Privacy Policy (POPIA)

This Privacy Policy explains how TradesLink (Pty) Ltd ("TradesLink", "we", "our", or "us") collects, uses, stores, shares and protects your personal information when you use our website, create an account, post a job, accept a job, or otherwise interact with our platform.

TradesLink is committed to protecting your privacy and processing your personal information responsibly in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013 ("POPIA") and other applicable South African laws.

By using TradesLink, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy.

1. Who We Are

TradesLink (Pty) Ltd is an online marketplace connecting customers with independent tradespeople and businesses throughout South Africa.

For purposes of POPIA, TradesLink is generally the responsible party for the personal information processed through the platform.

2. Information We Collect

Depending on how you use TradesLink, we may collect the following information.

Personal Information

• First name
• Last name
• Email address
• Mobile telephone number

Account Information

• Username
• Password (stored securely in encrypted form and never visible to TradesLink staff)

Business Information

Where applicable:

• Company name
• Business email address
• Business registration details (if voluntarily provided)

Job Information

• Job descriptions
• Job photographs
• Work location
• Budget
• Messages relating to the requested work

Identity Information

Where applicable and where required by TradesLink, we may visually inspect South African identity documents for verification purposes. Identity verification does not guarantee future workmanship or conduct.

Payment Information

To facilitate payments, we may collect:

• Bank account holder name
• Bank name
• Account number
• Branch code
• Other information reasonably required to transfer funds

Payment card details are processed by our payment provider and are not stored by TradesLink.

3. Information We Automatically Collect

When you use our website, we may automatically collect:

• IP address
• Browser type
• Device information
• Operating system
• Login timestamps
• Website usage information
• Cookies and similar technologies

4. Why We Process Personal Information

We process personal information to:

• create and manage user accounts
• connect customers with tradespeople
• facilitate communication
• process payments
• prevent fraud
• detect suspicious activity
• investigate disputes
• comply with legal obligations
• improve our services
• provide customer support
• maintain platform security

5. Lawful Basis for Processing

Where required under applicable law, TradesLink processes personal information because:

• it is necessary to provide our services
• users consent to the processing
• processing is necessary to comply with legal obligations
• processing protects legitimate business interests while respecting users' rights

6. Sharing Information

TradesLink does not sell users' personal information. We may share information only where reasonably necessary. Examples include:

• customers and selected tradespeople involved in the same job
• payment service providers
• cloud hosting providers
• identity verification where required
• legal advisers
• regulators
• law enforcement where legally required

7. Third-Party Service Providers

TradesLink currently uses trusted third-party service providers to operate the platform. These may include:

Supabase

Supabase is used to securely store user account information, authentication data and certain platform information.

Payment Service Provider

TradesLink's designated payment service provider processes online payments made through the TradesLink platform. TradesLink does not store users' payment card details.

WhatsApp

Certain communications between customers, tradespeople and TradesLink may occur through WhatsApp. Users acknowledge that communications conducted through WhatsApp are also subject to WhatsApp's own privacy policies and terms of service.

TradesLink may introduce additional service providers as the platform develops.

8. International Processing

Some third-party providers may process or store information outside South Africa. Where this occurs, TradesLink will take reasonable steps to ensure that appropriate safeguards exist in accordance with applicable law.

9. Artificial Intelligence

TradesLink may use artificial intelligence to assist with:

• fraud detection
• moderation
• identifying suspicious behaviour
• improving platform operations

Artificial intelligence assists our processes but significant enforcement decisions may be reviewed by a human.

10. Security

TradesLink takes reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect personal information. These measures may include:

• encrypted connections (HTTPS)
• secure authentication
• controlled access to information
• password protection
• monitoring for suspicious activity
• secure cloud infrastructure

No online system can be guaranteed to be completely secure.

11. Data Retention

TradesLink retains personal information only for as long as reasonably necessary to:

• provide our services
• resolve disputes
• comply with legal obligations
• detect fraud
• enforce agreements
• maintain business records

Information that is no longer required may be securely deleted or anonymised.

12. Your Rights

Subject to applicable law, users may request to:

• access their personal information
• correct inaccurate information
• update account information
• request deletion where legally permissible
• object to certain processing
• withdraw consent where consent is the legal basis for processing

Certain information may still be retained where required by law or for legitimate business purposes.

13. Cookies

TradesLink uses cookies and similar technologies to:

• maintain login sessions
• improve website performance
• remember preferences
• improve security
• analyse website usage

Users may manage cookie settings through their web browser. Additional information is available in the TradesLink Cookie Policy.

14. Marketing Communications

TradesLink may occasionally send:

• account notifications
• important platform updates
• security alerts
• service announcements

Marketing communications will only be sent where permitted by applicable law. Users may opt out of marketing communications at any time.

15. Children's Privacy

TradesLink is intended only for persons aged eighteen (18) years or older. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we become aware that a child has created an account, we may remove the account and associated information where appropriate.

16. Data Accuracy

Users are responsible for ensuring that the information they provide remains accurate and up to date. Providing false information may result in suspension or permanent removal from the platform.

17. Data Breaches

If TradesLink becomes aware of a personal information security compromise that requires notification under applicable law, we will take reasonable steps to investigate the incident and notify affected persons and relevant authorities where legally required.

18. Changes to this Policy

TradesLink may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Material changes will be published on our website. Continued use of the platform after the effective date of updated policies constitutes acceptance of those changes where permitted by law.

19. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or the processing of your personal information, please contact:

20. Information Regulator

If you believe that TradesLink has not handled your personal information in accordance with applicable law, you may lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator of South Africa. Before doing so, we encourage users to contact TradesLink first so that we have an opportunity to resolve the matter promptly and fairly.