Privacy policy

Inkcap Journal (“we”, “us”, “our”) is committed to protecting your privacy. This privacy policy explains how we collect, use, store and protect personal data when you use https://www.inkcapjournal.co.uk.

1. Who we are

Inkcap Journal is an independent journalism website covering nature, environment and ecology.

For the purposes of UK data protection law, Inkcap Journal is the data controller.

Contact details
Email: editor@inkcap.co.uk

2. How the website works

Inkcap Journal is published using Ghost, an open-source publishing platform, and hosted by Ghost.org.
The website may allow users to:

• Read free content
• Register as free members
• Subscribe to paid memberships or make payments
• Receive newsletters and email updates

3. Personal data we collect

a) Members and newsletter subscribers

If you register as a member or subscribe to our newsletters, we collect:

• Email address
• Name (if provided)
• Subscription status (free or paid)
• Email engagement data (such as opens and clicks)

This data is processed using Ghost’s built-in Members and newsletter system.

b) Paid subscriptions and payments

If you take out a paid subscription or make a payment, we collect:

• Name and email address
• Subscription or transaction details

Payment card details are not stored by Inkcap Journal and are handled securely by Stripe.

c) Contact and correspondence

If you contact us directly, we collect:

• Your name and email address
• The content of your message

d) Automatically collected data

When you visit the website, we may collect:

• IP address (typically anonymised)
• Browser and device information
• Pages visited and interaction data
• Referring website

4. Comments and user-generated content

Inkcap Journal does not operate a native commenting system.
If we introduce comments or third-party discussion tools in future, this policy will be updated accordingly.

5. How we use your data

We use personal data to:

• Operate and maintain the website
• Manage memberships and newsletter subscriptions
• Deliver paid subscriptions and process payments
• Communicate with readers about editorial updates or account matters
• Understand how the website is used and improve content and performance
• Meet legal and accounting obligations

We do not use your data for automated decision-making or profiling.

6. Legal basis for processing

We rely on the following legal bases under UK GDPR:

• Consent – newsletters, email communications and non-essential cookies
• Contract – paid memberships and subscriptions
• Legitimate interests – operating and improving the website
• Legal obligation – financial and regulatory compliance

You may withdraw consent at any time.

7. Website hosting and newsletters (Ghost)

Ghost.org acts as a data processor on our behalf and may process:

• Member account information
• Newsletter subscription data
• Technical data necessary for site security and performance

Ghost stores data on secure servers and complies with applicable data protection laws.

8. Payments (Stripe)

Payments are processed by Stripe, which acts as an independent data controller.

Stripe may collect:

• Billing details
• Payment method information
• Transaction records

Inkcap Journal does not have access to full card details. Stripe processes data in accordance with its own privacy policy.

9. Analytics and cookies (Google Analytics)

We use Google Analytics to understand how visitors use the site.

Google Analytics may collect:

• IP address (with anonymisation enabled where possible)
• Page views and interaction data
• Device and browser information

This data is aggregated and does not directly identify individuals.

Cookies used include:

• Essential cookies required for site operation
• Analytics cookies (subject to consent where required)

You can manage cookies through your browser settings.

10. Data retention

• Member and subscriber data is retained while your account remains active
• You may unsubscribe or delete your account at any time
• Payment records are retained only as long as required for legal and accounting purposes

11. International data transfers

Some of our service providers (including Ghost, Stripe and Google) process data outside the UK. Where this occurs, appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your data in accordance with UK GDPR.

12. Your rights

You have the right to:

• Access your personal data
• Correct inaccurate data
• Request deletion of your data
• Object to or restrict processing
• Withdraw consent at any time
• Complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)

To exercise these rights, contact us using the details above.

Last updated: 13 February 2026