laws. When required, we may disclose information to legal, regulatory, or government authorities if mandated by law, or to protect our rights, property, or safety. No data is transferred to countries outside the United Kingdom or the EEA unless adequate protections are in place. We do not sell, trade, or rent user information to third parties for commercial purposes.
Data Retention
We retain your personal data only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes for which it was collected, as required by UK law, or to comply with legal, accounting, or reporting requirements. The retention period may vary depending on the nature of the data and the reasons for its collection. For example, communication records are kept for the duration needed to respond to queries and support requests, while analytics data may be retained for a set period to observe usage trends. Once the relevant retention period expires, or the data is no longer required, we securely erase or anonymise it. We review data retention practices regularly and update policies accordingly to reflect statutory changes and best practices.
Your Rights Under UK Data Protection Law
As a user in the United Kingdom, you have several rights over your personal data. These include the right to access your data, correct inaccuracies, erase your data under certain circumstances, restrict processing, object to processing, and request data portability. If you provided consent, you may withdraw it at any time. You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office if you believe your data rights have been infringed. To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at [email protected]. We will respond to requests promptly and within statutory timeframes, seeking additional verification if required for your security.
Security Measures
MD Puppies Online implements robust physical, technical, and organisational safeguards to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of personal data we hold. Security measures include encryption, secure access controls, regular system updates, and malware protection. Staff and service providers with data access are required to follow strict data handling procedures and undergo privacy training as needed. Data breaches are managed according to a stringent incident response plan, and users are notified promptly in the event of a breach that could impact their rights. While we strive to use all legally required means to safeguard your information, please note that no digital platform is entirely immune to vulnerabilities. We continuously review and enhance our security protocols in line with industry standards and technological advancements.
Children's Privacy
MD Puppies Online is intended for use by individuals aged 18 and older. We do not knowingly collect or solicit personal data from children under the age of 18. If we learn that we have inadvertently received such information, we will take immediate steps to delete it from our systems. If you believe a child has provided us with data without parental consent, please contact us at [email protected] so we can promptly address the matter. We are committed to complying with the UK’s regulations concerning children's online privacy and strive to implement measures to prevent the collection of such data.
Third-Party Links and Services
Our website may contain links to informational resources and third-party sites relevant to healthcare, medicine, or university institutions. Please note that we do not control the content or privacy practices of these external sites and cannot accept responsibility for their actions. Users are encouraged to review the privacy policies of any third-party website or service before providing personal information. Any interaction with third-party services via embedded content, banners, or hyperlinks is at the user’s discretion and governed by those parties' privacy policies. We are not liable for any loss or damage resulting from your engagement with third-party content accessible from our website.
Policy Updates
This Privacy Policy may be updated periodically to reflect changes in legal requirements, operational practices, or service offerings. Users are encouraged to review this policy frequently to remain informed of our current privacy practices. Where significant changes are made, we will provide notice on our website or contact users directly when required by law. Each version of the policy will be identified by the effective date displayed at the beginning of the document. Continued use of MD Puppies Online following amendments signifies acceptance of the updated policy terms. If users disagree with the revised policies, they should discontinue use of our services and may request data removal as per their legal rights.
Contact Information
If you have questions, requests, or concerns about this Privacy Policy or your personal data, you may contact the data controller, Celeste Farnell, at University of Bristol, Senate House, Tyndall Avenue, Bristol BS8 1TH, United Kingdom, or via email: [email protected]. We are committed to addressing privacy inquiries and requests in a lawful and timely manner, and value your trust in our handling of your data.