Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Markethunt ("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 market exploration platform at https://www.markethunt.io (the "Service").

By using our Service, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Privacy Policy. This policy complies with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), and other applicable privacy laws.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

We may collect the following types of personal information:

• Account Information: Name, email address, and other details you provide during registration
• Profile Information: Professional information, preferences, and settings
• Communication Data: Messages, feedback, and support requests
• Payment Information: Billing details and transaction history (processed securely through third-party providers)

2.2 Usage Data

We automatically collect certain information when you use our Service:

• Device Information: IP address, browser type, device type, operating system
• Usage Patterns: Pages visited, time spent, features used, search queries
• Technical Data: Cookies, analytics data, and performance metrics
• Location Data: General geographic location (country/region level)

2.3 Third-Party Social Media Services

We allow you to create accounts and log in through:

• Google
• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• Twitter

When you register through these services, we may collect information already associated with your account, such as your name, email address, and profile information.

3. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)

We process your personal data based on the following legal grounds:

• Consent: When you explicitly agree to our terms and data processing
• Contract: To fulfill our services and contractual obligations to you
• Legitimate Interest: For improving our services, security, and user experience
• Legal Obligation: To comply with applicable laws and regulations

4. How We Use Your Information

We use your information for the following purposes:

• Provide and maintain our market exploration services
• Personalize your experience and content recommendations
• Process transactions and manage your account
• Communicate service updates, security alerts, and important notices
• Analyze usage patterns to improve our platform
• Ensure platform security and prevent fraud
• Comply with legal obligations and enforce our terms
• Conduct research and analytics to enhance our services

5. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We may share your information in the following circumstances:

5.1 Service Providers

We work with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating our platform, including:

• Cloud hosting and infrastructure providers
• Analytics and performance monitoring services
• Payment processing providers
• Customer support and communication tools

5.2 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required by law or to:

• Comply with legal obligations
• Protect our rights and property
• Prevent fraud or security threats
• Protect user safety and public interest

5.3 Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred to the new entity, subject to the same privacy protections.

6. Your Rights (GDPR & CCPA)

You have the following rights regarding your personal data:

• Access: Request a copy of your personal data
• Rectification: Correct inaccurate or incomplete information
• Erasure: Request deletion of your data (subject to legal requirements)
• Restriction: Limit how we process your data
• Portability: Receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format
• Objection: Object to processing based on legitimate interests
• Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent for consent-based processing

To exercise these rights, please contact us at privacy@markethunt.io. We will respond to your request within 30 days.

7. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your personal information:

• Encryption: Data encrypted in transit and at rest using industry-standard protocols
• Access Controls: Strict authentication and authorization systems
• Regular Audits: Ongoing security assessments and vulnerability testing
• Monitoring: Continuous monitoring for potential security breaches
• Staff Training: Regular privacy and security training for all employees

While we strive to protect your information, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security but will notify you of any significant data breaches as required by law.

8. Data Retention

We retain your information only as long as necessary for the purposes outlined in this policy:

• Account Data: Retained while your account is active and for 3 years after closure
• Usage Data: Retained for 2 years for analytics and service improvement
• Communication Data: Retained for 1 year for customer support purposes
• Legal Requirements: Some data may be retained longer to comply with legal obligations

When data is no longer needed, it is securely deleted or anonymized.

9. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your own. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, including:

• Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) for EU data transfers
• Adequacy decisions by relevant data protection authorities
• Certification schemes and codes of conduct
• Binding corporate rules for intra-group transfers

10. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience:

10.1 Types of Cookies

• Essential Cookies: Necessary for basic website functionality
• Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how you use our service
• Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and preferences
• Marketing Cookies: Used for targeted advertising (with your consent)

10.2 Cookie Management

You can control cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling certain cookies may affect the functionality of our service.

11. Children's Privacy

Our service is not intended for children under 16 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 16. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately.

12. Third-Party Links

Our service may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any personal information.

13. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by:

• Posting the updated policy on our website
• Sending email notifications to registered users
• Displaying prominent notices on our service

Your continued use of our service after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

14. Contact Information

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or your data rights, please contact us:

15. Supervisory Authority

If you are not satisfied with our response to your privacy concerns, you have the right to lodge a complaint with your local data protection supervisory authority. For EU residents, you can find your local authority at https://edpb.europa.eu/about-edpb/board/members_en.