Privacy Policy

Information We Collect

We collect information to provide and improve our Services. The types of information we may collect include:

1. Information You Provide to Us

   • Account Information: Name, email address, phone number, username, and password.
   • Profile Information: Professional details such as skills, qualifications, portfolio, experience, hourly rate, profile photo, and bio.
   • Payment Details: Bank account information or other payment method details (processed via third-party payment gateways).
   • Identity Verification: Government-issued ID, business documents, or other verification data for security and compliance.
   • Communication: Messages exchanged between users and with our support team.

2. Information We Collect Automatically

   • Usage Data: Pages visited, actions taken, time spent on the platform, and interaction with features.
   • Device Information: IP address, browser type, operating system, device identifiers.
   • Cookies & Tracking: We use cookies and similar technologies to improve your experience, analyze traffic, and personalize content.

3. Information from Third Parties

   • Social media logins (if you sign up via Google, Facebook, etc.).
   • Background check services (if required for certain service providers).

How We Use Your Information

We use your data to:

• Create and manage your account.
• Facilitate service bookings between customers and providers.
• Process payments and transactions securely.
• Verify user identity and maintain platform integrity.
• Communicate with you (updates, notifications, support).
• Improve our platform, features, and user experience.
• Enforce our Terms of Service and prevent fraud or illegal activity.
• Comply with legal and regulatory requirements.

How We Share Your Information

We do not sell your personal data. However, we may share your information in the following circumstances:

• With Service Providers:To facilitate bookings, providers may see relevant customer details and vice versa.
• Facilitate service bookings between customers and providers.
• Payment Processors: For payment transactions (handled via secure third parties).
• Legal Compliance: If required by law, court order, or government request.
• Business Transfers: In case of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets.
• With Your Consent: When you explicitly agree to share information with third parties.

Data Security

We implement industry-standard measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. This includes encryption, firewalls, and secure servers. However, no online platform can guarantee 100% security.

Data Retention

We retain your personal information as long as your account is active or as needed to provide our Services. We may also retain data to comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce agreements.

Your Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the right to:

• Access, correct, or delete your personal data.
• Restrict or object to the processing of your data.
• Withdraw consent for data processing (where applicable).
• Request data portability.

To exercise these rights, contact us at [Insert Contact Email].

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Skillfinder uses cookies to enhance your experience. You can control cookie settings through your browser, but disabling cookies may affect functionality.

Camera, Location, and File Access

To provide certain features on Skillfinder, we may request access to your device’s camera, location, and files. These permissions are optional but required for specific functionalities:

1. Camera Access

   • We may request access to your device’s camera to allow you to:

     • Upload a profile picture.

       Capture and share photos for your portfolio or completed projects.

       Verify your identity through live photo verification (if required for security).

   • We do not access your camera without your permission, and images captured are only used for the intended purpose.

2. Location Access

   • We may collect your device’s location to:

     • Suggest nearby service providers or customers.

       Enable location-based search and booking.

       Improve service recommendations and ensure accurate service delivery.

   • Location data is collected only when you grant permission and can be turned off at any time in your device settings.

3. File Access

   • We may request access to your files for:

     • Uploading resumes, portfolios, and project documents.

       Sharing service-related images or videos.

       Providing proof of completed work or certifications.

   • Files uploaded to our platform are stored securely and only used for service-related purposes.
4. We never access your camera, location, or files without your consent, and you can revoke permissions anytime via your device settings.

Third-Party Links

Our platform may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated “Effective Date.” We encourage you to review this policy periodically.