Privacy Policy – ThePupCircle

1. Introduction

Welcome to ThePupCircle ("we", "us", "our"). We are a social networking platform for dog lovers to share moments, connect with other owners, and celebrate their dogs.

ThePupCircle is operated from the United Kingdom. Our services are available globally, with the exception of China and Russia. Regardless of where users are located, we process personal data in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

2. Eligibility and Children’s Data

ThePupCircle is intended for users aged 13 and over.

• Date of birth is requested solely to verify age eligibility.
• Dates of birth are processed but not stored.
• We do not knowingly collect personal data from children under 13.

If we become aware that an account belongs to a child under 13, we will delete the account and associated data. Accounts may be suspended or terminated if false age information is provided.

3. Information We Collect

Some of the information we collect constitutes “personal data” under UK GDPR.

3.1 Information You Provide Directly

• Email Address: Required for account verification, recovery, and essential communications. Private and not publicly visible.
• Date of Birth: Used only to verify age eligibility and not stored.
• Username: Chosen by you and publicly visible.
• Dog Profiles: Optional information such as name, breed, age, photos, and milestones.
• Community Content: Posts, comments, reactions, and other public interactions.
• Location (Optional): General location such as town or city, if provided.

3.2 Information Collected Automatically

• Device information (device type, operating system, browser)
• Usage data (pages viewed, interactions)
• IP address (for security and analytics)
• Cookies and similar technologies

4. How We Use Your Information

• Create and manage user accounts
• Verify age eligibility
• Enable community features
• Maintain platform safety and security
• Improve platform performance
• Comply with legal obligations

4.1 Lawful Bases for Processing

• Contractual necessity – to provide platform services
• Legitimate interests – to operate and secure the platform
• Legal obligation – to comply with UK law
• Consent – where explicitly provided

5. Information Sharing and Disclosure

5.1 Public Content

Content you choose to make public (posts, comments, dog profiles, usernames, optional location) is visible to other users and may be indexed by search engines.

5.2 Service Providers

We use trusted third-party service providers who act as data processors under our instructions and are bound by data protection obligations.

5.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose personal data where required by law or to protect our rights, safety, or property.

6. Private Messaging

ThePupCircle does not offer private messaging. All interactions occur through public content.

7. Data Security

We apply appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect personal data. Access is restricted to authorised personnel only.

8. Data Retention

• Email addresses are retained for the duration of an active account.
• Dates of birth are discarded immediately after age verification.
• Account content is retained while the account remains active.
• Deleted accounts may remain in backups for up to 90 days.

9. Your Data Protection Rights

You have rights under UK GDPR including access, correction, deletion, portability, objection, and withdrawal of consent.

To exercise your rights, contact us at hello@thepupcircle.com. We will respond within one month.

You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).

10. ICO Registration

We are in the process of registering with the UK Information Commissioner’s Office as a data controller. Our registration number will be published here once available.

11. Hosting and International Data Transfers

The platform is hosted by Fasthosts in the UK. If data is transferred outside the UK in the future, appropriate safeguards will be applied in accordance with UK GDPR.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Material changes will be communicated where appropriate.

13. Contact Us

ThePupCircle
Email: hello@thepupcircle.com

14. Cookies

We use cookies to support essential functionality and improve user experience. You can control cookies through your browser settings.

For detailed information about how we use cookies, what types of cookies we use, and how to manage your cookie preferences, please see our Cookie Policy.

15. Acknowledgement

By using ThePupCircle, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy.