PRIVACY POLICY

At VouchSpot (“we,” “our,” or “us”), we are dedicated to protecting your privacy and ensuring your personal data is handled with care and transparency. This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, store, disclose, and protect your information when you access or use our platform (the “Platform”), which includes our website, mobile application, and related services. By using our Platform, you agree to the terms outlined in this Privacy Policy.

1. Scope of This Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy outlines the practices of VouchSpot regarding the collection, use, sharing, and protection of your personal data. It applies to all users who interact with the VouchSpot Platform, including but not limited to:

• Visitors: Individuals who browse our Platform without registering an account.
• Registered Users: Individuals who create an account to access the Platform’s features.
• Business Owners: Individuals or representatives of businesses who create or claim listings on the Platform.
• Customers: Individuals who interact with business listings, submit reviews, or utilize other services available on the Platform.

By using our Platform, you acknowledge and agree to the practices described in this Privacy Policy.

Jurisdictional Compliance

This Privacy Policy has been designed to comply with data protection and privacy laws applicable in the jurisdictions we operate, including but not limited to:

1. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR): For users in the European Union, this policy complies with GDPR provisions on personal data processing, ensuring transparency, accountability, and user rights.
   • Users have the right to access, rectify, delete, or restrict processing of their data and can object to its use for direct marketing or automated decision-making.
   • Data transfers outside the EU are governed by appropriate safeguards, such as Standard Contractual Clauses or other lawful mechanisms.
2. California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA): For users in California, this policy addresses rights under the CCPA/CPRA, including:
   • The right to know what personal information we collect and how it is used or shared.
   • The right to opt out of the sale or sharing of personal information for targeted advertising.
   • The right to request deletion or correction of inaccurate personal information.
3. Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) and Personal Data Protection Bill (PDPA): For users in Pakistan:
   • Compliance with PECA ensures the protection of electronic data and establishes penalties for unauthorized data use, cybercrimes, and fraudulent activities.
   • While the PDPA is pending enactment, VouchSpot adheres to best practices for data protection, aligning with global privacy standards and local requirements.

Applicability Across Platforms

This policy applies to all aspects of the VouchSpot Platform, including:

• The website and mobile application.
• Interactive features, such as user reviews, messaging, and customer interactions with business listings.
• Any third-party services or plugins integrated into the Platform.

Your Responsibility

As a user, it is your responsibility to review and understand this Privacy Policy, especially if you reside in jurisdictions with specific legal protections for personal data. By continuing to use the Platform, you consent to the collection, use, and processing of your personal information as described in this Privacy Policy.

Exclusions

This policy does not cover third-party websites, applications, or services linked to or integrated with the Platform. Users are encouraged to review the privacy policies of those third parties independently.

2. Information We Collect

We collect a variety of information to operate, enhance, and protect the functionality of the VouchSpot Platform. The types of data collected are categorized as follows:

2.1 Information You Provide

This refers to information you voluntarily provide to us while using the Platform.

• Account Information:
  • Name, email address, phone number, and other identifying details provided during account registration.
  • Business details if you are creating or claiming a business listing, including your business name, address, services, products, hours of operation, and customer reviews.
  • Profile details, such as photographs, usernames, and any other information you choose to include in your user or business profile.
• Business Listings:
  • Detailed descriptions of your business offerings, contact information, and promotional content uploaded by you.
  • Marketing materials, including logos, images, videos, and other multimedia assets submitted to represent your business.
• Communication Data:
  • Records of communication with our support team via email, chat, or phone, including any attachments or supplementary materials provided.
  • Feedback and survey responses collected to improve our Platform’s functionality or customer service.
• Payment and Billing Data:
  • Full name, billing address, and financial details required to process payments for premium services or subscriptions.
  • Transaction history, including the date, time, and type of services purchased.
  • Payment information, including credit card numbers, expiration dates, and CVV codes, securely processed by third-party payment processors.
• Preference Data:
  • Any personal preferences or settings you select on the Platform, such as preferred languages, notification preferences, and customized features.

2.2 Information We Collect Automatically

When you interact with the VouchSpot Platform, we automatically collect certain information about your usage to improve your experience and maintain the security of the Platform.

