privacy policy

Effective Date: 23.09.2024

Last Updated: 10.05.2026

This Privacy Policy explains how Dot Theory ("Website", "Site", "we", "our", or "us") collects, uses, stores, and protects personal information.

By using this Website, you agree to the practices described in this Privacy Policy.

1. Who We Are

Dot Theory is a research and publication website operated by:

Stefaan Vossen

Website: https://www.dottheory.co.uk/

Contact: stefaanvossen@gmail.com

2. Information We Collect

Depending on how visitors interact with the Website, we may collect the following information.

Information You Voluntarily Provide

Information submitted through the Website contact form may be transmitted to and stored within a Gmail account operated by the Website operator for the purpose of responding to enquiries and maintaining correspondence records.

By submitting the contact form, users acknowledge that their submitted information may be processed and stored through Google's email infrastructure, subject to Google's own privacy and security practices.

This may include:

  • name,

  • email address,

  • contact details,

  • messages submitted through forms,

  • newsletter subscription information,

  • correspondence,

  • and any information voluntarily submitted by users.

Information Automatically Collected

We may automatically collect:

  • IP address,

  • browser type,

  • operating system,

  • device information,

  • referring URLs,

  • pages visited,

  • time spent on pages,

  • usage statistics,

  • cookies,

  • and analytics data.

3. How We Use Information

Information submitted through the contact form may be used to:

  • respond to enquiries;

  • communicate with users;

  • maintain correspondence records;

  • and administer Website-related communications.

Contact form submissions transmitted via Gmail may be processed on servers located outside the United Kingdom or European Economic Area, subject to Google's applicable data protection safeguards.

4. How We Use Information

We may use collected information to:

  • operate and maintain the Website;

  • improve Website functionality and performance;

  • respond to inquiries or communications;

  • send updates or newsletters where consent has been provided;

  • monitor usage and analytics;

  • maintain Website security;

  • comply with legal obligations;

  • and protect against misuse or abuse.

We do not sell personal data.

5. Legal Basis for Processing (UK/EU Users)

Where UK GDPR or EU GDPR applies, processing may rely on one or more of the following legal bases:

  • consent;

  • legitimate interests;

  • contractual necessity;

  • compliance with legal obligations;

  • or protection of legal rights.

6. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

The Website may use cookies and similar technologies for:

  • essential functionality,

  • analytics,

  • security,

  • performance monitoring,

  • and user experience improvements.

Cookies may include first-party or third-party cookies.

Users may disable cookies through browser settings, although certain Website functionality may be affected.

Where required by law, consent will be requested before non-essential cookies are used.

7. Analytics, Artificial Intelligence, and Third-Party Services

The Website may use artificial intelligence tools, automated processing systems, or third-party AI service providers for purposes such as:

  • drafting or editing content;

  • generating summaries;

  • producing visualisations or media;

  • software development assistance;

  • research assistance;

  • or improving Website functionality.

Where user-submitted information is processed using third-party AI services, such processing may be subject to the privacy policies and terms of those providers.

Users should avoid submitting confidential, sensitive, or highly personal information through Website forms or communications unless explicitly requested and adequately protected.

The Website may also use third-party providers including, for example:

The Website may use third-party providers including, for example:

  • Google Analytics,

  • hosting providers,

  • GitHub,

  • embedded media providers,

  • content delivery networks,

  • email providers,

  • or social media integrations.

These third parties may independently collect data under their own privacy policies.

We encourage users to review the privacy policies of third-party services.

8. International Data Transfers

Because the Website is accessible globally and may use international service providers, personal information may be processed outside the United Kingdom or European Economic Area.

Where required, reasonable safeguards will be implemented to protect personal data.

9. Data Retention

We retain personal information only for as long as reasonably necessary for:

  • communication purposes,

  • operational purposes,

  • security monitoring,

  • legal compliance,

  • dispute resolution,

  • or legitimate business interests.

When information is no longer required, it may be securely deleted or anonymised.

10. Data Security

We use reasonable technical and organisational measures to help protect personal information.

However, no method of electronic transmission or storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

11. Your Rights

Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have rights including:

  • the right to access your personal data;

  • the right to correct inaccurate information;

  • the right to request deletion of data;

  • the right to object to certain processing;

  • the right to restrict processing;

  • the right to data portability;

  • and the right to withdraw consent where processing is based on consent.

Requests may be submitted to:

[Insert Contact Email]

12. Children's Privacy

This Website is not directed toward children under the age of 13, or any higher minimum age required by local law.

We do not knowingly collect personal information from children.

13. External Websites

The Website may contain links to external websites or services.

We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of third-party websites.

14. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically.

Updated versions will be published on this page with a revised effective date.

Continued use of the Website after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the revised Privacy Policy.

15. Contact Information

For questions or requests relating to this Privacy Policy, please contact:

Stefaan Vossen
stefaanvossen@gmail.com