Privacy Policy

Last updated:

We collect your name and email to send occasional updates about Cluster Companion. Analytics only runs if you accept it in the banner. No ads. No selling of data.

1) Who we are

Service
Cluster Companion
Operator
Graham Sharman (Sharman Digital)
Contact (privacy)
info@sharmandigital.com

2) What we collect

  • Name
  • Email address

If you accept analytics, we also collect standard, pseudonymous usage data via Google Analytics 4, such as page views, referring site, device/browser information, and coarse location (e.g. city/region) derived from your connection. IP addresses are anonymised by GA4 and we do not enable ads features.

2a) Cookies & analytics (only if you accept)

  • We show a small banner asking to use Google Analytics 4 to understand visits. The site works without analytics.
  • If you accept, GA4 sets first-party cookies (e.g. _ga) to distinguish visits and measure traffic. We disable Google signals and advertising features, and enable IP anonymisation.
  • Your choice is stored in your browser’s local storage (cc.analytics-consent) so the banner doesn’t reappear.
  • You can change your mind any time: clear your browser’s local storage for this site or email us and we’ll help.
  • Analytics event data is retained in GA4 for up to 14 months.

3) How we use your information (purpose)

  • Send occasional updates about Cluster Companion.
  • Respond to your messages or privacy requests.

We never sell your data.

4) Lawful basis (GDPR / UK‑GDPR)

Processing is based on your consent. You can withdraw consent at any time (unsubscribe for emails; decline or reset analytics in your browser or by contacting us).

5) Storage & security

  • Stored in secure, password‑protected systems with access limited to the site owner (Graham Sharman).
  • Transmitted over encrypted connections (TLS).
  • Retention: kept until you unsubscribe or after 24 months of inactivity, unless we’re required by law to keep it longer.

6) Sharing / processors

We use the following service providers (processors):

  • Resend (transactional email) — processes your name and email to deliver messages on our behalf.
  • Google Analytics 4 (Google LLC) — only if you accept analytics; collects pseudonymous usage data to help us understand visits. Ads and remarketing features are disabled.
  • Vercel (hosting) — serves this website and maintains standard server logs (e.g., IP address) for security and reliability.

7) International transfers

Using our providers may involve transfers outside the UK/EU (e.g., to the United States). When this occurs, we rely on lawful mechanisms such as Standard Contractual Clauses or equivalent safeguards. This applies to Resend and, if you accept analytics, to Google Analytics 4.

8) Your rights (GDPR / UK‑GDPR)

  • Access, correct, and delete your personal data.
  • Withdraw consent; restrict or object to processing.
  • Receive a copy of your data (portability).

To exercise a right, email info@sharmandigital.com. We aim to respond within 30 days. You can also complain to your local data protection authority (e.g., the ICO in the UK).

9) California privacy rights (CCPA)

California residents can request to know, access, correct, and delete personal information. We do not sell personal information or share it for cross‑context behavioural advertising, and we do not use or disclose sensitive personal information for inferral. We won’t discriminate if you exercise your rights. To make a request, email info@sharmandigital.com.

10) Children

This site is not intended for children under 13 (or under 16 in the UK/EU). We do not knowingly collect their data.

11) Changes

We may update this policy from time to time. Changes will appear here with a new “Last updated” date. If our contact email changes (e.g., to a @clustercompanion.com address), we’ll update this page.

12) How to contact us

info@sharmandigital.com