• Usage Data:
  • Pages visited, search terms entered, and interactions with specific features (e.g., creating or managing business listings, adding reviews).
  • The duration of your visit, timestamps, navigation patterns, and links clicked.
• Device Information:
  • Information about the device used to access the Platform, such as device type, operating system, browser type and version, screen resolution, and hardware specifications.
  • Mobile device information, including the type of device, operating system version, unique device identifiers, and mobile network provider.
• Geolocation Data:
  • Approximate location data based on your IP address or GPS information (if enabled) to personalize services and offer region-specific recommendations.
• Cookies and Tracking Technologies:
  • Cookies: Small text files stored on your device to remember your preferences and enhance your browsing experience.
  • Web Beacons: Transparent images embedded in emails or webpages to track user behavior.
  • Session and Analytical Data: Data collected through Google Analytics or other third-party tools to evaluate performance, detect bugs, and analyze trends.
  • Behavioral Data: Information about how users interact with advertisements or promotions, helping us optimize ad delivery.

2.3 Information We Collect from Third Parties

We may receive information from external sources to enhance the services we provide or to verify the information submitted by users.

• Public Sources:
  • Business information obtained from publicly available directories, websites, and government databases to pre-populate business listings.
  • Consumer feedback or publicly available reviews about your business.
• Social Media Platforms:
  • Information shared through integrations with social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, LinkedIn, or Twitter). This may include usernames, profile pictures, contact lists, or content shared via the Platform.
  • Social media activity related to your interactions with VouchSpot, such as likes, shares, or mentions.
• Third-Party Services:
  • Data from advertising partners or analytics providers to measure ad performance and understand customer behavior.
  • Authentication details if you use third-party login credentials (e.g., Google or Apple ID) to sign in to your account.
• Partner Data:
  • Information received from partner businesses or affiliates when you engage with offers, discounts, or promotions hosted jointly with VouchSpot.
  • Data from third-party verification services to validate your identity or business ownership during the account verification process.

2.4 Sensitive and Special Categories of Data

While VouchSpot does not actively seek to collect sensitive personal data (e.g., racial or ethnic origin, religious beliefs, health data, biometric data), certain instances may require such information:

• For compliance with legal requirements or to fulfill obligations related to fraud prevention or cybersecurity.
• If voluntarily submitted by you in free-form text fields, such as business descriptions or customer reviews.

We take additional steps to protect sensitive data, in compliance with applicable laws, and process it only when necessary and with explicit consent where required.

2.5 Children's Data

The Platform is not intended for children under the age of 18, and we do not knowingly collect data from children. If we discover that a child under 18 has provided personal data, we will delete it promptly. Parents or guardians who believe their child has shared personal data with us should contact us immediately.

Summary Table of Information Categories Collected

Category	Examples	How Collected
Personal Details	Name, email, phone, address	User-provided during registration
Business Information	Business name, services, hours of operation	User-provided or public sources
Communication Logs	Support tickets, chat logs	User-provided during interactions
Payment Information	Credit card details, transaction history	User-provided or payment processor
Behavioral Data	Search queries, page views, ad interactions	Automatically collected
Device Information	IP address, device type, browser details	Automatically collected
Social Media Data	Profile information, activity linked to Platform	Provided by linked social media accounts
Publicly Available	Business details from public directories	Public databases

By collecting a combination of data categories, VouchSpot ensures a robust and tailored user experience, while adhering to data protection regulations in all jurisdictions.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to operate and enhance the VouchSpot Platform while ensuring compliance, security, and user satisfaction. Specifically, we process your information for the following purposes:

3.1 Account Management

• To register and set up your account.
• To verify your identity and business ownership for secure access.
• To manage account settings, preferences, and linked profiles.
• To respond to inquiries, resolve issues, and provide customer support.

3.2 Service Delivery

• To create, maintain, and update business listings and profiles.
• To process payments for premium services or features through secure methods.
• To facilitate communication between users and businesses (e.g., reviews, inquiries).
• To provide tools and resources that allow businesses to interact effectively with their customers.

3.3 Personalization

• To tailor content and recommendations based on user activity, preferences, and location.
• To customize the user experience by remembering preferences (e.g., language, region).
• To deliver personalized advertising and marketing communications relevant to user interests.

3.4 Marketing and Promotions

• To analyze user behavior, trends, and feedback to improve Platform performance and design.
• To detect, prevent, and address technical issues or bugs.
• To optimize the Platform’s functionality and content delivery.

