Privacy Policy

Introduction

MADEALS ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our mobile application (the "App"). Please read this privacy policy carefully.

Information We Collect

We collect information you provide directly to us, information we obtain automatically when you use our services, and information from third-party sources.

Personal Information

• Email address and authentication information from Google Sign-In
• Display name, profile photo, bio, and phone number (optional)
• Location data (latitude and longitude) for showing nearby deals
• Profile pictures and product images you upload
• Communication data including messages, reviews, and ratings

Usage Information

• Device information (device type, operating system, app version)
• App usage statistics and crash reports
• Location data for map features and nearby product discovery
• Push notification preferences and interaction data

How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Provide, maintain, and improve our services
• Process transactions and send related information
• Send you technical notices, updates, and support messages
• Respond to your comments, questions, and customer service requests
• Communicate with you about products, services, and promotional offers
• Monitor and analyze trends, usage, and activities
• Detect, investigate, and prevent fraudulent transactions and other illegal activities
• Personalize your experience and provide content relevant to your interests

Information Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, trade, or otherwise transfer your personal information to third parties, except as described in this policy.

Service Providers

We may share information with third-party service providers who assist us in operating our app, conducting our business, or servicing you.

Legal Requirements

We may disclose information if required by law, court order, or government request.

Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred.

Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction.

Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to provide our services and fulfill the purposes outlined in this privacy policy, unless a longer retention period is required by law.

Your Rights and Choices

You have certain rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: Request access to your personal information
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information
• Portability: Request a copy of your data in a portable format
• Opt-out: Opt out of marketing communications

Location Data

We collect location data to provide location-based services such as showing nearby products and deals. You can control location permissions through your device settings.

Analytics and Tracking

We use Firebase Analytics and other analytics tools to collect information about how you use our app. This helps us understand user behavior, improve our services, and provide a better user experience.

Analytics Data Collected

• App usage patterns and features accessed
• Device information and app performance metrics
• User engagement with products, jobs, and messages
• Error reports and crash data
• Geographic location data for usage analysis

Analytics Partners

We use Google Firebase Analytics, which may collect and process data according to Google's Privacy Policy. Analytics data is used solely for improving our app and is not shared with third parties for marketing purposes.

Cookies and Similar Technologies

Although our app is a mobile application, we may use similar technologies to cookies for analytics and functionality purposes through our third-party services.

Data Retention

We retain your personal information for different periods based on the type of data and purpose of collection:

• Account information: Retained while your account is active and for a reasonable period after deactivation
• Transaction data: Retained for 7 years for tax and legal compliance purposes
• Location data: Retained for 2 years for service improvement and fraud prevention
• Analytics data: Aggregated and anonymized data retained indefinitely
• Chat messages: Retained for 3 years or until account deletion
• Images and media: Retained until account deletion or content removal

Account Deletion and Data Rights

You have the right to request deletion of your account and associated data at any time.

Account Deletion

• You can delete your account through the app settings or by contacting support.
• Upon account deletion, we will remove your personal information from our active databases within 30 days.
• Some data may be retained in backup systems for up to 90 days for legal compliance.
• Public reviews and ratings you've given may remain anonymous.

International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your own. We use Google Firebase services, which may involve data transfers to Google's servers located in various countries.

Data Protection

• We ensure that any international transfers comply with applicable data protection laws.
• Google Firebase provides adequate protection for international data transfers.

Data Security Measures

We implement comprehensive security measures to protect your data:

• Encryption of data in transit and at rest
• Secure authentication using Firebase Auth
• Regular security audits and updates
• Access controls and employee training
• Secure cloud storage with Firebase
• Regular backups with encryption

Age Restrictions

Our service is intended for users aged 13 and above. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware that we have collected personal information from a child under 13, we will take steps to delete such information.

Dispute Resolution

If you have concerns about our privacy practices or data handling, please contact us first. We will work to resolve any issues amicably.

Data Breach Notification

In the event of a security breach that may affect your personal information, we will notify affected users as expeditiously as possible under the circumstances, consistent with applicable law.

Notification Process

• Notifications will be sent via email or through the app
• We will provide information about the breach and steps you can take to protect yourself
• Law enforcement will be notified as required by applicable laws

Do Not Sell My Personal Information

California residents have the right to opt out of the "sale" of their personal information under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA).

Your Rights Under CCPA

• Right to know what personal information we collect and how it's used
• Right to delete your personal information
• Right to opt out of the sale of personal information
• Right to non-discrimination for exercising CCPA rights

How to Exercise CCPA Rights

• Contact us at privacy@madeals.com to submit CCPA requests
• Include "CCPA Request" in the subject line
• Provide sufficient information to verify your identity
• We will respond within 45 days as required by law

Automated Decision Making

We use automated systems to provide personalized recommendations and match buyers with sellers based on location and preferences.

How We Use Automation

• Location-based product recommendations
• Seller verification scoring
• Trust score calculations
• Fraud detection algorithms
• Content moderation for uploaded images

Your Rights

• You can request human review of automated decisions
• You can opt out of personalized recommendations in app settings
• Automated decisions do not significantly affect your legal rights

Data Minimization

We collect only the minimum amount of personal information necessary to provide our services and comply with legal requirements.

Minimization Practices

• Optional fields are clearly marked during registration
• Location data is used only for service provision, not stored permanently
• Images are compressed to reduce storage requirements
• Analytics data is aggregated to protect individual privacy

Emergency Services

Our app facilitates in-person meetups for transactions. While we provide location sharing for convenience, we are not responsible for personal safety during meetups.

Safety Recommendations

• Meet in public places during daylight hours
• Bring a friend or family member to meetups
• Verify product condition before payment
• Use secure payment methods when possible
• Report suspicious activity through the app

Third-Party Links and Content

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

External Links

• Map services (Google Maps, Apple Maps)
• Social media sharing (if applicable)
• Payment processors (future integrations)
• Support documentation and help resources

Updates to This Privacy Policy

We may update this privacy policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements.

Notification of Changes

• We will notify users of material changes through the app or email.
• Continued use of the app after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
• The "Last updated" date at the top will indicate when the policy was last modified.
• Major changes will be highlighted in the app with user consent required.

Governing Law

This privacy policy is governed by the laws of the jurisdiction where Madeals operates. Any disputes will be resolved in the appropriate courts.

Contact Information

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this privacy policy or our data practices, please contact us:

• Email: privacy@madeals.com
• Through the Support & Help section in the app
• Response time: Within 30 days for data requests
• CCPA requests: Within 45 days as required by law