Privacy Policy

thecritic.hk

Last updated: 2025

1. Introduction

thecritic.hk respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal data. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect information when you visit or interact with our website.

We operate in accordance with the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance (Cap. 486) of Hong Kong and relevant international data protection principles where applicable.

By using this website, you agree to the terms set out in this Privacy Policy.

2. Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of information:

a. Information You Provide Voluntarily

  • Name or pseudonym
  • Email address
  • Information submitted through contact forms, comments, newsletter sign-ups, or account registration
  • Any content you choose to submit to us

b. Information Collected Automatically

When you visit thecritic.hk, we may automatically collect:

  • IP address
  • Browser type and version
  • Device type
  • Operating system
  • Pages visited and time spent on the site
  • Referring website or source

This data is collected through cookies, analytics tools, and standard server logs.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use collected information for the following purposes:

  • To operate and maintain the website
  • To respond to enquiries or correspondence
  • To send newsletters or updates if you have opted in
  • To improve website performance, content, and user experience
  • To analyse readership trends and traffic patterns
  • To protect the website against misuse, abuse, or security threats
  • To comply with legal or regulatory obligations

We do not sell personal data to third parties.

4. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

thecritic.hk uses cookies and similar technologies to:

  • Understand how visitors use the website
  • Improve site functionality and performance
  • Measure traffic and engagement

You may disable cookies through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect certain features of the site.

5. Third-Party Services

We may use trusted third-party services, such as:

  • Analytics providers
  • Email newsletter services
  • Hosting and security providers

These third parties may process limited data on our behalf, strictly for operational purposes, and are required to comply with applicable data protection standards.

thecritic.hk is not responsible for the privacy practices of external websites linked from our site.

6. Data Retention

We retain personal data only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes outlined in this policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law.

7. Data Security

We take reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect personal data against unauthorised access, loss, misuse, or disclosure.

However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is completely secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security.

8. Your Rights

Depending on applicable law, you may have the right to:

  • Access your personal data
  • Request correction of inaccurate data
  • Request deletion of your data
  • Withdraw consent for data processing
  • Object to certain uses of your data

Requests can be made by contacting us using the details below.

9. Children’s Privacy

thecritic.hk is not intended for children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children.

10. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated revision date.

Continued use of the website after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

11. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or how your data is handled, you may contact us at: