Privacy Policy

Last updated: December 15, 2024

1. Introduction

Knowledge Ascend Limited ("we", "our", or "us") is committed to protecting and respecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website knowledge-ascend.com, use our electric vehicle charging services, or engage with us in any other way.

This policy applies to all information collected by Knowledge Ascend and complies with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

2. Data Controller Information

Data Controller: Knowledge Ascend Limited
Registered Address: 15 Portland Street, Manchester M1 3BE, United Kingdom
Company Registration Number: 12345678
ICO Registration Number: ZA123456
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +44 161 123 4567

3. Information We Collect

3.1 Personal Information You Provide

We collect information you provide directly to us, including:

• Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, postal address
• Account Information: Username, password, and account preferences
• Service Information: Details about your charging requirements, vehicle information, installation preferences
• Communication Data: Information from your communications with us, including emails, phone calls, and chat messages
• Payment Information: Billing address and payment method details (payment card information is processed by our secure payment processors)
• Marketing Preferences: Your preferences for receiving marketing communications

3.2 Information We Collect Automatically

When you use our website or services, we automatically collect certain information:

• Usage Data: Information about how you use our website, including pages visited, time spent, and user interactions
• Device Information: Information about your device, including IP address, browser type, operating system, and device identifiers
• Location Data: General location information based on IP address (with your consent, we may collect more precise location data)
• Charging Data: When you use our charging services, we collect data about charging sessions, energy consumption, and usage patterns
• Cookies and Tracking Technologies: As described in our Cookie Policy

3.3 Information from Third Parties

We may receive information about you from third parties, including:

• Business partners and service providers
• Payment processors
• Marketing and analytics providers
• Public databases and sources

4. How We Use Your Information

We use your information for the following purposes:

4.1 Service Provision

• Providing and managing our charging services
• Processing service requests and installations
• Managing your account and preferences
• Processing payments and billing
• Providing customer support

4.2 Communication

• Responding to your inquiries and requests
• Sending service-related notifications
• Providing technical support
• Sending marketing communications (with your consent)

4.3 Business Operations

• Improving our services and website
• Conducting research and analytics
• Ensuring security and preventing fraud
• Complying with legal obligations
• Protecting our rights and interests

5. Legal Basis for Processing

We process your personal data based on the following legal grounds:

• Contract Performance: To provide our services and fulfil our contractual obligations
• Legitimate Interests: For business operations, security, and service improvement
• Consent: For marketing communications and optional services
• Legal Compliance: To comply with applicable laws and regulations
• Vital Interests: To protect health and safety where necessary

6. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We may share your information in the following circumstances:

6.1 Service Providers

We work with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating our business, including:

• Installation and maintenance contractors
• Payment processors
• IT and cloud service providers
• Marketing and analytics services
• Customer support providers

6.2 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information when required by law or to:

• Comply with legal process or government requests
• Protect our rights, property, or safety
• Protect the rights, property, or safety of our users or others
• Investigate or prevent illegal activities

6.3 Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of the transaction.

7. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to:

• Provide our services to you
• Comply with legal obligations
• Resolve disputes and enforce agreements
• Improve our services

Specific retention periods include:

• Account Information: For the duration of your account plus 7 years
• Charging Data: Up to 5 years for operational and safety purposes
• Marketing Data: Until you withdraw consent or 3 years from last engagement
• Financial Records: 7 years as required by law

8. Your Rights

Under UK GDPR, you have the following rights regarding your personal data:

8.1 Right of Access

You can request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.

8.2 Right of Rectification

You can request correction of inaccurate or incomplete personal data.

8.3 Right of Erasure

You can request deletion of your personal data in certain circumstances.

8.4 Right to Restrict Processing

You can request limitation of how we process your personal data.

8.5 Right to Data Portability

You can request transfer of your personal data to another organisation.

8.6 Right to Object

You can object to certain types of processing, including direct marketing.

8.7 Rights Related to Automated Decision Making

You have rights regarding automated decision-making and profiling.

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at [email protected] or +44 161 123 4567.

9. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal data, including:

• Encryption of data in transit and at rest
• Access controls and authentication systems
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Staff training on data protection
• Incident response procedures

While we strive to protect your information, no method of transmission or storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security but will notify you of any security breaches as required by law.

10. International Transfers

We primarily process personal data within the UK and European Economic Area. When we transfer data outside these areas, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, including:

• Adequacy decisions by the UK government
• Standard contractual clauses
• Binding corporate rules
• Certification schemes

11. Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to children under 16 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 16. If we become aware that we have collected personal data from a child under 16, we will take steps to delete such information.

12. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience on our website. For detailed information about our use of cookies, please see our Cookie Policy.

13. Marketing Communications

We may send you marketing communications about our services if:

• You have given consent
• You are an existing customer and we are marketing similar services
• You have not opted out of receiving such communications

You can unsubscribe from marketing communications at any time by:

• Clicking the unsubscribe link in any email
• Contacting us at [email protected]
• Updating your preferences in your account settings

14. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or applicable laws. We will notify you of any material changes by:

• Posting the updated policy on our website
• Sending you an email notification
• Providing notice through our services

Your continued use of our services after any changes indicates your acceptance of the updated policy.

15. Complaints and Regulatory Authority

If you have concerns about how we handle your personal data, please contact us first. If you remain unsatisfied, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO):

Information Commissioner's Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire SK9 5AF
Phone: 0303 123 1113
Website: ico.org.uk

16. Contact Information

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

Knowledge Ascend Limited
Data Protection Officer
15 Portland Street
Manchester M1 3BE
United Kingdom
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +44 161 123 4567