Legal // collect less, explain clearly
Privacy Policy.
The honest version: we collect as little as we can get away with, we run no trackers, and we never hide the exit. The long version is below, written to be read.
The short version
- This website sets no advertising or tracking cookies and runs no analytics.
- The only things stored in your browser are two functional flags (see the Cookie Policy).
- If you email us, we keep that email so we can reply. That is most of it.
- You have rights over your data under UK GDPR, and we make them easy to use.
Who we are
This site is operated by Soft Error ("Soft Error", "we", "us"), an independent software studio. For data-protection purposes we are the data controller. You can reach us at hello@softerror.xyz. Registered details: Soft Error, [registered address — to be added].
What we collect and why
We keep the list short on purpose.
- Messages you send us. If you email hello@softerror.xyz or otherwise contact us, we process your email address, name (if given) and whatever you choose to write, so we can read and reply. Lawful basis: our legitimate interest in responding to you, or taking steps at your request before entering a contract.
- Client and project information. If we work together, we process the information needed to deliver the engagement. Where that involves personal data belonging to your users, a separate agreement (and usually a data-processing agreement) governs it, and we typically act as your processor. Lawful basis: performance of a contract.
- Local browser storage. We store two small functional values in your browser — one that remembers you have seen the intro animation, and one that remembers your cookie choices. These never leave your device and are not used to track you. Details in the Cookie Policy.
- Hosting logs. The site is served as static files by our hosting provider, which may record standard technical access logs (such as IP address and request time) for security and to keep the service running. Lawful basis: legitimate interest in operating a secure website.
We do not run advertising, behavioural profiling, session recording or third-party analytics. If that ever changes, it will require your consent first, and this page will say so.
Cookies and similar technologies
Under the UK's Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR), non-essential storage needs your consent. Today we set none. Our custom consent banner is honest about this and lets you set preferences for the day it changes. The full breakdown lives in the Cookie Policy, and you can change your choices at any time:
Who we share data with
We do not sell your data. We share it only with service providers that help us run, such as our website host and our email provider, and only as far as needed. These providers act under contract and on our instructions. Current providers: our static-site host (GitHub Pages) and our email provider [email provider — to be confirmed]. We may also disclose data where the law requires it.
International transfers
Some providers may process data outside the UK. Where they do, we rely on an appropriate safeguard recognised under UK GDPR — such as UK adequacy regulations or the International Data Transfer Agreement / Addendum — so your data keeps a comparable level of protection.
How long we keep it
We keep personal data only as long as we have a reason to. Correspondence is kept while a conversation or relationship is live and for a reasonable period afterwards; client records are kept for the length of the engagement and any period we are legally required to retain them. When a reason ends, we delete or anonymise.
Your rights
Under UK GDPR you have the right to:
- access the personal data we hold about you;
- have inaccurate data corrected;
- have your data erased in certain circumstances;
- restrict or object to how we process it;
- data portability, where it applies;
- withdraw consent at any time, where we relied on consent.
To use any of these, email hello@softerror.xyz. We will respond within one month. There is no charge in normal cases.
Complaints
We would rather you told us first so we can put it right. But you also have the right to complain to the UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) at ico.org.uk.
Children
This site is not directed at children and we do not knowingly collect data from anyone under the age relevant local law protects. If you believe a child has sent us personal data, contact us and we will delete it.
Changes
When we change this policy we update the effective date at the top. Material changes will be made obvious rather than buried.
Questions? hello@softerror.xyz — a human actually reads these. See also the Terms & Conditions.