Privacy Policy

Who this policy applies to

This policy applies to visitors using LinkSpeed.co.uk, including the broadband speed test, provider pages, Wi-Fi guides, switching and rights pages, broadband news, contact form and related tools.

LinkSpeed provides general broadband information and browser-based testing. It is not a broadband provider and does not manage your broadband account.

Information LinkSpeed may process

Speed test and connection data

When you run a speed test, LinkSpeed may process technical measurements such as download speed, upload speed, ping, jitter and test timing. The page may also request approximate IP and network information so it can show your likely ISP, location and connection context.

This information helps explain why one result may differ from another. For example, Wi-Fi, VPNs, mobile networks, browser limits, router load and network congestion can all affect results.

Speed test results are estimates. They are designed to help you understand your connection, not to certify a broadband service level.

The public broadband quality report and its aggregate API publish summary medians and qualifying sample sizes only. They do not publish IP addresses or exact household addresses. Provider and city summaries are withheld until minimum sample thresholds are met.

Local storage and recent results

Some LinkSpeed features may store recent speed tests or room comparisons locally in your own browser. The uptime monitor stores completed HTTPS monitoring sessions only when you select its optional save-history checkbox. Saved sessions are kept only in this browser (maximum 12) until you delete them or clear your browser data. This helps you compare recent tests without creating an account.

Local browser storage remains on your device unless your browser settings, extensions or clearing tools remove it. You can usually delete it by clearing site data for LinkSpeed.co.uk in your browser.

Cookies and similar technologies

LinkSpeed may use cookies, local storage or similar technologies for basic website functionality, user preferences, security, remembering local test history and understanding how the site is used.

Where non-essential analytics, advertising or affiliate tracking technologies are used, they are explained clearly and handled in line with applicable UK privacy and cookie rules. The ICO says people should be given clear privacy information and that cookie consent must be specific, informed and based on a positive action where consent is required.

For more detail, see the Cookie Policy.

Contact form messages

If you contact LinkSpeed, the information you provide may include your name, email address, reason for contact and message content. This is used to read, investigate and respond to your enquiry.

Please avoid sending sensitive information unless it is necessary. If you are reporting a speed test issue, it is usually enough to include your device, browser, connection type and what looked wrong.

Third-party services and links

LinkSpeed may use third-party services to help run parts of the website, such as speed testing endpoints, IP/geolocation lookups, hosting, security, email delivery or external support links.

LinkSpeed also links to third-party websites, including broadband providers, external tools and support pages. Some clearly labelled referral links lead through an affiliate tracking service (such as Impact.com for Switchcraft) before opening a separate comparison website. Clicking such a link may provide the referral service with normal click, browser and network data. Those websites have their own privacy and cookie policies and are responsible for their processing after you leave LinkSpeed.

IPv4 / IPv6 connectivity testing

When you click Run on the IPv4/IPv6 checker, your browser requests small HTTPS images directly from Google’s protocol-specific test hosts. As with other web requests, Google may receive your IP address and browser/network information. LinkSpeed does not store the test outcomes. The checks are optional and are only initiated after you press Run.

The Fault Diagnosis Wizard uses the choices you select to suggest relevant tests and guides. Its questionnaire answers are not saved or sent to LinkSpeed.

How long information is kept

Retention depends on the type of information. Local test and opted-in uptime-monitor session history may remain in your browser until you delete it or clear site data. Contact messages may be kept for as long as needed to respond and manage follow-up. Server logs and security records may be kept for a limited period for diagnostics, security and abuse prevention.

Where information is no longer needed, it should be deleted, anonymised or allowed to expire where practical.

Your privacy rights

Depending on the circumstances, UK data protection law may give you rights over your personal data. These can include rights to be informed, access your data, correct inaccurate data, request erasure, restrict processing, object to processing and complain to the Information Commissioner's Office.

These rights are not always absolute and may depend on the data involved and the reason it is being processed.

To ask about a privacy right or data request, Contact LinkSpeed using the contact form.

Children's privacy

LinkSpeed is a general broadband information website and is not aimed specifically at children. The site does not knowingly ask children to provide personal information.

Updates to this policy

This policy may be updated as LinkSpeed changes, adds new tools, introduces new pages or changes how website features work. The latest version will be published on this page.

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