1. Introduction

Guard IQ Ltd (“we”, “us”, “our”) provides IT support, networking, cybersecurity and device protection services across North West London.
We are committed to handling your personal data responsibly, transparently, and in line with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.

This policy explains:

• What personal data we collect
• How and why we use it
• Your rights
• Who we share data with
• How to contact us about data protection

2. The data we collect

We collect the following categories of personal data:

A. Information you give us directly

Through our website contact form, email, phone or WhatsApp:

• Name
• Email address
• Phone number
• Details about your IT issue or service request
• Business name (if provided)

B. Automatically collected data (analytics)

We use Google Analytics, Google Search Console, and Microsoft Clarity to understand how visitors use our website and to improve performance and usability.

This may include:

• IP address (anonymised where possible)
• Device and browser type
• Pages visited
• Interaction events (such as clicks and scrolling)
• Traffic sources
• Approximate location (city or region level)

Microsoft Clarity may record user interactions such as mouse movements, clicks, and scrolling.
It does not record sensitive personal data, such as form inputs, passwords, or payment information.

This data is used only to improve our website and services.

3. How we use your data

We process personal data only where we have a lawful basis. This includes:

A. To respond to enquiries

Lawful basis: Legitimate Interests

• Handling contact form submissions
• Providing quotations or diagnostics
• Booking appointments

B. To deliver our services

Lawful basis: Contract

• Scheduling callouts
• Conducting on-site or remote support
• Updating you on ongoing work

C. To improve our website and marketing

Lawful basis: Legitimate Interests

• Analysing website usage via Google Analytics
• Monitoring performance and visibility via Google Search Console
• Improving usability through Microsoft Clarity insights

D. To maintain business records and comply with law

Lawful basis: Legal Obligation

• Accounting, invoicing, and tax records
• Documentation for safeguarding, fraud prevention, or dispute resolution

We do not sell personal data and do not use it for automated decision-making or profiling.

4. How we store your data

We store data securely using trusted platforms and encrypted devices.
Data retention periods:

• Enquiry messages: up to 12 months
• Customer records and invoices: 6 years (legal requirement)
• Analytics and monitoring data: according to provider retention settings

We delete or anonymise data once no longer required.

5. Who we share data with

We only share data with service providers necessary to operate our business, all of whom are required to comply with UK GDPR.

A. Apple iCloud (email and storage)

Used for:

• Managing incoming enquiries
• Internal documentation

B. Google (Analytics and Search Console)

Used for:

• Understanding website performance
• Identifying indexing issues, search behaviour, and broken pages

Google may process data outside the UK/EU under standard contractual clauses.

C. Microsoft (Clarity)

Used for:

• Analysing website usability and interaction patterns

Microsoft processes data in accordance with its privacy policy.

D. Communication platforms

If you choose to contact us via:

• WhatsApp (Meta Platforms)
• Phone or SMS via your network provider

These services process data under their own privacy policies.

We do not share personal data with third parties for marketing purposes.

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6. Cookies

Our website uses cookies for:

• Essential website functionality
• Analytics and performance monitoring (Google Analytics and Microsoft Clarity)

When you visit our website, you will see a cookie notice explaining your choices.

You can disable non-essential cookies at any time through your browser settings.

6. Cookies

Our website uses cookies for:

• Essential website functionality
• Analytics and performance monitoring (Google Analytics and Microsoft Clarity)

When you visit our website, you will see a cookie notice explaining your choices.

You can disable non-essential cookies at any time through your browser settings.

7. Your data protection rights

You have the right to:

• Access your personal data
• Correct inaccurate information
• Request deletion (where applicable)
• Object to processing
• Restrict processing
• Request data portability

To make a request, contact us using the details below.
We must respond within one month.

8. How to contact us

For all data protection enquiries:

Guard IQ Ltd
Company Number: 16790007
Email: info@guardiq.co.uk
Service Area: North West London

9. Complaints

If you have concerns about how we handle your data, you can contact:

Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)
https://ico.org.uk/make-a-complaint

We encourage you to contact us first so we can resolve the issue quickly.

10. Updates to this policy

We may update this policy from time to time.
The latest version will always be available on our website.