3.6 Compliance and Legal Obligations

• To fulfill legal requirements, such as tax reporting or compliance with data protection regulations.
• To enforce our Terms and Conditions and investigate potential violations.
• To prevent and address fraudulent, unauthorized, or illegal activities.
• To cooperate with law enforcement, regulatory bodies, or other government agencies where legally obligated.

4. How We Share Your Information

VouchSpot does not sell your personal data to third parties. However, your information may be shared in specific circumstances outlined below:

4.1 Service Providers and Partners

We collaborate with trusted third-party vendors and partners to support our operations and enhance your experience. These providers are contractually obligated to safeguard your data and use it solely for the services they provide to us. Examples include:

• Payment Processors: Securely processing transactions (e.g., credit card payments).
• Cloud Storage and Hosting Providers: Storing data securely on cloud servers.
• Marketing and Analytics Firms: Analyzing user behavior, delivering advertisements, and optimizing marketing campaigns.
• Customer Support Platforms: Assisting with user inquiries and support requests.

4.2 Legal and Regulatory Compliance

We may disclose your personal data when required by law or necessary to comply with legal processes, including but not limited to:

• Court orders, subpoenas, or regulatory investigations.
• Compliance with applicable laws, such as the GDPR, CCPA, or PECA.
• Cooperation with law enforcement to address fraud, cybercrime, or other illegal activities.

Additionally, data may be disclosed to:

• Protect VouchSpot’s rights, property, or safety, as well as those of our users or the general public.
• Enforce our Terms and Conditions and other legal agreements.

4.3 Business Transactions

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your data may be transferred to the acquiring or merging entity.

• Users will be notified of any changes to ownership or control of their data.
• The new entity will be required to adhere to the commitments made in this Privacy Policy unless otherwise communicated.

4.4 Aggregated or Anonymized Data

We may share aggregated or anonymized information that cannot be linked back to an individual, for purposes such as:

• Research and analysis to improve Platform services.
• Industry benchmarking and performance tracking.
• Collaboration with partners to develop marketing insights or promotional materials.

Summary Table: How Your Data Is Shared

Purpose	Shared With	Examples
Service Providers	Payment processors, hosting services	Payment processing, cloud data storage, customer support platforms
Legal Obligations	Courts, regulatory agencies	Subpoenas, compliance audits, law enforcement investigations
Business Transactions	Acquiring/merging companies	Transfer of data during mergers, acquisitions, or sales of business assets
Anonymized Data	Researchers, analytics firms	User behavior trends, marketing performance reports

By sharing data selectively and responsibly, VouchSpot ensures that your information is used ethically and for purposes aligned with your expectations.

5. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and other tracking technologies to enhance your experience on the Platform. These technologies enable us to improve functionality, personalize your interactions, and deliver tailored content.

5.1 Types of Cookies We Use

1. Essential Cookies:

   These cookies are necessary for the Platform to operate effectively. They enable core features such as secure account login, page navigation, and access to restricted areas. Disabling these cookies may impair the functionality of the Platform.

2. Performance Cookies:

   These cookies help us understand how users interact with the Platform. By collecting information about pages visited, error messages, and overall site performance, we can optimize your experience.

3. Functional Cookies:

   These cookies store your preferences, such as language settings and region, to provide a more personalized and consistent experience.

4. Targeting Cookies:

   These cookies are used to deliver advertisements relevant to your interests based on your browsing activity. They may also limit the number of times you see a particular ad and measure the effectiveness of advertising campaigns.

5.2 Managing Cookies

You can control or disable cookies through your browser settings. However, please note that disabling cookies may limit some functionality of the Platform, including personalized features and saved preferences. For more information on managing cookies, consult your browser’s help documentation or visit our Cookie Policy.

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal information only as long as necessary for the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy or as required by applicable laws and regulations. Our retention practices are guided by legal, operational, and contractual requirements.

Retention Practices

• Account Data:

  Retained until you deactivate your account or request its deletion. Upon account closure, we may retain certain data for fraud prevention, dispute resolution, or compliance with legal obligations.

• Business Listings:

  Data associated with your business listing is retained for as long as the listing remains active on the Platform or as otherwise required by law.

