Privacy Policy
Last updated: 17 May 2026
1. Introduction
EWC Classifier ("we", "us", "our") operates this website. This Privacy Policy informs you of our policies regarding the collection, use and disclosure of personal data when you use our service.
2. Information We Collect
We collect the following types of information:
- Account Information: Email address and name (collected via Google OAuth)
- Classification Data: Waste descriptions and images you submit for classification
- Payment Information: Processed securely by Stripe. We do not store your payment card details.
- Usage Data: Information about how you use our website, collected via Google Analytics (cookies)
3. How We Use Your Information
We use the collected data for the following purposes:
- To provide waste classification services using AI
- To process payments for additional credits
- To maintain and improve our services
- To send service-related communications
- To comply with legal obligations
Lawful Basis for Processing
Under UK GDPR, we rely on the following lawful bases:
- Performance of a contract: Providing classification services, managing your account and processing payments.
- Consent: Analytics cookies (you may withdraw consent at any time via the cookie consent banner).
- Legitimate interests: Protecting the service against abuse and automated requests (reCAPTCHA / App Check).
- Legal obligation: Retaining payment records for tax and accounting purposes.
4. Third-Party Services
We use the following third-party services that may collect and process your data:
Used for authentication, database storage and hosting. Subject to Google's Privacy Policy.
Payment processing. Stripe's Privacy Policy applies to payment data.
Website analytics and usage tracking using cookies. You can opt out via our cookie consent banner.
We use Google reCAPTCHA v3 to protect against abuse and automated requests. reCAPTCHA collects hardware and software information (such as device and application data) and sends it to Google for analysis. Subject to Google's Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
When you submit a classification, your waste descriptions and images are sent to Google's Gemini AI API for processing. This data is processed according to Google's Generative AI Terms of Service.
5. Data Retention
- Classification History: Automatically deleted after 1 year
- Account Data: Retained until you delete your account
- Payment Records: Retained as required by tax and legal regulations (typically 7 years)
- Payment Card Details: We do not store these; they are handled securely by Stripe
6. Your Rights (GDPR/UK GDPR)
Under UK GDPR, you have the following rights:
- Right to Access: Request a copy of your personal data
- Right to Rectification: Request correction of inaccurate data
- Right to Erasure: Request deletion of your data
- Right to Data Portability: Receive your data in a portable format
- Right to Object: Object to processing of your data
- Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent at any time
To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at EWC-Classifier@outlook.com.
You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the UK Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) at ico.org.uk if you believe your data has been handled in breach of UK GDPR.
7. Cookies
We use cookies via Google Analytics to understand how you use our website. You can control cookie preferences through our cookie consent banner and your browser settings. Essential cookies required for the site to function (authentication) cannot be disabled.
8. International Data Transfers
Your data may be processed on servers located outside the UK/EEA, primarily on Google Cloud Platform servers in the United States. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place through standard contractual clauses and compliance with UK GDPR requirements.
9. Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your data, including encryption in transit (HTTPS) and at rest, access controls and regular security reviews. However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure.
10. Children's Privacy
Our service is not intended for users under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have collected data from a child, please contact us immediately.
11. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last updated" date. Continued use of the service after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
12. Contact Us
For questions about this Privacy Policy or to exercise your data rights, contact us at:
Email: EWC-Classifier@outlook.com