GDPR - Dystopian Lens

GDPR & Data Rights — Dystopian Lens

Last updated: November 2025

We spend a lot of time here at Dystopian Lens talking about surveillance, data, and the erosion of privacy — so it’s only right that we hold ourselves to the highest standard when it comes to how we handle your personal information. This page explains your rights under the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the EU GDPR, and how we collect, use, and protect your data.

We believe in transparency, accountability, and consent — not because it sounds nice, but because the alternative is basically a plot point in every dystopian story we’ve ever covered.

1. Who We Are

We’re Dystopian Lens, an independent collective of science fiction writers, critics, and thinkers exploring the intersection of storytelling, technology, and society.
Website: https://dystopianlens.com
Contact: admin@dystopianlens.com

For the purposes of GDPR, Dystopian Lens is the data controller — meaning we decide how and why your personal data is processed.

2. What Data We Collect

We collect only the data necessary to operate the site safely and communicate effectively.

Data you provide directly:

Comments: Name, email address, and (optional) website.
Contact form or email: Your email address and message.
Newsletter subscription: Name and email address (if you opt in).

Data collected automatically:

IP address, browser type, and device information.
Pages visited, time spent, and general location (via Google Analytics).
Cookies for analytics, performance, and affiliate tracking.

We do not collect sensitive data such as financial information, political beliefs, or health records.

3. Why We Collect It

We use personal data for legitimate, transparent purposes:

To allow commenting and community discussion.
To reply to questions, suggestions, or feedback.
To send newsletters and updates (only with your consent).
To analyze traffic and improve user experience.
To prevent spam, abuse, and security breaches.
To comply with legal obligations when necessary.

We never sell, rent, or share your personal data with third parties for profit.

4. Legal Basis for Processing

We process your information under the following lawful bases defined in Article 6 of the GDPR:

Consent (6(1)(a)) – when you explicitly agree (e.g., by subscribing or commenting).
Legitimate Interest (6(1)(f)) – when processing helps us operate securely and effectively (e.g., analytics or security).
Contractual Necessity (6(1)(b)) – when responding to your requests or providing requested information.
Legal Obligation (6(1)(c)) – when required by law.

You can withdraw consent at any time by emailing admin@dystopianlens.com.

5. How Long We Keep Data

We retain personal data only as long as necessary:

Comments: Indefinitely, so discussions remain visible (you can request removal).
Emails: 12 months after the last correspondence.
Analytics: Up to 26 months.
Newsletter subscriptions: Until you unsubscribe.

When data is no longer needed, we delete or anonymize it securely.

6. Your Rights Under GDPR

You have several key rights regarding your data, including:

Access (Article 15)

You can request a copy of any personal data we hold about you.

Rectification (Article 16)

You can ask us to correct inaccurate or outdated information.

Erasure (Article 17)

You can request that we delete your personal data (“right to be forgotten”).

Restriction (Article 18)

You can ask us to limit how your data is used.

Portability (Article 20)

You can request your data in a structured, machine-readable format.

Objection (Article 21)

You can object to our processing of your data based on legitimate interests.

Withdraw Consent (Article 7)

You can withdraw consent for processing (like newsletters or cookies) anytime.

To exercise these rights, contact admin@dystopianlens.com. We’ll respond within 30 days.

If you’re not satisfied with our handling of your data, you have the right to contact the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) in the UK via https://ico.org.uk, or your local data protection authority in the EU.

7. Cookies and Tracking

Cookies are small text files stored on your device to help us understand how people use the site.

We use:

Essential cookies – for basic functions and security.
Analytics cookies – via Google Analytics, anonymized for traffic insights.
Affiliate cookies – from networks like Awin, CJ, ShareASale, Webgains, and FlexOffers, to track purchases made through our links.

Cookies don’t include personal identifiers. You can block or delete them anytime in your browser settings — the site will still work.

We don’t use invasive tracking, third-party profiling, or any tools designed to monitor user behavior beyond what’s necessary for site performance.

8. Data Transfers Outside the UK/EU

Some of our third-party partners — like Google or affiliate networks — may process data outside the UK or EU. When that happens, it’s done under Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) or adequacy decisions approved by the European Commission, ensuring equivalent privacy protection.

9. Data Security

We use HTTPS encryption, secure hosting, and restricted administrative access to protect your data. We maintain encrypted backups, apply software updates regularly, and use strong authentication to prevent unauthorized access.

If a data breach ever occurs that could impact your rights, we’ll notify you and the relevant authority within 72 hours, as required by GDPR Articles 33–34.

10. Children’s Privacy

Our site isn’t intended for users under 13 years old. We don’t knowingly collect or store information from children. If we discover we have, we’ll delete it immediately.

11. Complaints and Oversight

If you have any concerns about how your data is handled, email admin@dystopianlens.com and we’ll investigate quickly.

If you prefer to escalate the matter, you can contact:
Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)
Website: https://ico.org.uk
Helpline: +44 303 123 1113

EU users can contact their local data protection authority.

12. Policy Updates

We review and update this page regularly to ensure ongoing compliance. The current version will always be available here, with the “Last updated” date clearly displayed. If major changes occur, we’ll post a notice on the site.

13. Contact Us

For any GDPR, privacy, or data-related questions, reach us at admin@dystopianlens.com. We’ll respond personally — no automated replies, no corporate templates, just real people who take digital ethics seriously.

At Dystopian Lens, we write about imagined futures full of surveillance, control, and manipulation — and we promise not to become part of that narrative. Your data stays yours. Always.