Privacy Policy

Who we are

Fat Man's Journey (fatmansjourney.com) is operated by Karl Smith, a sole trader based in the United Kingdom. If you have any questions about this policy or your data, contact: hello@fatmansjourney.com.

The short version

This site does not have accounts, logins, comments, or newsletters. Nothing you type into the calculators is sent to a server or stored anywhere - all calculations run entirely in your browser. The only data collected is anonymous analytics about how people use the site, plus what is necessary for the Amazon affiliate links to work.

What data is collected

Analytics data (Google Analytics)

This site uses Google Analytics 4 to understand how many people visit, which tools are popular, and roughly where visitors are (country level only). Google Analytics may collect:

• Pages visited and time spent on each
• Approximate location (country and city level)
• Device type, browser, and operating system
• How you arrived at the site (e.g. Google search, direct link)
• A truncated (anonymised) IP address

This data is aggregated and anonymous. It is not used to identify you personally. For more on how Google handles analytics data, see How Google uses data when you use our partners' sites or apps.

Affiliate link data (Amazon Associates)

Some links on this site are affiliate links to Amazon. When you click one, Amazon sets a cookie on your device so that if you make a purchase, Amazon knows you came from this site. This is how the affiliate commission works. The cookie is set by Amazon, not by this site, and Amazon's own privacy policy applies to any data they collect. See Amazon's Privacy Notice.

This site does not see or store any information about what you buy, or even whether you bought anything. Amazon handles everything and simply reports a commission total (without identifying individual customers) back to the site operator.

What is NOT collected

• No names, email addresses, or phone numbers
• No data from the calculator inputs (all calculations happen in your browser)
• No payment information (this site does not sell anything directly)
• No health or medical data of any kind

Cookies

This site uses cookies for two purposes:

• Analytics cookies - set by Google Analytics to measure site usage. These collect anonymous statistical data.
• Affiliate cookies - set by Amazon when you click an affiliate link, to track referrals.

Under the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025, analytics cookies that are used solely for statistical purposes to improve a service are exempt from requiring opt-in consent, provided users are clearly informed and given an easy way to opt out. This site relies on that exemption for Google Analytics cookies.

To opt out of Google Analytics across all websites, you can install the official Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on. You can also block or delete cookies through your browser settings at any time.

Lawful basis for processing

Under UK GDPR, this site relies on the following lawful bases:

• Legitimate interests for analytics - understanding how the tools are used so they can be improved. This is a minimal, anonymous form of processing that does not override your rights.
• Legitimate interests for affiliate links - the site is free to run and affiliate commissions help cover hosting costs.

Who your data is shared with

Data is shared with two third parties:

• Google (Google Analytics) - for site usage statistics. Google may transfer data outside the UK under standard contractual clauses.
• Amazon (Amazon Associates) - when you click an affiliate link. Amazon handles this under their own privacy policy.

No data is sold, rented, or shared with anyone else.

How long data is kept

Google Analytics data is retained for 14 months, which is the standard Google Analytics retention period. After that, it is automatically deleted. Affiliate cookie duration is set by Amazon - typically 24 hours for most products.

International transfers

Google Analytics and Amazon are US-based companies. Where data is transferred outside the UK, it is protected by standard contractual clauses approved by the UK government. No special category (sensitive) data is ever transferred.

Your rights under UK GDPR

You have the following rights regarding any personal data held about you:

• Right of access - you can ask what data is held about you.
• Right to rectification - you can ask for inaccurate data to be corrected.
• Right to erasure - you can ask for your data to be deleted.
• Right to restrict processing - you can ask for processing to be limited.
• Right to object - you can object to processing based on legitimate interests.
• Right to data portability - you can ask for your data in a portable format.

In practice, because this site does not collect personally identifiable information, there is usually nothing to access, correct, or delete. But if you have a concern, email hello@fatmansjourney.com and it will be addressed.

How to complain

If you are unhappy with how your data has been handled, you can complain to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO):

• Website: ico.org.uk/make-a-complaint
• Phone: 0303 123 1113
• Post: Information Commissioner's Office, Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 5AF

ICO registration

As a sole trader using analytics and affiliate links for a free, non-commercial website, there is no requirement to register with the ICO as a data controller. However, this site complies with UK GDPR principles regardless.

Changes to this policy

This policy may be updated from time to time. The date at the top shows when it was last revised. Significant changes will be noted on the site.