Privacy & cookies

LocaleIQ (“we”, “us”) is operated from the United Kingdom. This policy explains how we use personal data and cookies when you use our website and services. It should be read together with our Terms of Service.

A cookie is a small text file stored on your device. We use cookies and local storage only where needed to run the service or, with your consent, to measure usage.

Strictly necessary / functional. These are required for core operation, for example: signing you in via Clerk (session cookies); security; remembering your cookie choice (we store your preference in localStorage under the key liq_cookie_consent_v1, not as a tracking cookie). Our neighbourhood tools may set a first-party identifier cookie to associate preferences with your browser when you use those features.

Analytics (optional). If you click “Accept analytics” on our banner, we load Google Analytics and Vercel Web Analytics to collect aggregated information about pages viewed and performance. If you choose “Essential only”, those scripts are not loaded.

Reset cookie choice (reloads page)

We process data on the basis of: contract (providing the service you ask for); legitimate interests (operating and securing the site, product improvement in aggregated form where appropriate); and consent (optional analytics, marketing emails where you opt in).

Account data. If you create an account, authentication is provided by Clerk. Clerk processes your sign-in details according to their privacy policy.

Usage and queries. When you run an analysis or search, we process the postcode or parameters you submit to generate your report. Server logs may include IP address, user agent, and timestamps for security and debugging for a limited period.

Analytics. When enabled, Google and Vercel receive event data as described in their documentation; we use this only in aggregate to understand traffic and reliability.

We use service providers who process data on our instructions, including:

• Clerk — authentication;
• Vercel — hosting and (if consented) Vercel Web Analytics;
• Google — (if consented) Google Analytics;
• Email and infrastructure providers as needed to operate the service.

We do not sell your personal data.

We keep information only as long as needed for the purposes above, including legal, security, and accounting requirements. Analytics data held by third parties is subject to their retention settings.

Under UK data protection law you may have the right to access, rectify, erase, restrict, or object to certain processing, and to lodge a complaint with the ICO (ico.org.uk). To exercise rights relating to your LocaleIQ account, contact us at the email below.

Some processors may be located outside the UK. Where required, we rely on appropriate safeguards such as the UK International Data Transfer Agreement / Addendum or adequacy regulations, as described by our providers.

LocaleIQ is intended for adults making housing and area decisions. It is not directed at children; we do not knowingly collect data from children.

We may update this policy from time to time. The effective date at the top will change when we do; continued use after changes means you accept the updated policy where the law allows.

Questions about privacy or cookies: hello@localeiq.co.uk.