Privacy Policy
How we handle your data.
Plain English. Compliant with UK GDPR.
Short version: we ask for your email so we can send you Issue One and what follows — that is handled by beehiiv. We use Microsoft Clarity to understand how the site is read and a Meta advertising pixel — both load only if you accept cookies. We never sell your data, and you can unsubscribe or opt out at any time.
1. Who we are
This site is published by Alborán Social Club Ltd, registered in England and Wales (company number 17196913) at 21 Worrell Road, Frenchay, Bristol. We are the data controller for any personal information you give us through this site.
For any privacy question, write to editors@alboransocialclub.com.
2. What we collect, and when
When you sign up for the magazine
We collect your email address. That's it.
When you enter the Raquex draw
We collect your email address, first name, and the first part of your postcode (e.g. SW1) — used solely to confirm UK or Ireland residence for prize fulfilment.
When you visit the site
We use two measurement tools:
- Microsoft Clarity — helps us understand how the site is read: pages viewed, clicks, scroll depth, device and browser, approximate location from your IP address, and anonymised session replays. Clarity automatically masks the text you type and images of personal content. It loads only after you accept the cookie notice, and never before.
- Meta Pixel — measures the effect of our advertising on Facebook and Instagram. It loads only after you accept the cookie notice, and never before.
beehiiv, our email provider, also records standard interaction data for subscribers (such as whether you opened an email).
3. Why we collect it (lawful basis)
- Consent — for marketing emails about The Alborán, Issue One, and future publications (you opt in by submitting any of our forms), and for Microsoft Clarity analytics and the Meta advertising pixel, which load only if you accept the cookie notice. You can withdraw consent at any time.
- Legitimate interests — for running the publication and fulfilling a prize (the Raquex draw).
4. Who we share it with
We don't sell your data. Beyond the trusted processors below — who act on our instructions to run the publication — we don't share it.
- beehiiv — our email service. Stores your email and any data you submitted with it. beehiiv processes data in the US under Standard Contractual Clauses.
- Microsoft Clarity — our analytics and session-replay provider. Processes the usage data described in section 2, with your text and personal content masked. May transfer data to the US under the UK Extension to the EU–US Data Privacy Framework and/or Standard Contractual Clauses. See Microsoft's privacy statement.
- Meta Platforms — receives advertising-measurement data via the Meta Pixel, and only after you accept the cookie notice, to measure and improve our advertising on Facebook and Instagram. Processes data in the US under Standard Contractual Clauses / the Data Privacy Framework.
- Vercel — hosts this site. Receives standard request data (such as your IP address and browser) when you visit.
If we ever need to add another processor (e.g. a print fulfilment partner for the Almanac), we'll update this page and tell existing subscribers in advance.
5. How long we keep it
Email subscribers — until you unsubscribe. After unsubscribe, we retain your email on a suppression list (so we never accidentally email you again) but stop processing it for any other purpose.
Raquex draw entrants — entry data is retained until six months after the draw, then deleted. If you also become a Coastal member, your email stays on our subscriber list per the rule above.
Site analytics — retained for thirteen months in aggregate form, then deleted.
6. Your rights
Under UK GDPR, you have the right to:
- Ask us what data we hold about you (a "subject access request")
- Ask us to correct anything that's wrong
- Ask us to delete your data
- Object to processing we carry out under legitimate interests, and withdraw consent for analytics or advertising cookies at any time
- Ask us to restrict how we use your data
- Withdraw consent for marketing, and for the advertising pixel, at any time (the unsubscribe link in every email is the fastest route for email; declining or clearing cookies stops the pixel)
- Ask us to send your data to you in a portable format
- Complain to the Information Commissioner's Office at ico.org.uk if you think we've handled your data badly
To exercise any of the above, write to editors@alboransocialclub.com. We'll respond within thirty days.
7. Cookies and similar technologies
We use the following cookies and local storage:
- Essential — a single item (
asc_cookies_ack_v1) that remembers you've seen this notice so we don't show it again. Always active; holds no personal data. - Analytics — Microsoft Clarity (
_clck,_clsk,CLID) — measures how the site is read, including anonymised session replays. Loads only after you accept the cookie notice. - Marketing — Meta Pixel (
_fbp) — measures our advertising on Facebook and Instagram. Set only after you select "Understood" on the cookie notice.
You can block or delete cookies at any time through your browser settings. Blocking analytics or marketing cookies will not affect your ability to read anything on the site.
8. Children
This site and its mailing list are intended for adults aged 18 or over. We do not knowingly collect data from anyone under 18. The Raquex draw and any future giveaway are restricted to entrants aged 18 or over.
9. Changes
We'll update this page when our practices change. The "last updated" date below tells you when we last did so. Material changes will also be communicated by email to existing subscribers.