Privacy Policy & Terms
How we collect, use, and protect your personal data — and the terms governing use of this website.
Last updated: March 2026
Who We Are
Loug Chokan is a registered UK charity dedicated to transforming lives through education, nutrition, and community-led sustainable development in Sistan & Baluchestan, Iran.
For the purposes of UK data protection law, Loug Chokan is the data controller responsible for your personal information collected through this website (lougchokan.org).
This Privacy Policy applies to all personal data we process about supporters, donors, volunteers, and website visitors. It complies with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.
Data We Collect
We may collect the following personal data when you use our website, make a donation, or contact us:
- Identity data: first name, last name
- Contact data: email address, phone number, postal address
- Financial data: payment information processed securely through our third-party payment providers (we do not store card details)
- Transaction data: details of donations and sponsorship contributions you have made
- Communication data: your preferences for receiving updates and marketing from us
- Technical data: IP address, browser type, pages visited, and time spent on site (collected via cookies — see Section 8)
We do not knowingly collect data from children under the age of 13 without verifiable parental consent.
How We Use Your Data
We use your personal data for the following purposes:
- To process donations and issue Gift Aid declarations where applicable
- To contact you about sponsorship opportunities you have expressed interest in
- To send you updates about our work, campaigns, and impact — where you have opted in
- To respond to enquiries and provide support
- To comply with legal and regulatory obligations as a registered charity
- To improve our website and communications
We will never sell your data or use it for purposes incompatible with why it was collected.
Legal Basis for Processing
Under UK GDPR, we process your data on the following lawful bases:
- Consent — for sending email updates and marketing communications, and for contacting you about sponsorship opportunities
- Contract — to process your donation or sponsorship agreement
- Legal obligation — to comply with charity law, Gift Aid rules, and HMRC requirements
- Legitimate interests — for website security and fraud prevention
Where we rely on consent as the legal basis, you have the right to withdraw it at any time. Withdrawal does not affect the lawfulness of processing carried out before withdrawal.
Data Sharing
We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal data. We may share it with the following categories of trusted third parties, strictly as necessary:
- Payment processors (e.g. PayPal, Stripe) — to handle donations securely
- Email service providers — to send newsletters and campaign updates
- IT and website service providers — including our web host and Suri Media (our web design partner)
- Regulatory bodies — the Charity Commission, HMRC, or the ICO if legally required
All third parties are required to protect your data and use it only for the specific purpose we have instructed. We do not transfer your data outside the UK or EEA unless adequate safeguards are in place.
How Long We Keep Your Data
We retain personal data only as long as necessary for the purposes collected, or as required by law:
- Donation and Gift Aid records: 7 years (HMRC requirement)
- Contact and supporter records: 3 years after your last interaction with us, or until you request deletion
- Email marketing consent records: retained until you unsubscribe or request erasure
- Website analytics data: typically anonymised after 26 months
Your Rights
Under UK GDPR, you have the following rights regarding your personal data:
- Right of access — to request a copy of the data we hold about you
- Right to rectification — to ask us to correct inaccurate data
- Right to erasure — to request deletion of your data (“right to be forgotten”)
- Right to restrict processing — to ask us to pause use of your data
- Right to data portability — to receive your data in a portable format
- Right to object — to object to processing based on legitimate interests
- Right to withdraw consent — at any time, without affecting prior processing
To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the details in Section 10. We will respond within 30 days.
Cookies
Our website uses cookies — small text files stored on your device — to improve functionality and understand how visitors use the site.
- Essential cookies: required for the site to function (e.g. session, security). These cannot be disabled.
- Analytics cookies: used to understand visitor behaviour (e.g. Google Analytics). These are only set with your consent.
- Functional cookies: remember your preferences (e.g. language, form data).
You can manage cookie preferences through our cookie banner, or via your browser settings at any time. Disabling analytics cookies will not affect your experience of the site.
Terms & Conditions of Use
By accessing and using lougchokan.org, you agree to the following terms:
Use of the website
This website is provided for general information about Loug Chokan’s charitable activities and to facilitate donations and enquiries. You agree not to misuse the website, attempt to gain unauthorised access, or use it in any way that is unlawful or harmful.
Donations
All donations made through this website are voluntary and non-refundable except in exceptional circumstances at our discretion. Donations are used to fund our charitable programmes as described on this website. Loug Chokan is a registered UK charity and all donations are applied in accordance with our charitable objects.
Intellectual property
All content on this website — including text, images, logos, and graphics — is the property of Loug Chokan or its licensors and is protected by UK and international copyright law. Reproduction, distribution, or use for commercial or AI training purposes is strictly prohibited without prior written consent.
Third-party links
Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the content, privacy practices, or accuracy of any linked site. Visiting external links is at your own risk.
Limitation of liability
Loug Chokan takes all reasonable care to ensure the accuracy of content on this website but accepts no liability for errors, omissions, or any loss arising from reliance on information published here. Nothing in these terms limits liability for fraud, personal injury, or any other liability that cannot lawfully be excluded.
Governing law
These terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.
Changes to these terms
We may update this Privacy Policy and Terms at any time. The “Last updated” date at the top of this page reflects the most recent revision. Continued use of the website after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated terms.
Contact & Complaints
For any questions about this policy, to exercise your data rights, or to make a complaint, please contact us: