Privacy Policy
Effective Date: [DATE]
Last Updated: [DATE]
WordPress Masters ("we," "our," or "us") operates the WP Experts Marketplace at [WEBSITE_URL]. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our platform to connect with WordPress professionals ("Experts") or clients seeking WordPress services. It also outlines your rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA).
By using our website and services, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, please discontinue use of our platform.
1. Information We Collect
We collect the following categories of information to provide and improve our services:
1.1 Information You Provide Directly
- Account Information: When you create an account, we collect your name, email address, phone number, and billing information.
- Profile Information: Experts may provide additional details such as professional experience, portfolio links, certifications, and hourly rates.
- Transaction Information: Payment details, invoices, and transaction history when you hire or are hired through the platform.
- Communication Data: Messages exchanged between clients and Experts via our platform.
1.2 Information Collected Automatically
- Device Information: IP address, browser type, operating system, and device identifiers.
- Usage Data: Pages viewed, time spent on the site, and navigation patterns.
- Cookies and Tracking Technologies: See Section 5 for details.
1.3 Information from Third Parties
- Payment Processors: We may receive limited payment confirmation details from third-party payment providers like Stripe or PayPal.
- Verification Services: For Experts, we may collect background check or identity verification data from third-party services.
2. How We Use Your Information
We use the information collected for the following purposes:
- To Provide Services: Facilitate connections between clients and Experts, process payments, and manage accounts.
- To Improve Our Platform: Analyze usage trends, troubleshoot issues, and enhance user experience.
- To Ensure Compliance: Verify user identities, prevent fraud, and comply with legal obligations.
- To Communicate: Send transactional emails, respond to inquiries, and provide updates about our services.
- For Marketing (with consent): Send promotional materials or newsletters.
3. Legal Bases for Processing (GDPR)
Under GDPR, we process your personal data based on the following legal grounds:
- Performance of a Contract: To provide services as outlined in our Terms of Service.
- Consent: For optional activities like marketing communications.
- Legitimate Interests: To improve our platform, prevent fraud, and ensure security.
- Legal Obligations: To comply with applicable laws and regulations.
4. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience:
4.1 Types of Cookies We Use
- Essential Cookies: Necessary for the platform to function (e.g., session management).
- Analytics Cookies: To track user behavior and improve our services (e.g., Google Analytics).
- Marketing Cookies: To deliver targeted ads based on your preferences.
4.2 Managing Cookies
You can manage or disable cookies through your browser settings. Note that disabling cookies may affect the functionality of our platform.
5. Sharing Your Information
We do not sell your personal information. However, we may share your data with:
- Service Providers: Payment processors, hosting providers, and analytics tools (e.g., Stripe, AWS, Google Analytics).
- Clients and Experts: Limited profile information is shared to facilitate transactions.
- Legal Authorities: When required by law or to protect our rights.
6. Data Retention
We retain your personal data only as long as necessary for the purposes outlined in this policy:
- Account Information: Retained until your account is deleted.
- Transaction Records: Retained for 7 years for tax and accounting purposes.
- Communication Data: Retained for 2 years after the last interaction.
7. Your Rights
Under GDPR and CCPA, you have the following rights:
7.1 GDPR Rights
- Access: Request a copy of your personal data.
- Rectification: Correct inaccurate or incomplete data.
- Erasure: Request deletion of your data ("right to be forgotten").
- Portability: Receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format.
- Objection: Object to processing based on legitimate interests.
7.2 CCPA Rights
- Access: Request disclosure of categories and specific pieces of personal information collected.
- Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information.
- Opt-Out: Opt-out of the sale of personal information (we do not sell data).
To exercise your rights, contact us at [EMAIL]. We will respond within 30 days.
8. Children's Privacy
Our platform is not intended for individuals under the age of 16. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have collected data from a child, please contact us at [EMAIL].
9. International Data Transfers
If you are accessing our platform from outside the United States, please note that your data will be transferred to and processed in the United States. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your data.
10. Security Measures
We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your data, including:
- Encryption: Data is encrypted in transit using SSL/TLS.
- Access Controls: Restricted access to personal data on a need-to-know basis.
- Monitoring: Regular security audits and monitoring for vulnerabilities.
However, no system is completely secure. Please notify us immediately at [EMAIL] if you suspect a data breach.
11. Policy Updates
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with the "Last Updated" date. If changes are significant, we will notify you via email or a prominent notice on our platform.
12. Contact Information
If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy, please contact us:
- Email: [EMAIL]
- Phone: [PHONE]
- Address: [COMPANY_ADDRESS]
This Privacy Policy is tailored for WordPress Masters and reflects the specific data practices of a WP Experts Marketplace. Ensure compliance by reviewing local regulations and consulting legal counsel if necessary.