Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal information when you use our marketplace platform. We are committed to protecting your privacy and complying with applicable data protection laws, including the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

We collect the following personal information:

• Account Information: Username, email address, password
• Profile Information: First name, last name, bio, location, contact number
• Identity Verification: ID photos, driver's license, proof of address
• Listing Information: Item descriptions, photos, prices, locations
• Transaction Data: Sale records, buyer/seller information, payment methods
• Communication Data: Messages between users, support requests

2.2 Technical Information

We automatically collect technical information when you use our platform:

• IP address and device information
• Browser type and version
• Operating system
• Usage patterns and preferences
• Cookies and similar technologies

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information for the following purposes:

• To provide and maintain our marketplace platform
• To verify your identity and prevent fraud
• To facilitate transactions between users
• To communicate with you about your account and transactions
• To provide customer support and resolve disputes
• To improve our services and develop new features
• To comply with legal obligations and enforce our terms
• To send you important updates and notifications

4. Legal Basis for Processing

We process your personal information based on the following legal grounds:

• Contract: To fulfill our obligations under our Terms of Use
• Legitimate Interest: To provide and improve our services
• Consent: For marketing communications and optional features
• Legal Obligation: To comply with applicable laws and regulations

5. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell your personal information. We may share your information in the following circumstances:

• With Other Users: Basic profile information and listing details are visible to other users
• Service Providers: With trusted third-party services that help us operate our platform
• Legal Requirements: We may disclose your personal information if required to do so by law or in the good faith belief that such disclosure is necessary to:
  • Comply with a legal obligation,
  • Assist with the investigation of suspected fraud or illegal activity,
  • Protect the rights, safety, or property of our users or the public.
• Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets
• With Your Consent: When you explicitly authorize us to share your information

We will never disclose your personal documents or identifying information to other users or third parties without a lawful basis.

6. Our Role in Fraud or Scam Investigations

If you believe you have been the victim of a scam or fraudulent activity on our platform, you should report the incident to the police or relevant law enforcement authority. If law enforcement contacts us as part of an official investigation, we may provide relevant documents or information to assist with the investigation. We are not a party to transactions between users and do not mediate or resolve disputes, but we will cooperate with authorities as required by law.

6. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information:

• Encryption of data in transit and at rest
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Access controls and authentication measures
• Secure data storage and backup procedures
• Employee training on data protection

7. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to:

• Provide our services to you
• Comply with legal obligations
• Resolve disputes and enforce agreements
• Maintain security and prevent fraud

When we no longer need your information, we will securely delete or anonymize it.

8. Your Rights

You have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: Request a copy of your personal information
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information
• Portability: Request transfer of your data to another service
• Restriction: Request limitation of processing
• Objection: Object to processing based on legitimate interests
• Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent for processing based on consent

To exercise these rights, please contact us at privacy@marketplace.com

9. Cookies and Similar Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to:

• Remember your preferences and settings
• Analyze how you use our platform
• Provide personalized content and features
• Ensure security and prevent fraud

You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences. However, disabling certain cookies may affect the functionality of our platform.

10. International Data Transfers

Your personal information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your own. We ensure that such transfers comply with applicable data protection laws and implement appropriate safeguards to protect your information.

11. Children's Privacy

Our platform is not intended for children under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18. If you believe we have collected information from a child under 18, please contact us immediately.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes via email or through our platform. We encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed about how we protect your information.

13. Contact Information

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us at: