Privacy Policy

Welcome to GoLocalAds.co.uk. Your privacy is important to us. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store and protect your personal information when you use our website and services.

GoLocalAds is a UK-based classified ads platform where users can post free ads, buy and sell locally, and connect with people in their community. When you use our website, you trust us with certain information. We take that responsibility seriously and handle your data carefully, fairly and in line with UK data protection laws, including the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR).

By using GoLocalAds.co.uk, you agree to the practices described in this Privacy Policy.

What Information We Collect

When you use our local classifieds website, we may collect certain types of personal and technical information to provide our services effectively.

We collect account details when you register. This may include your name, email address, phone number, location and login credentials.

We collect listing information when you post ads. This includes descriptions, photos, prices, categories and any details you choose to share in your adverts.

We collect communication data when you contact other users or reach out to our support team. This may include messages, enquiries and customer service requests.

We also collect usage data automatically when you browse our website. This may include your IP address, device type, browser, pages visited, time spent on the site and general activity patterns.

We use cookies and similar technologies to understand how visitors interact with our platform and to improve performance.

How We Use Your Information

We use your information to operate and improve GoLocalAds.co.uk and to provide a safe, reliable and user-friendly experience.

Your account details allow us to create and manage your account, verify your identity and enable you to post free ads or contact other users.

Your listing information is used to publish your adverts and make them visible to people searching for local deals, services or items for sale in the UK.

We use communication data to respond to enquiries, provide support and resolve issues.

Usage data helps us analyse how people use the site, fix technical problems and improve features and performance.

We may also use your email address to send important service updates, account notices or information related to your listings. We will not send marketing messages without your consent where required by law.

Legal Basis for Processing

Under UK GDPR, we process your personal data only where we have a lawful basis.

Most of our processing is necessary to provide our services to you, such as creating your account and displaying your ads.

Some processing is based on our legitimate interests, including improving website performance, preventing fraud and keeping the platform secure.

Where required, we rely on your consent, such as for optional cookies or marketing communications. You may withdraw consent at any time.

How We Protect Your Information

We take reasonable steps to protect your personal data from loss, misuse or unauthorised access.

We use secure systems, encryption where appropriate and access controls to safeguard information. Only authorised personnel have access to personal data when necessary to perform their duties.

While we work hard to protect your information, no online platform can guarantee complete security. We encourage users to choose strong passwords and keep their login details confidential.

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

GoLocalAds uses cookies and similar technologies to improve your experience and help our website function properly.

Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit a website. They allow us to remember your preferences, keep you logged in and understand how users interact with our platform.

We use essential cookies that are necessary for the website to operate. Without these, certain features may not work correctly.

We may also use analytics cookies to measure traffic and improve performance. These help us understand which pages are popular and how visitors move around the site.

You can control or disable cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling some cookies may affect how the website functions.

Third-Party Services

We may use trusted third-party service providers to support the operation of GoLocalAds.co.uk. These may include hosting providers, analytics tools, email services or security solutions.

These providers only process personal data on our behalf and must follow appropriate data protection standards. They are not allowed to use your information for their own purposes.

Our website may also contain links to external websites or services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those third-party sites, and we encourage you to review their policies separately.

Sharing of Information

We do not sell or rent your personal information to third parties.

Your listings and certain profile details may be publicly visible because this is necessary for a classifieds marketplace to function. For example, buyers may need to see your contact information or general location to respond to your ad.

We may share information if required by law, regulation or legal process, or if necessary to protect the rights, safety or property of GoLocalAds, our users or others.

Data Retention

We keep your information only for as long as necessary to provide our services and meet legal obligations.

Account information is retained while your account remains active. If you close your account, we may retain certain data for a limited period for legal, security or fraud prevention reasons.

Listings may remain visible until they expire or are deleted by you.

Your Rights Under UK GDPR

As a UK user, you have important rights regarding your personal data.

You have the right to access the information we hold about you and request a copy of your data.

You have the right to correct inaccurate or incomplete information.

You have the right to request deletion of your data in certain circumstances.

You have the right to restrict or object to certain types of processing.

You have the right to request that your data be transferred to another service provider where technically possible.

If we rely on consent to process your data, you may withdraw that consent at any time.

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the details below.

Children’s Privacy

GoLocalAds is intended for users aged 18 and over. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we become aware that such information has been collected, we will take steps to remove it promptly.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our services or legal requirements.

When updates are made, we will post the revised version on this page with a new effective date. Continued use of the website means you accept the updated policy.

Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or how your data is handled, you can contact us through the Contact Us page on GoLocalAds.co.uk.

We are committed to addressing your concerns promptly and transparently. If you believe your data has been handled improperly, you also have the right to lodge a complaint with the UK Information Commissioner’s Office.

By using GoLocalAds.co.uk, you trust us with your information. We are committed to protecting that trust and providing a safe, secure and reliable local classifieds marketplace for everyone.