Kartsquare Privacy Policy

1. Information We Collect

To operate and improve Kartsquare, we collect information you provide directly and some data automatically:

• Personal Information: When you register or create a profile, we collect your name, email address, phone number, and physical address. Organizations or Service Providers may provide additional details (e.g. business name, service descriptions).
• Payment Information: We process payments securely through third-party payment gateways. We do not store your full credit card data on our servers; only transaction tokens or confirmations needed to complete your bookings or subscriptions.
• Service and Booking Data: We record details of your service requests, booked events, purchase history, dates and times of bookings, and any preferences you specify.
• Location Data: If you enable location features, we collect your device's location (e.g. GPS coordinates) to connect you with nearby professionals and events. You can disable location services in your device settings at any time.
• Camera and Media: Certain app features may require access to your device's camera or photo library (for example, to upload a profile picture, capture proof-of-service photos, or share images with the community). We only access your camera or photos with your permission and use the captured images/videos solely for the purposes you authorize.
• Communications: Records of messages between you and service providers, and any correspondence with our customer support team. We may also collect your feedback, reviews, ratings, or other content you post on the platform.
• Device and Usage Data: We automatically collect technical data about your device and app usage, such as device type, operating system, browser type, IP address, mobile carrier, crash reports, and usage analytics. We use Google Firebase (a Google-provided backend and analytics platform) to help with app performance, crash reporting, and usage analytics. Firebase may collect device identifiers (like an instance ID or anonymous usage identifiers) and diagnostic data.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information for these purposes:

• Provide and Improve Services: Operate and maintain Kartsquare, personalize your experience, and recommend relevant services and events. We use your location and booking history to suggest nearby professionals or upcoming events you might be interested in. We analyze usage data (via Firebase Analytics) to understand how the app is used and to enhance functionality.
• Process Payments and Bookings: Facilitate secure transactions, verify purchases or subscriptions, and manage booking logistics (sending confirmations, updating schedules). Payment details are shared only with payment processors for transaction approval.
• Communicate with You: Send booking confirmations, reminders, status updates, and technical notices. We also respond to your inquiries and support requests via email or in-app messaging.
• Ensure Platform Safety and Quality: Verify user and provider identities (for example, by checking IDs or licenses), detect and prevent fraud, spam, or abusive behavior, and enforce our Terms of Service. We may monitor communications and actions for compliance and safety.
• Marketing (with Consent): With your explicit opt-in, we may send you promotional offers, newsletters, or updates about new features. You can unsubscribe or opt out of marketing communications at any time. We do not use personal data for marketing purposes without your permission.
• Legal Compliance and Protection: Comply with laws and regulations (e.g. tax or financial reporting requirements), respond to lawful requests (such as subpoenas), and protect our rights and property. For example, we may use and disclose data if required to investigate or defend against legal claims.

3. Information Sharing

We do not sell your personal data. We may share your information only in the following cases:

• With Service Providers and Vendors: We share necessary details with professionals and organizations you book. For example, if you request a home service, we give the provider your name, contact info, and service address so they can serve you. Similarly, when you attend an event or join a group, we share relevant info (like your name or contact) with the event organizer. We also share data with our technology providers (e.g. hosting, SMS/email services, analytics). In particular, we use Google Firebase for hosting and analytics; Firebase receives certain user data (such as user IDs, device info, and usage logs) as permitted by Google's terms. Firebase and other third parties are required to protect your data in accordance with their own privacy policies.
• With Payment Processors: We share your payment details (such as a transaction identifier and amount) with trusted payment gateways (Stripe, PayPal, or App Store/Google Play billing) solely to process your bookings or subscriptions securely. No full credit card number is stored on our servers.
• With Law Enforcement or Legal Requests: We disclose personal data if required by law (such as a court order, legal process, or government inquiry), or if we believe it is necessary to detect, prevent, or address illegal activities or protect the rights and safety of Kartsquare, its users, or others. For example, we may release information to law enforcement in response to a valid subpoena.
• With Your Consent: We will share your information with any third party only after obtaining your explicit permission (for example, if you choose to link a social media account or integrate with another service). We will inform you of what data is shared and why, and you can revoke this consent at any time.

4. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your information. This includes using encryption (SSL/TLS) for data in transit and secure servers with access controls to prevent unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction of your data. Access to your personal information is restricted to authorized employees, contractors, and agents who need it to perform their job. We regularly review our security practices and update them as necessary. While no method of transmission or storage is 100% secure, we strive to safeguard all personal data. In the unlikely event of a data breach that compromises your personal data, we will follow applicable breach notification laws and notify you and authorities as required.

5. Cookies and Tracking

Kartsquare uses cookies and similar technologies to operate the app, remember your preferences, and understand usage patterns. Cookies are small data files placed on your device. We use them to recognize your device, keep you logged in, and personalize content. We also use analytic cookies and identifiers (for example, through Google Firebase Analytics) to measure usage, diagnose issues, and improve performance. Most mobile operating systems and browsers allow you to disable or clear cookies via settings. However, disabling cookies may affect the functionality of the app (for example, you might need to log in again each time). We do not use cookies for tracking you across unrelated apps or for targeted advertising without your consent.

6. Your Rights

Depending on where you live, privacy laws may grant you certain rights regarding your personal data. In general, you have the following rights:

• Access and Correction: You can access, review, and update your personal information (such as your profile or booking details) by logging into your account and editing your account settings. You may also contact us for copies of data we hold about you.
• Deletion ("Right to be Forgotten"): You may request deletion of your account and personal data at any time (subject to legal or contractual retention requirements). Upon your request, we will delete or anonymize your personal data as soon as feasible. Note that we may retain certain information (like transaction records) to comply with legal obligations. To request account deletion, visit our Account Deletion Page.
• Opt-Out of Marketing: You can unsubscribe or opt out of marketing emails and promotional messages by following the unsubscribe link in our messages or adjusting your preferences in the app.
• Data Portability: You may request a machine-readable copy of the personal data you provided to us (for example, your profile data and booking history). We will provide it in a common format (CSV or JSON) where technically feasible.
• Consent Withdrawal: You can withdraw any consent you have given (for example, for location access or camera access) through your device settings. If you revoke access (such as disabling location services), features that depend on that permission will no longer function (e.g. we cannot suggest nearby services).
• Complaint and Governing Rights: If you reside in certain jurisdictions (such as the EU or California), you may have additional rights (like lodging a complaint with your data protection authority, or specific rights under GDPR/CCPA).

7. Data Retention

We keep your personal data only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law. For example, your booking history and purchase receipts may be retained for a period required by tax or financial regulations. Once data is no longer needed, we delete it in a secure manner. Specifically, if you close your Kartsquare account, we will remove or anonymize your personal data from our active systems unless we need to retain certain information for legal obligations (such as transaction records for tax purposes). You can request account deletion at any time, and we will follow through as described above.

8. Children's Privacy

Our services are not intended for children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from anyone under 13. If we learn that we have collected data from a child under 13, we will promptly delete that information. If you believe a child under 13 has provided us personal data, please contact us so we can take appropriate actions.

9. Changes to Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, or legal requirements. When we make significant changes, we will notify you by email, in-app message, or by posting a notice on the app. We will also update the "Last Updated" date at the top. Your continued use of Kartsquare after such changes will constitute your acceptance of the revised policy.

10. Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us through our Contact Page or via support@kartsquare.com. We will do our best to address your inquiries promptly.