• Payment Records:

  Retained for financial reporting, tax compliance, and legal obligations. Typically, this information is stored for up to 7 years, in line with financial and tax regulations.

• Communication Data:

  Records of customer support interactions or queries are retained for as long as necessary to resolve issues and improve services.

Once the applicable retention period ends, we securely delete, anonymize, or aggregate your data unless further retention is required by law.

7. Your Privacy Rights

Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have specific rights concerning your personal data. These rights are designed to give you greater control over how your information is collected, used, and shared.

7.1 Right to Access and Portability

You have the right to request access to the personal data we hold about you. Where technically feasible, we can provide this data in a portable, machine-readable format to enable transfer to another service.

7.2 Right to Rectification

If you believe that any personal information we hold about you is inaccurate or incomplete, you can request corrections or updates to ensure the data is accurate.

7.3 Right to Deletion

You can request the deletion of your personal data under certain circumstances, such as when the data is no longer necessary for the purposes for which it was collected, or if you withdraw your consent. However, we may retain certain data for legal, regulatory, or security reasons.

7.4 Right to Restriction of Processing

You may request that we limit the processing of your personal data in specific situations, such as when you contest the accuracy of the data or object to its use.

7.5 Right to Object

You have the right to object to the processing of your data for certain purposes, including direct marketing or profiling based on legitimate interests.

7.6 Right to Withdraw Consent

If we process your data based on your consent, you can withdraw your consent at any time. This will not affect the lawfulness of any processing conducted before the withdrawal of consent.

7.7 Right to Lodge Complaints

If you believe your data rights have been violated, you have the right to file a complaint with the appropriate data protection authority or regulatory body in your jurisdiction.

Exercising Your Rights

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at info@vouchspot.com. We may require additional information to verify your identity and ensure the security of your personal data. Requests will be processed within a reasonable timeframe and in compliance with applicable laws.

8. Data Security

We implement a range of technical, organizational, and administrative measures to ensure the protection of your personal data from unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include but are not limited to:

• Encryption:

  We use industry-standard encryption protocols to secure data during transmission and storage, ensuring confidentiality and integrity.

• Access Controls:

  Access to your data is restricted to authorized personnel who require it to perform their job functions. These personnel are bound by confidentiality obligations.

• Regular Security Assessments:

  We conduct periodic audits, penetration tests, and vulnerability assessments to identify and address potential security risks.

• Firewalls and Intrusion Detection Systems:

  Our infrastructure is protected by firewalls and monitored for unauthorized access or suspicious activities.

Despite our efforts, no security system is entirely foolproof. We cannot guarantee absolute security. Users are responsible for protecting their account credentials and immediately notifying us of any suspected unauthorized access.

9. International Data Transfers

Given the global nature of our operations, your personal data may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. These countries may have data protection laws that differ from those in your jurisdiction.

Data Transfers to the United States and Pakistan

Data collected through the Platform is primarily processed and stored in the United States or Pakistan, depending on your location. These transfers are conducted in compliance with applicable data protection laws to ensure your data remains secure.

Consent to Transfers

By using the Platform, you consent to the transfer of your personal data to countries outside your jurisdiction, including those with different data protection standards. Where required, we implement contractual safeguards (such as Standard Contractual Clauses) to protect your information during international transfers.

10. Children’s Privacy

The Platform is not designed or intended for use by individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children. If we become aware that personal information of a child has been provided to us without parental or guardian consent, we will take steps to delete the data promptly.

If you believe a child under 18 has provided personal data to us, please contact us immediately at info@vouchspot.com so we can address the situation.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may revise this Privacy Policy periodically to align with evolving legal requirements, changes to our services, or user feedback.

Notification of Changes

• For significant updates, we will notify you via email, through your account, or by displaying a prominent notice on the Platform.
• Minor changes that do not materially impact your rights may be updated without prior notification.

Effective Date

Changes to this Privacy Policy will take effect immediately upon posting unless stated otherwise. Your continued use of the Platform following the posting of updated terms constitutes your acceptance of those changes.

We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy regularly to stay informed about how we protect your data.

12. Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or your personal data, you can reach us at:

• Email: info@vouchspot.com
• Mailing Address: 854 Kent Circle, Bartlett, IL 60103

We are committed to addressing your inquiries promptly and ensuring transparency in our data protection practices.