Privacy Policy - Dystopian Lens

Privacy Policy — Dystopian Lens

Last updated: November 2025

At Dystopian Lens, we write about imagined futures — but when it comes to your privacy, there’s nothing speculative about our approach. This page explains what data we collect, how we use it, and how you can control it. We believe transparency is non-negotiable, especially in a world where online privacy already feels like science fiction.

1. Who We Are

We’re Dystopian Lens, an independent collective of science fiction writers and critics exploring technology, storytelling, and the strange futures we seem to be living in already.
Our website address is https://dystopianlens.com and our contact email is [email protected].

For the purposes of the UK and EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), we are the data controller, meaning we determine how and why your personal data is processed.

2. The Data We Collect

We collect the minimum amount of information necessary to operate this site effectively, communicate with readers, and analyze engagement.

Information you provide directly:

When you comment on posts: your name, email address, and (if provided) website URL.
When you contact us: your email address and message content.
When you subscribe to newsletters: your name and email address.

Information collected automatically:

IP address, browser type, and basic device info (for analytics and security).
Pages visited, time spent, and referral sources (via Google Analytics).
Cookie data for site functionality and affiliate tracking.

We do not collect sensitive data such as financial details, health information, or political opinions.

3. How We Use Your Data

We use your information solely for practical, limited purposes:

To display and moderate comments.
To respond to questions or messages.
To send newsletters (only if you’ve opted in).
To analyze site performance and readership trends.
To prevent spam and maintain site security.
To comply with applicable laws and obligations.

We never sell, rent, or trade personal information. Ever.

4. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)

We process personal data under one or more of the following lawful bases:

Consent: You’ve explicitly agreed (e.g., when commenting or subscribing).
Legitimate interest: For analytics, security, and general site operation.
Contractual necessity: When replying to your inquiries or providing information you requested.
Legal obligation: To comply with law or lawful requests.

You can withdraw consent anytime by emailing [email protected].

5. Cookies and Tracking

Cookies are small text files used to improve your experience on the site.

We use three main types:

Essential cookies: For basic functionality and security.
Analytics cookies: From Google Analytics, to understand how readers use the site (anonymously).
Affiliate cookies: From networks like Awin, CJ, ShareASale, Webgains, and FlexOffers, to track purchases made via our referral links.

Cookies don’t contain personal information, and we can’t identify you through them. You can disable or delete cookies anytime in your browser settings, though some features may function less smoothly without them.

6. Third-Party Services

We work with a few third-party providers who help us operate the site responsibly:

Google Analytics: Tracks anonymized traffic data.
Google AdSense: Displays ads relevant to readers (we filter inappropriate categories).
Affiliate networks: Manage referral tracking for ethical monetization.
Web hosting provider: Stores our site data securely.
Email provider: Sends newsletters and communication.

Some of these services may process limited information outside the UK or EU. In such cases, data transfers are protected through Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) or adequacy decisions that meet GDPR requirements.

7. Data Retention

We retain data only for as long as needed for its original purpose:

Comments: indefinitely, so conversations remain intact.
Emails: up to 12 months after last correspondence.
Analytics data: up to 26 months.
Newsletter information: until you unsubscribe.

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

8. Your Rights Under GDPR

You have full control over your personal data. These are your rights:

Access: Request a copy of your personal data.
Rectification: Correct inaccurate or outdated information.
Erasure: Request that we delete your personal data.
Restriction: Ask us to pause processing while an issue is resolved.
Portability: Receive your data in a portable format.
Objection: Object to data processing based on legitimate interest (e.g., analytics).
Withdraw consent: Opt out of newsletters, cookies, or any optional processing.

To exercise your rights, email [email protected]. We’ll respond within 30 days.

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

9. Data Security

We take security seriously — dystopian fiction is fun; dystopian privacy breaches are not.
The site uses HTTPS encryption, secure hosting, and strong authentication for administrators. We keep backups encrypted and perform regular updates to prevent vulnerabilities.

While no system is completely unbreakable, we do everything possible to protect your information responsibly.

10. Children’s Data

This site is not directed at children under 13 years old. We do not knowingly collect data from minors. If we learn that we’ve done so, we’ll delete it immediately.

11. Links to External Sites

Our articles often reference other sites, including affiliate retailers, streaming platforms, or external resources. We’re not responsible for the privacy practices of those sites. Please read their privacy policies before sharing your data with them.

12. Updates to This Policy

We review and update this Privacy Policy regularly to stay compliant with laws and best practices. The latest version will always appear here with the “Last updated” date.
If significant changes occur, we’ll post a clear notice on the site.

13. Contact Us

For all privacy, GDPR, or data-related questions, contact us at:
[email protected]
Website: https://dystopianlens.com

We’ll respond personally — no bots, no algorithms, just a real human probably overanalyzing whether this counts as a cyberpunk moment.

At Dystopian Lens, we write about the consequences of technology — and that includes how data is used. We promise to handle yours ethically, transparently, and with respect. Because in our version of the future, privacy still matters.