Earth Server News ("we", "us", "our") operates earthservernews.com and related apps. We are the data controller for the personal data you provide when using the site. This policy explains what we collect, why, and the rights you have under UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.

1. Data we collect

  • Account data: your email address, chosen username, display name, and profile picture when you register.
  • Content you post: comments, live-chat messages, images, and reactions you submit.
  • Usage data: pages visited, device type, IP address, and basic analytics events (e.g. which articles you open).
  • Payment data: when you buy membership, we pass you to our payment provider (Wix Payments). We store an order reference and your subscription status, but we do not store your full card details — the payment processor handles that.

2. Why we use it (lawful basis)

  • Performance of a contract: to set up and run your account and deliver membership you've paid for.
  • Legitimate interests: to keep the site secure, moderate abuse, and understand how content performs.
  • Consent: for any optional marketing or analytics that require it. You can withdraw consent at any time.
  • Legal obligation: where we must retain records to comply with UK law.

3. Cookies

We use essential cookies to keep you logged in and remember your settings, and analytics cookies to understand traffic. You can control cookies through your browser settings. Disabling non-essential cookies won't stop you using the core site.

4. Sharing your data

We do not sell your personal data. We share data only with: our payment processor (Wix Payments), our hosting and database providers, analytics tools, and authorities where we are legally required to (e.g. a valid UK law-enforcement request). Each provider processes data only to deliver their service to us and under appropriate safeguards.

5. Retention

We keep account data for as long as your account is active. Public content (comments, messages) is generally kept until you delete it, unless we must retain it for legal reasons. You can request deletion at any time (see below).

6. Your rights

Under UK GDPR you have the right to:

  • Access the personal data we hold about you;
  • Rectify inaccurate data;
  • Erasure ("right to be forgotten");
  • Restrict or object to processing;
  • Data portability;
  • Withdraw consent where we relied on it; and
  • Lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) at ico.org.uk.

7. International transfers

Some providers process data outside the UK. Where this happens, we rely on appropriate safeguards such as UK International Data Transfer Agreements or recognised adequacy decisions.

8. Security

We use reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect your data. No method of transmission or storage is fully secure, but we work to keep things locked down.

9. Children

ESN is not directed at children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect data from them. If you believe a child has registered, contact us and we'll remove the account.

10. Contact

To exercise any right above or ask a question about your data, email info@sidders.co.uk. We'll respond within one month, as required by UK GDPR.