Privacy Policy

At ChooseLocal, we are committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our platform.

Last updated: January 2025

1. Information We Collect

Information You Provide

We collect information you provide directly to us, including:

• Account Information: When you create an account, we collect your name, email address, and profile picture (via Google Sign-In).
• Stall Information: If you create a stall, we collect business details such as your stall name, description, location, contact information, and any images or content you upload.
• Payment Information: When you subscribe, payment processing is handled by Stripe. We do not store your full payment card details.
• Communications: When you contact us or respond to surveys, we collect the information you provide.

Information Collected Automatically

When you use our platform, we automatically collect:

• Usage Data: Pages visited, features used, and actions taken on the platform (via Vercel Analytics).
• Device Information: Browser type, operating system, and device identifiers.
• Location Data: General location based on IP address to show nearby stalls.
• Session Data: We use session cookies solely for authentication purposes to keep you signed in.

We do not use tracking cookies or third-party advertising cookies.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Provide, maintain, and improve our platform
• Process transactions and send related information
• Create and display your stall to potential customers
• Send you technical notices and support messages
• Respond to your comments, questions, and requests
• Monitor and analyse trends, usage, and activities
• Detect, investigate, and prevent fraudulent or illegal activities
• Personalise your experience on the platform

3. Information Sharing

We may share your information in the following circumstances:

• Public Stall Information: Your stall details, including name, description, location, and contact information, are publicly visible to help customers find and connect with you.
• Service Providers: We share information with third-party vendors who perform services on our behalf (e.g., payment processing, hosting, analytics).
• Legal Requirements: We may disclose information if required by law or in response to valid legal requests.
• Business Transfers: If ChooseLocal is involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction.

4. Third-Party Services

We use the following third-party services:

• Google Sign-In: For authentication. See Google's Privacy Policy.
• Stripe: For payment processing. See Stripe's Privacy Policy.
• Vercel: For hosting and analytics. See Vercel's Privacy Policy.
• Sentry: For error monitoring. See Sentry's Privacy Policy.

5. Data Retention

We retain your information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide you services. If you delete your account, we will delete or anonymise your personal information within 30 days, except where we are required to retain it for legal or legitimate business purposes.

6. Your Rights

Under applicable data protection laws, you have the right to:

• Access the personal information we hold about you
• Request correction of inaccurate information
• Request deletion of your personal information
• Object to or restrict certain processing of your data
• Request a copy of your data in a portable format
• Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at team@gowtom.tech.

7. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorised access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. However, no method of transmission over the Internet is 100% secure.

8. Children's Privacy

ChooseLocal is not intended for children under 16. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 16. If you believe we have collected information from a child, please contact us immediately.

9. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than Ireland. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for such transfers in compliance with applicable data protection laws.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page and updating the "Last updated" date.

11. Contact Us

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

Email: team@gowtom.tech