1. Scope
This Privacy Policy explains how Hire Local Expert collects, uses, discloses, retains, and protects information when you use the Platform. It does not govern the separate privacy practices of independent professionals or third-party services.
2. Information you provide
We may collect account and contact details such as name, email address, phone number, password credentials, business name, service categories, service areas, project descriptions, addresses, preferred dates, messages, photographs, reviews, profile content, license or insurance details, and information submitted to customer support.
3. Information collected automatically
We may collect IP address, browser type, device type, operating system, referring page, pages viewed, dates and times of access, approximate location derived from IP address, cookie identifiers, and security or diagnostic information.
4. Information from other sources
We may receive information from service providers, identity or fraud-prevention vendors, public records, professional licensing sources, analytics providers, and users who submit information about a project or professional.
5. How we use information
- operate accounts and Platform features;
- match project requests with relevant service categories or areas;
- enable communication between customers and professionals;
- display professional profiles and reviews;
- send service, security, and account communications;
- detect fraud, abuse, security incidents, and violations;
- improve usability, performance, and reliability;
- comply with law and enforce agreements;
- protect users, the public, and our rights.
6. How information is disclosed
We may disclose information to customers and professionals as needed to provide requested features; to hosting, email, SMS, analytics, security, support, and other service providers; in connection with a business transaction; when required by law; or when reasonably necessary to protect rights, safety, or security.
7. Project and profile visibility
Professional profiles may be visible to visitors or registered users. Project information may be disclosed to professionals who may be relevant to the request. Do not submit sensitive information that is unnecessary for the project. Avoid posting door codes, financial account numbers, government identifiers, medical information, or other highly sensitive details.
8. Communications
We may send transactional emails or messages regarding accounts, requests, responses, security, and policy changes. Marketing communications may be sent where permitted by law and may include an unsubscribe mechanism. Transactional messages may continue while an account remains active.
9. Cookies and analytics
We may use cookies and similar technologies to maintain sessions, remember preferences, protect accounts, measure usage, and improve the Platform. See our Cookie Policy for more detail.
10. Data retention
We retain information for as long as reasonably necessary to operate the Platform, maintain records, prevent fraud, resolve disputes, enforce agreements, and comply with legal obligations. Retention periods vary according to the type of information and the reason it is held.
11. Security
We use reasonable administrative, technical, and organizational measures designed to protect information. No online service is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee that unauthorized access, loss, misuse, or disclosure will never occur.
12. Your choices
You may update certain account details through your account or contact us. You may unsubscribe from promotional email using the link provided. Browser settings may allow you to block or delete cookies, although some features may then function improperly.
13. Access, correction, and deletion requests
You may request access to, correction of, or deletion of certain personal information by contacting us. We may verify your identity before acting and may retain information where legally permitted or required, including for security, fraud prevention, disputes, and recordkeeping.
14. Children
The Platform is not directed to children under eighteen, and we do not knowingly permit children to create accounts. Contact us if you believe a child has provided personal information.
15. State privacy rights
Depending on where you live, applicable law may provide additional rights. We will process verified requests as required by applicable law. We do not promise that every statutory right applies to every user or to our current business activities.
16. Third-party services
Third-party websites and services have their own privacy practices. Review those policies before submitting information. We are not responsible for third-party privacy or security practices.
17. Changes to this Policy
We may update this Policy. The updated date will appear above, and material changes may be communicated through the Platform or by email.
18. Contact
Privacy questions and requests may be sent to privacy@hirealocalexpert.com.