Privacy policy

1. Who we are

Out in Kent is a local discovery platform for Kent. For the personal information described in this policy, Out in Kent is the data controller. You can contact us at support@outinkent.co.uk.

This policy applies to outinkent.co.uk and the services made available through it.

2. Information we collect

When you browse

If you accept analytics, our own analytics records a random per-tab identifier, pages viewed, searches, filters, general device category, campaign or referring website, venue views, saves, direction clicks and booking-link clicks. Search text is shortened and recognisable email addresses and UK mobile numbers are redacted before storage. We do not intentionally store your precise location in analytics.

If you accept analytics and then join our email list, we may link that anonymous Out in Kent session identifier to your subscriber record. This helps us understand which pages and campaigns lead to signups. We do not send your name, email address, postcode, date of birth or phone number to Google Analytics.

We also use Google Analytics 4 and Meta Pixel after you accept analytics. Google Analytics may collect page and screen activity, approximate location derived from your IP address, browser and device information, referral information and identifiers stored in first-party analytics cookies. We do not enable Google advertising signals or ad personalisation in our site configuration. Meta Pixel may collect page views and selected website events, such as marketing signups, venue account signups, searches and venue interactions, so we can measure Facebook and Instagram campaign performance.

When you accept analytics, sponsored placements on Out in Kent may record that an advert loaded, became at least 50% visible for one continuous second, or was clicked. We store the campaign, placement, general device category, time and a random per-tab identifier. We do not provide advertisers with your name, contact details or precise location.

When you create an account

We collect your email address, display name, contact phone number, account type, authentication records and account security information. For venue accounts, we may use the contact details you provide to help with onboarding and account support. If you choose to opt in to SMS marketing, we will also record that consent and may use your phone number to send onboarding tips, offers and marketing updates by SMS. We also send essential service emails about account verification, venue submissions, moderation and approval. Passwords are handled by our authentication provider and are not visible to Out in Kent.

When you join our email list

We collect your first name, email address, date of birth, postcode, selected interests, consent record and the time you subscribed so we can send Out in Kent news, local recommendations, events, offers and platform updates. We use date of birth, postcode and interests to understand our audience and make updates more relevant. Marketing is optional and based on your consent.

When you interact with listings

We collect saved venues, reviews and ratings. If you submit or claim a venue, we may also collect your name, work email, telephone number, evidence of authority, venue address, coordinates, opening hours, facilities, photographs, menu files, event details and offer information. If you report a listing, we collect your selected reason, the details you provide and, if you choose to include it, your email address. Reports are private and are used to investigate and correct listing information.

If you upload a menu, we may process the file with AI so we can extract factual menu highlights and suggest matching search tags. Menu analysis is used to improve your listing and is reviewed through the normal moderation process.

When you contact us

We collect the information in your message and the contact details needed to reply and resolve your request.

3. Why we use information and our lawful bases

• To provide accounts and requested services: necessary to perform our contract with you.
• To moderate listings, reviews, events and offers: our legitimate interests in operating a trustworthy local directory and preventing misuse.
• To secure the platform and investigate abuse: our legitimate interests and, where applicable, legal obligations.
• To provide AI recommendations: performing the search you request. Avoid including sensitive or personal information in a search.
• To measure and improve the service: your consent, where analytics storage or similar technology is used.
• To send optional marketing: your consent. You can unsubscribe at any time.

4. Who we share information with

We use carefully selected service providers to operate the platform, including Hostinger for web hosting, Supabase for database, authentication and file storage, OpenAI for AI search and menu analysis processing, Google Maps Platform for address suggestions and directions, Google Analytics for optional usage measurement, Meta Pixel for optional campaign measurement, and Resend for authentication, operational alerts and consented marketing emails. We may also share information with professional advisers, regulators or law enforcement where the law requires it, or as part of a business sale or reorganisation.

A venue's approved public profile can include business contact details, opening information, photographs, reviews, events and offers. Private owner contact details and claim evidence are restricted to authorised users and administrators.

Some providers may process information outside the UK. Where required, we use recognised safeguards such as UK adequacy regulations, the UK International Data Transfer Agreement or the UK Addendum to approved standard contractual clauses.

5. How long we keep information

We keep personal information only while it is needed for the purpose collected, to meet legal obligations, or to establish or defend legal claims. Account and business records are normally kept while the account or listing is active. Rejected or withdrawn submissions and support records are reviewed for deletion when they are no longer needed. Marketing subscriber email addresses and consent records are kept while you remain subscribed and as needed to honour an opt-out. We periodically delete or aggregate analytics records that are no longer needed.

Google Analytics may set first-party analytics cookies for up to two years, subject to browser limits and your choices. You can withdraw analytics consent at any time using the privacy choices control below.

6. Security

We use access controls, encrypted connections, restricted administrative access, row-level database policies, input and upload checks, security headers and monitoring. No online service can guarantee absolute security, so please use a unique password and tell us promptly if you suspect unauthorised use.

7. Cookies, local storage and analytics choices

Essential browser storage keeps sign-in sessions secure and remembers your privacy choice. Our optional analytics uses a random identifier stored for the current browser tab. Google Analytics uses first-party cookies to distinguish visitors and sessions. Meta Pixel may use cookies or similar technologies to measure activity from Facebook and Instagram campaigns. We do not load Google Analytics, Meta Pixel or run our optional analytics until you choose to accept them. Choosing Essential only later removes our analytics session identifier and the analytics cookies that we can remove from this domain.

8. Your data protection rights

Depending on the circumstances, you may have rights to be informed, access your information, correct it, erase it, restrict or object to processing, and receive portable data. You can withdraw consent at any time without affecting earlier lawful processing. Contact us to exercise a right. We may need to verify your identity before responding.

You can also complain to the Information Commissioner's Office. We would appreciate the opportunity to resolve your concern first.

9. Contact and changes

Email privacy questions or requests to support@outinkent.co.uk. We will update this page when our services, providers or legal duties change. Material changes will be highlighted on the platform.

You may also want to read our terms and conditions.