Privacy & Data Protection
Professional Data Protection Since 2002
As a professional consultancy serving governments, financial institutions and leading steelmakers, we maintain the highest standards of data protection and client confidentiality. Our privacy practices reflect the same professional rigour we apply to strategic advisory work and expert witness services.
Legal Framework
This privacy policy is provided in accordance with:
- The Data Protection Act 2018
- The UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR)
- The Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR) 2003
These regulations govern how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal data.
Regulatory Compliance & Registration
ICO Registration: Metals Consulting International Limited has been registered with the Data Protection Officer of the UK Information Commissioner's Office since January 2002 (Registration Number: Z6374301), demonstrating over two decades of compliance commitment.
Current Compliance Framework:
- UK Data Protection Act 2018
- EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
- Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR)
- California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) for international clients
- Professional consulting confidentiality standards
Legal Basis: As a professional services firm handling sensitive commercial information for government and corporate clients, our data processing operates under legitimate interest, contractual necessity, and explicit consent frameworks as appropriate to each engagement type.
Information We Collect & Processing Purposes
Given our role as both a public intelligence platform and professional advisory firm, we handle different categories of information with appropriate protection levels:
• Basic website analytics (anonymised)
• Newsletter subscription data (optional)
• Search queries and content preferences
• Technical data for site optimisation
• Professional contact information
• Industry sector and role details
• Payment processing data (secure third-party)
• Content access preferences and usage patterns
• Expert witness case materials
• Court documentation and evidence
• Attorney-client privileged communications
• Litigation support documentation (maximum security)
Processing Purposes: Information is used exclusively for service delivery, platform improvement, regulatory compliance, and legitimate business communications. Marketing communications require explicit opt-in consent and can be withdrawn at any time.
Security Measures & Professional Standards
Technical Safeguards:
- SSL encryption for all data transmission
- MySQL database systems with password-protected access controls
- Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments
- Secure backup procedures with encryption at rest
- Multi-factor authentication for administrative access
Professional Protocols:
- Professional Indemnity Insurance coverage including data protection
- Compliance with Institute of Consulting professional conduct standards
- Client-specific confidentiality agreements for advisory engagements
- Secure document handling protocols for sensitive government and corporate materials
Industry-Specific Considerations: Given our work with commercially sensitive steel industry intelligence, government restructuring programs, and investment analysis, we apply enhanced security measures including robust firewall protection, secure file transfer protocols for confidential client work, and encrypted communication channels for international project coordination.
Your Data Protection Rights
Under UK and EU data protection law, you have comprehensive rights regarding your personal information:
Request copies of your personal data and information about how we process it
Request correction of incomplete or inaccurate personal information
Request deletion of your personal data subject to legal and contractual obligations
Request limitation of processing activities for your personal data
Receive your personal data in a structured, machine-readable format
Object to processing based on legitimate interests or direct marketing
Exercising Your Rights: Contact our Data Protection Officer at info@steelonthenet.com with your specific request. We respond to all valid requests within one month, with possible extension to three months for complex requests.
Data Retention
Retention Periods:
- Website Analytics: 26 months maximum (industry standard)
- Newsletter Subscriptions: Until withdrawal of consent
- Member Accounts: Duration of subscription plus 7 years for financial records
- Legal Case Materials: As required by court orders or legal proceedings
Professional Confidentiality Standards
As professional consultants serving institutional clients, our privacy practices extend beyond statutory requirements to include:
Enhanced security for national policy work, restructuring programs, and classified economic analysis
Bank-level confidentiality for M&A transactions, feasibility studies, and investment analysis
Attorney-client privilege protection and court-mandated evidence security protocols
Commercial confidentiality for proprietary market data, competitive analysis, and strategic insights
Cookies & Website Analytics
Essential Cookies: Necessary for website functionality including session management, security features, and basic site operations.
Analytics Cookies: We use Statcounter to understand how visitors interact with our content, helping us improve our steel industry intelligence platform. This includes:
- Page views and user journey analysis
- Geographic distribution of our global audience
- Content performance measurement
- Technical performance monitoring
Marketing Cookies: Only used with explicit consent for remarketing campaigns and personalised content delivery. You can withdraw consent at any time through our cookie preference centre.
For comprehensive cookie information, please review our dedicated cookies policy.
Third Party Service Providers
We work with carefully selected service providers who meet our professional confidentiality standards:
- Payment Processing: Secure payment provider for subscription services (PayPal)
- Email Services: Professional email platforms with enterprise-grade security
- Analytics Providers: Statcounter for website intelligence
- Legal Technology: Secure case management systems for expert witness work
- Professional Services: IT support and legal counsel operating under professional privilege
All third-party providers are bound by appropriate data processing agreements and maintain security standards compatible with our professional requirements.
Policy Updates & Contact Information
Policy Maintenance: This privacy policy is reviewed annually and updated as necessary to reflect changes in data protection law, business practices, or service offerings. Material changes are communicated to affected users via email and website notification.
Professional Review: Our privacy practices are subject to regular legal review to ensure compliance with evolving data protection requirements and professional consulting standards.
Data Protection Contact
Email: info@steelonthenet.com
ICO Registration: Z6374301 (registered since January 2002)
For comprehensive company information, please visit our contact page.
Beyond Data Protection: Professional Steel Industry Services
While you're here learning about our privacy standards, discover the strategic advisory services that governments and top steelmakers trust worldwide.
Supervisory Authority: You have the right to lodge complaints with the UK Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) regarding our data processing activities. Contact details: ico.org.uk
About This Policy: This privacy statement applies to SteelOnTheNet, operated by Metals Consulting International Limited. Our commitment to data protection reflects the professional standards we maintain across all aspects of our steel industry advisory and intelligence services.
Policy Effective Date: 1st January 2025
Last Updated: 1st January 2026
Next Review: January 2027