Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Trusted Media Limited ("we", "our", or "us") operates the wehelpcompare price comparison service (the "Service") through our website at wehelpcompare.com and related domains.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website or use our services. Please read this policy carefully to understand our views and practices regarding your personal data.

By using our Service, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us when you:

• Register for an account or subscribe to our newsletter
• Complete comparison forms or request quotes
• Contact us through our website or email
• Participate in surveys or promotional activities
• Submit reviews or feedback

This information may include: name, email address, phone number, postcode, date of birth, household composition, current provider details, usage patterns, and preferences.

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website, we automatically collect certain information about your device and usage, including:

• IP address and location data
• Browser type and version
• Device information and operating system
• Pages visited and time spent on our site
• Referring website and search terms used
• Cookies and similar tracking technologies

2.3 Third-Party Information

We may receive information about you from third-party partners, affiliate networks, marketing companies, and publicly available sources to enhance our services and provide better comparisons.

3. How We Use Your Information

We process your personal information for the following purposes:

• Service Provision: To provide price comparisons, generate quotes, and facilitate switching between providers
• Communication: To respond to your enquiries and provide customer support
• Personalisation: To customise your experience and show relevant offers
• Marketing: To send promotional materials and newsletters (with your consent)
• Analytics: To analyse website usage and improve our services
• Legal Compliance: To comply with legal obligations and protect our rights
• Fraud Prevention: To detect and prevent fraudulent activities

4. Legal Basis for Processing

Under UK GDPR, we process your personal data based on:

• Consent: Where you have given clear consent for specific purposes
• Contract: Where processing is necessary to fulfil our services to you
• Legal Obligation: Where we must process data to comply with the law
• Legitimate Interest: Where we have a legitimate business interest that doesn't override your privacy rights

5. Information Sharing and Disclosure

5.1 Third-Party Partners

We may share your information with trusted third-party partners, including:

• Energy suppliers, broadband providers, and other service providers to obtain quotes
• Affiliate networks and marketing partners
• Analytics and advertising services (Google Analytics, Facebook, etc.)
• Customer service and support platforms
• Payment processors and fraud prevention services

5.2 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information where required by law, court order, or to protect our rights and safety.

5.3 Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction, subject to the same privacy protections.

6. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your browsing experience. Our cookies include:

• Essential Cookies: Required for basic website functionality
• Analytics Cookies: To understand how visitors use our site
• Marketing Cookies: To deliver relevant advertisements
• Preference Cookies: To remember your settings and preferences

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

7. Data Retention

We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes outlined in this policy, unless a longer retention period is required by law. Specific retention periods include:

• Account information: Until account deletion or 3 years of inactivity
• Transaction records: 7 years for tax and regulatory purposes
• Marketing data: Until you unsubscribe or withdraw consent
• Website analytics: Up to 26 months

8. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorised access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. Our security measures include:

• SSL encryption for data transmission
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Access controls and staff training
• Secure data storage and backup procedures

However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

9. Your Rights

Under UK GDPR, you have the following rights regarding your personal data:

• Right to Access: Request a copy of your personal data
• Right to Rectification: Correct inaccurate or incomplete data
• Right to Erasure: Request deletion of your data (subject to legal requirements)
• Right to Restrict Processing: Limit how we use your data
• Right to Data Portability: Receive your data in a structured format
• Right to Object: Object to processing for marketing or legitimate interests
• Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent at any time

To exercise these rights, please contact us at hello@wehelpcompare.com. We will respond within one month of your request.

10. International Transfers

Some of our service providers may be located outside the UK. Where we transfer personal data internationally, we ensure adequate protection through:

• Transfers to countries with adequate data protection laws
• Standard contractual clauses approved by the UK ICO
• Binding corporate rules or certification schemes

11. Third-Party Links

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

12. Children's Privacy

Our services are not intended for individuals under 16 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 16. If you believe we have collected such information, please contact us immediately.

13. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new policy on this page and updating the "Last updated" date. For material changes, we may provide additional notice via email or website notification.

14. Contact Information

15. Complaints

If you believe we have not handled your personal data properly, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), the UK's data protection regulator. You can contact the ICO at ico.org.uk or call their helpline on 0303 123 1113.