Introduction
Build My PC ("we", "us", "our") operates the website buildmypc.uk.
Build My PC is a UK PC parts price comparison and affiliate website. We do not sell products directly. Instead, we help users compare components, prices and retailers, and we may earn a commission when you click certain links or make a purchase through an affiliate partner.
This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store and share personal data when you use buildmypc.uk, create an account, interact with our content, or contact us.
We are committed to handling personal data fairly, lawfully and transparently in line with UK data protection law, including the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or how we use personal data, please contact us at privacy@buildmypc.uk.
Who We Are
Build My PC is the operator of buildmypc.uk and the controller of the personal data described in this policy, unless stated otherwise.
Website: buildmypc.uk
Contact email: privacy@buildmypc.uk
What We Collect
The personal data we collect depends on how you use the website.
Information you provide directly
- your email address;
- your account login details and authentication information through Firebase Auth;
- any display name, username or profile information you choose to provide;
- the contents of messages, enquiries or requests you send to us; and
- any other information you choose to provide when using account features or contacting us.
Information collected automatically
- IP address;
- browser type and version;
- device type and operating system;
- pages viewed and features used;
- referral source;
- date and time of visits;
- approximate location derived from IP address;
- clicks on retailer and affiliate links; and
- cookie and consent preference data.
Information from cookies and similar technologies
We use cookies and similar technologies to run the site, understand usage, remember preferences, and measure clicks to affiliate partners. Some of these technologies are set by us and some are set by third parties.
For full details, please see our Cookie Policy.
How We Collect Personal Data
- directly from you when you create an account, sign in, contact us or use site features;
- automatically through your browser or device when you access the website; and
- from third-party service providers or partners where necessary to operate the website, measure performance, manage authentication, or track affiliate referrals.
Why We Use Personal Data
- to provide and operate the website;
- to create and manage user accounts;
- to authenticate users securely using Firebase Auth;
- to respond to enquiries, support requests and privacy requests;
- to understand how visitors use the website and improve performance, content and user experience;
- to maintain website security, detect abuse, fraud or technical issues, and protect our users and business;
- to measure the performance of outbound retailer links and affiliate relationships;
- to comply with legal and regulatory obligations; and
- to establish, exercise or defend legal claims where necessary.
Our Lawful Bases
Under UK data protection law, we rely on one or more of the following lawful bases depending on the activity:
Performance of a contract
Where processing is necessary to create, manage and secure your account, or to provide services you request.
Legitimate interests
Where processing is necessary for our legitimate interests in operating, improving and protecting Build My PC, provided those interests are not overridden by your rights and interests. This may include website administration, service improvement, fraud prevention, network security, internal reporting and responding to non-account enquiries.
Consent
Where required by law, we rely on your consent, particularly for non-essential cookies, analytics cookies and certain third-party tracking technologies.
You can withdraw cookie consent at any time through our cookie controls.
Legal obligation
Where we need to process personal data to comply with legal or regulatory requirements.
Affiliate Links and Retailer Tracking
Build My PC is an affiliate website. This means that when you click certain links to retailers or marketplaces, tracking technologies may be used to record that your visit came from buildmypc.uk so that we may receive a commission if you make a qualifying purchase.
This tracking may involve:
- redirect links operated by us or an affiliate network;
- retailer or network cookies;
- click identifiers;
- campaign parameters; and
- limited technical or referral information.
We do not control the privacy practices of third-party retailers, marketplaces or affiliate networks once you leave our website. You should read the privacy and cookie policies of those third parties before purchasing or submitting personal information to them.
Sharing Personal Data
We may share personal data where necessary with:
- hosting, infrastructure, authentication and database providers, including Google Firebase and related Google Cloud services;
- analytics providers;
- affiliate networks, marketplaces and retailers where a user clicks an affiliate link or where tracking is enabled by consent;
- professional advisers such as lawyers, accountants, auditors or insurers;
- regulators, law enforcement agencies, courts or public authorities where required by law or to protect our rights; and
- a buyer, investor, successor or restructuring party in connection with a merger, acquisition, financing, sale of assets or similar corporate transaction.
We do not sell your personal data.
International Transfers
Some of our service providers or partners may process personal data outside the UK.
Where personal data is transferred internationally, we take steps to ensure that an appropriate level of protection is in place, which may include adequacy regulations, contractual safeguards, or other lawful transfer mechanisms recognised under UK data protection law.
Data Retention
We keep personal data only for as long as necessary for the purposes set out in this Privacy Policy, including to provide the website, maintain user accounts, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes and enforce our agreements.
Retention periods may vary depending on the type of data and the reason we hold it. When personal data is no longer required, we will delete it or anonymise it where appropriate.
Security
We use reasonable technical and organisational measures designed to protect personal data against unauthorised access, loss, misuse, alteration or disclosure.
No online service can guarantee absolute security, but we take security seriously and review our measures on an ongoing basis.
Your Rights
Under UK data protection law, you may have the right to:
- request access to your personal data;
- request correction of inaccurate or incomplete personal data;
- request deletion of your personal data in certain circumstances;
- request restriction of processing in certain circumstances;
- object to processing based on legitimate interests;
- request transfer of certain personal data to you or another provider;
- withdraw consent where we rely on consent; and
- complain to the Information Commissioner's Office if you believe your rights have been infringed.
To exercise any of these rights, please contact privacy@buildmypc.uk.
We may ask for reasonable proof of identity before acting on certain requests.
Third-Party Websites
Our website links to third-party websites, including retailers, marketplaces and affiliate partners. We are not responsible for the privacy practices, content or security of third-party websites.
Children's Privacy
Build My PC is not intended for young children, and we do not knowingly collect personal data from children where consent of a parent or guardian would be required.
Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in law, technology, our services or our business operations.
When we make material changes, we will update the effective date and, where appropriate, take additional steps to bring the changes to your attention.
Contact and Complaints
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or want to exercise your data protection rights, please contact:
You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office if you are unhappy with how your personal data has been handled.