Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy explains how Below Hammer ("BelowHammer", "we", "us", or "our") collects, uses, shares, and protects information in connection with the website located at belowhammer.com and any related content, data, and features (together, the "Service"). It should be read alongside our Terms of Service. We act as a data controller for personal data described below and process it in accordance with the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.

1. Information we collect

We aim to collect as little personal data as possible. Depending on how you use the Service, we may collect:

Account information — if you create an account, your email address and authentication details. Usage and device data — technical information such as IP address, browser type, pages viewed, and interactions, collected automatically to operate and improve the Service. Communications — any information you provide when you contact us.

The property auction listing data displayed on the Service is aggregated from publicly available third-party sources and public records. It is not your personal data and is handled as described in our Terms of Service.

2. Third-party platform integrations

We use third-party platforms and integrations — including social media and video-sharing services such as TikTok — to publish and distribute content associated with the Service, such as summaries of auction listings. Where we connect to such a platform, we do so using credentials or access tokens issued to our own accounts.

When we use a platform's API or developer tools, we access only the data necessary to publish and manage that content — for example, to upload a post or check its status. We do not collect, store, or process the personal data of that platform's other users, and we do not use any platform integration to gather information about individuals. Any access tokens we hold are stored securely, used only for the integration's stated purpose, and revoked when no longer needed. Your use of any third-party platform is governed by that platform's own terms and privacy policy, over which we have no control.

3. How we use information

We use the information we collect to operate, maintain, and improve the Service; to provide and secure your account; to communicate with you; to publish and distribute our own content across our channels; to understand how the Service is used; and to comply with our legal obligations. Our lawful bases for processing are performance of a contract with you, our legitimate interests in operating and improving the Service, your consent where required, and compliance with legal obligations.

4. Cookies and analytics

We may use cookies and similar technologies to keep you signed in, remember preferences, and understand aggregate usage of the Service. You can control cookies through your browser settings; disabling some cookies may affect how the Service works.

5. How we share information

We do not sell your personal data. We may share limited information with service providers who process data on our behalf (such as hosting, authentication, and analytics providers) under appropriate safeguards, and where required to comply with the law, enforce our terms, or protect our rights, users, or the public. Some providers may process data outside the UK; where they do, we rely on appropriate safeguards such as adequacy decisions or standard contractual clauses.

6. Data retention

We keep personal data only for as long as necessary for the purposes set out in this Policy, to comply with our legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements, after which it is deleted or anonymised.

7. Your rights

Subject to applicable law, you have the right to access, correct, delete, or restrict the processing of your personal data, to object to processing, and to data portability. You may also withdraw consent where processing is based on consent. To exercise any of these rights, contact us using the details below. You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the UK Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).

8. Data security

We take reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect information against unauthorised access, loss, or misuse. No method of transmission or storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

9. Children's privacy

The Service is intended for adults and is not directed at children under 18. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children.

10. Changes to this policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do, we will revise the "Last updated" date above. Changes take effect when posted on this page, and your continued use of the Service after any change constitutes acceptance of the revised Policy.

11. Contact

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your data, please contact us at hello@belowhammer.com.