1. Introduction

Welcome to Barters (“Barters,” “we,” “us,” or “our”). We are committed to protecting your privacy and handling personal information in a transparent, lawful, and secure manner. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, retain, and safeguard your personal data when you access or use our platform.

This Privacy Policy applies to users in Europe, Canada, the United States, and other jurisdictions worldwide.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

We collect personal information that you voluntarily provide, including:

• Account information (name, email address, password)
• Profile information (display name, biography, general location)
• Listings and content (descriptions, images, categories)
• Messages and communications with other users
• Location information (city, region, country, and optional coordinates for listings)
• Feedback, inquiries, and correspondence with support

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

When you use the platform, we may automatically collect:

• Device and technical information (browser type, operating system, device type)
• Usage data (pages viewed, features used, timestamps, interactions)
• IP address and approximate geographic location
• Cookies and similar technologies

3. Legal Bases for Processing (GDPR)

Where required under applicable law, including the GDPR, we process personal data on the following legal bases:

• Contractual necessity (to provide and operate the platform)
• Consent (where explicitly obtained)
• Legitimate interests (platform security, fraud prevention, service improvement)
• Legal obligations (compliance with laws and regulations)

4. How We Use Your Information

We use personal information to:

• Provide, operate, and maintain the platform
• Create and manage user accounts
• Enable communication and connections between users
• Display listings and general location information
• Send service-related notifications
• Improve platform functionality and user experience
• Detect, prevent, and investigate fraud, abuse, or security incidents
• Comply with legal and regulatory obligations

Barters does not facilitate payments or complete barter transactions.

5. Information Sharing and Disclosure

5.1 Public Information

Certain information is publicly visible, including your display name, profile details, listings, and general location (city/region). You control what information you choose to make public through your account settings.

5.2 With Other Users

Information you share during communications or listings is visible to other users involved in those interactions.

5.3 Service Providers

We may share personal information with trusted third-party service providers (such as hosting, analytics, email delivery, and security services) who process data on our behalf under contractual confidentiality and security obligations.

5.4 Legal and Safety Disclosures

We may disclose personal information if required by law or where reasonably necessary to comply with legal obligations, protect rights and safety, or investigate security incidents.

6. Data Security

We implement reasonable technical and organizational safeguards designed to protect personal information against unauthorized access, loss, misuse, alteration, or disclosure. However, no system can guarantee absolute security. You acknowledge that use of the platform involves inherent security risks.

7. Your Rights and Choices

Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have the following rights:

• Access, correct, or update your personal data
• Request deletion of your data
• Restrict or object to certain processing activities
• Request data portability
• Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent

8. Location Data

Location information is used to facilitate local discovery of listings. You may choose whether to provide precise coordinates or only general location details. Location data is displayed as part of your listings and may be visible to other users.

9. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to operate the platform, analyze usage, and improve functionality. You can control cookies through your browser settings, but disabling cookies may affect platform performance.

10. Data Retention

We retain personal information only for as long as necessary to provide services, comply with legal obligations, and resolve disputes. Upon account deletion, personal data is deleted or anonymized unless retention is legally required.

11. International Data Transfers

Your information may be processed in countries outside your jurisdiction, including Canada and the United States. Where required, we rely on appropriate safeguards such as contractual protections.

12. Children's Privacy

The platform is not intended for individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children. If such data is identified, it will be deleted promptly.

13. Third-Party Services

The platform may link to third-party websites or services. Barters is not responsible for the privacy practices of these third parties.

14. California Privacy Rights (CCPA/CPRA)

California residents have the right to know, access, delete, and correct personal information. Barters does not sell personal information.

15. European Privacy Rights (GDPR)

If you are located in the European Economic Area, you have rights under the GDPR, including the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority.

16. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Updates will be posted with a revised "Last updated" date. Continued use constitutes acceptance where permitted by law.

17. Contact Information

For privacy-related inquiries or requests, contact us through:

Email: privacy@barterslocal.com