Privacy Policy

Who We Are

Our website address is: https://derekzar.com. Derek Zar provides AI consulting services to businesses, helping organisations implement and optimise artificial intelligence solutions. We are committed to protecting your privacy and being transparent about how we collect, use, and protect your personal information.

Information We Collect

Personal Information You Provide

  • Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, and company details when you contact us for consulting services
  • Project Information: Details about your business needs, project requirements, and goals shared during consultations
  • Communication Records: Messages, emails, and consultation notes related to our business relationship

Automatically Collected Information

We automatically collect certain information when you visit our website through various analytics and monitoring tools:

  • Website Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent, click patterns, and navigation behavior
  • Technical Information: IP address, browser type, device information, operating system, and screen resolution
  • Performance Data: Page load times, error reports, and website functionality metrics
  • Geographic Information: General location data based on IP address (city/region level)

Analytics and Tracking Tools

We use several third-party services to understand website performance and user behavior:

Google Analytics

We use Google Analytics to analyze website traffic and user behavior. This service:

  • Tracks page views, session duration, and user interactions
  • Collects demographic and interest data (when available)
  • Uses cookies to identify returning visitors
  • May track you across websites that also use Google Analytics

Data Retention: Google Analytics data is retained for 26 months. You can opt out using the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.

Microsoft Clarity

We use Microsoft Clarity to understand user behavior through:

  • Session recordings (anonymised cursor movements and clicks)
  • Heatmaps showing where users click and scroll
  • Form interaction analysis
  • Performance monitoring

Privacy: Clarity automatically masks sensitive information like passwords and payment details. You can learn more in Microsoft’s Privacy Statement.

Google Tag Manager

We use Google Tag Manager to manage tracking codes and analytics tags efficiently. This tool:

  • Loads and manages various tracking scripts
  • Does not collect personal data itself
  • Facilitates the operation of other analytics tools mentioned above

Google Search Console

We use Google Search Console to monitor our website’s presence in Google search results. This tool:

  • Tracks search queries that lead users to our site
  • Monitors website performance in search results
  • Identifies technical issues affecting search visibility
  • Does not collect personal information from visitors

Cloudflare

Our website is protected and accelerated by Cloudflare, which:

  • Provides security protection against malicious attacks
  • Improves website loading speeds through content delivery
  • Collects minimal technical data for security and performance purposes
  • May temporarily log IP addresses for analytics and security

Privacy: Review Cloudflare’s Privacy Policy for detailed information.

Cookies and Similar Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to:

  • Remember your preferences and settings
  • Analyse website performance and user behavior
  • Provide security features
  • Enable analytics tools to function properly

Types of Cookies We Use:

  • Essential Cookies: Required for website functionality and security
  • Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how visitors use our website
  • Performance Cookies: Collect information about website performance
  • Functional Cookies: Remember your preferences and choices

You can control cookies through your browser settings, though disabling certain cookies may affect website functionality.

How We Use Your Information

We use collected information to:

  • Provide Consulting Services: Deliver AI consulting and implementation services
  • Improve Our Services: Analyse usage patterns to enhance our offerings
  • Website Optimisation: Improve website performance, content, and user experience
  • Communication: Respond to inquiries and provide project updates
  • Business Operations: Manage client relationships and project delivery
  • Security: Protect against fraud, abuse, and security threats

Information Sharing

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. We may share information in these limited circumstances:

  • Service Providers: With trusted third-party services (like those mentioned above) that help us operate our website and provide services
  • Legal Requirements: When required by law, regulation, or legal process
  • Business Protection: To protect our rights, property, or safety, or that of our users
  • Consent: When you explicitly authorise us to share specific information

Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal information:

  • Encryption: Sensitive data is encrypted in transit and at rest
  • Access Controls: Limited access to personal information on a need-to-know basis
  • Regular Monitoring: Ongoing security assessments and monitoring
  • Secure Infrastructure: Hosting and data storage with security-focused providers

Data Retention

We retain personal information for as long as necessary to:

  • Provide ongoing consulting services
  • Comply with legal obligations
  • Resolve disputes and enforce agreements
  • Maintain business records for legitimate purposes

Analytics Data: Third-party analytics data is retained according to each service’s retention policies (typically 26 months for Google Analytics).

Your Rights and Choices

Under UK data protection law (UK GDPR), you have the following rights regarding your personal information:

  • Access: Request information about what personal data we hold about you
  • Rectification: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
  • Erasure: Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal obligations)
  • Portability: Request a copy of your data in a machine-readable format
  • Objection: Object to certain types of data processing
  • Restriction: Request limitation of how we process your information
  • Withdraw Consent: Where processing is based on consent, you may withdraw it at any time

You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) if you believe we have not handled your personal data appropriately. Visit ico.org.uk for more information.

To exercise these rights, contact us at info@derekzar.com.

Analytics Opt-out Options:

  • Google Analytics: Use the Google Analytics Opt-out Add-on
  • Microsoft Clarity: Disable through browser cookie settings
  • General Tracking: Use browser “Do Not Track” settings or privacy-focused browser extensions

Third-Party Links and Services

Our website may contain links to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any personal information.

Children’s Privacy

Our services are designed for businesses and professional use. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18. If we become aware that we have collected such information, we will take steps to delete it promptly.

International Data Transfers

As we use various international services (Google Analytics, Microsoft Clarity, Cloudflare), your personal data may be transferred outside the UK to countries that may not have equivalent data protection laws. When we transfer data internationally, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place:

  • Adequacy Decisions: Transfers to countries deemed adequate by the UK government
  • Standard Contractual Clauses: Using UK-approved transfer mechanisms
  • Certification Schemes: Relying on recognised international data protection frameworks

These safeguards ensure your personal data receives an equivalent level of protection as required under UK law.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this privacy policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or applicable laws. We will notify you of material changes by:

  • Posting the updated policy on our website
  • Updating the “Last Updated” date
  • Providing direct notification for significant changes

Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this privacy policy or our data practices, please contact us:

Derek Zar
Email: info@derekzar.com
Website: https://derekzar.com

We are committed to addressing your privacy concerns promptly and transparently.