Terms & Policies/Privacy Policy

How we collect, use, and protect your personal information

1. Information We Collect and How We Use It

1.1 Account Information (for platform functionality)

  • Name and email address - Used for account creation, login, and essential communications
  • Phone number (optional) - Used for enhanced security and support contact
  • Profile photos - Used to display your professional profile to potential clients/providers
  • Professional information - Used to showcase your services and match you with relevant opportunities

1.2 Google Account Integration (optional)

When you choose to sign up with Google, we receive:

  • Full name and email - Used for account setup and identification
  • Profile picture - Used as your default profile photo (you can change this)
  • Basic account information - Used to streamline the registration process

We do not access your Gmail content, contacts, or other Google services data.

1.3 Payment and Verification (handled by third parties)

  • Payment information - Collected and processed securely by Stripe/Coinbase, not stored by us
  • Identity verification - Performed by Stripe/Coinbase for payout recipients to comply with financial regulations
  • Tax information - Collected by Stripe/Coinbase for tax reporting requirements, not by Stackkd

1.4 Platform Usage and Communications (for service improvement and security)

  • IP addresses and device info - Used for security, fraud prevention, and analytics
  • Pages visited and interactions - Used to improve platform features and user experience
  • Search queries - Used to enhance search functionality and match relevant services
  • Platform communications - All messages sent through our platform may be monitored and analyzed as described in our Platform Safety Policy below

1.5 Third-Party Analytics (for platform optimization)

  • Usage patterns - Collected through analytics tools to understand how users interact with our platform
  • Performance data - Used to identify and fix technical issues
  • Feature usage - Used to prioritize development of new features

2. Community Safety and Security Measures

Industry-Standard Security Practices:

To maintain a secure and trustworthy marketplace for all users, Stackkd employs industry-standard security monitoring practices similar to those used by major platforms like Airbnb, Uber, and other trusted marketplaces. Our automated systems and trained safety team may review communications when necessary for the purposes outlined below.

Communication Monitoring Purposes:

We may monitor, analyze, and review platform communications to:

Protecting Our Community:

  • Safeguard users from fraudulent schemes, impersonation, and financial scams
  • Maintain compliance with our Community Guidelines and professional standards
  • Provide evidence-based resolution for transaction disputes and conflicts
  • Ensure all users receive the platform protections they expect and deserve

Legal and Regulatory Compliance:

  • Fulfill our legal obligations under consumer protection and anti-fraud regulations
  • Cooperate with law enforcement investigations when legally required
  • Maintain platform integrity as required by financial services regulations
  • Protect intellectual property rights and prevent unauthorized content sharing

Platform Integrity:

  • Preserve the retainer and dispute resolution systems that protect both buyers and sellers
  • Prevent attempts to circumvent platform fees or move transactions off-platform
  • Maintain fair marketplace practices and prevent unfair competitive advantages
  • Ensure all transactions benefit from our security measures and buyer/seller protections

Privacy Safeguards:

Communications are reviewed only when triggered by automated safety systems, user reports, dispute filings, or other legitimate safety concerns. Our trained safety team follows strict privacy protocols and accesses only the minimum information necessary to address specific safety or compliance matters. Personal conversations unrelated to platform safety, disputes, or Terms of Service violations are not subject to routine monitoring.

Transparency and Trust:

We believe in earning your trust through transparency. This monitoring helps us maintain the secure, professional environment that makes Stackkd a trusted platform for creators and service providers. Similar practices are standard across all major marketplace platforms to ensure user safety and platform reliability.

3. Information Sharing (We Never Sell Your Data)

3.1 Our No-Sale Policy

Stackkd does not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes. Your data is used solely to provide and improve our platform services.

3.2 Essential Service Providers

We share limited information with trusted partners who help us operate the platform:

  • Stripe and Coinbase - Payment processing and payout services
  • Cloud hosting providers - Secure data storage and platform infrastructure
  • Analytics services - Anonymous usage data to improve platform performance
  • Customer support tools - To provide you with help when needed

3.3 Legal Requirements Only

We may disclose information only when legally required:

  • Court orders or valid legal process
  • Government investigations with proper legal authority
  • Protection against fraud or illegal activity
  • Protection of user safety or platform security

3.4 Business Transfers

If Stackkd is acquired or merged, your information may be transferred to the new entity, but the same privacy protections will apply.

4. Data Security

4.1 Security Measures

  • Encryption of data in transit and at rest
  • Regular security audits and updates
  • Access controls and authentication
  • Secure data centers and infrastructure

4.2 Data Retention

  • Active account data retained while account is active
  • Deleted account data purged within 90 days
  • Legal compliance data retained as required
  • Financial records retained per tax requirements

5. Your Rights

5.1 Access and Control

  • View and update your personal information through your account settings
  • Download your data in portable format by contacting our support team
  • Delete your account and associated data by contacting our support team
  • Opt out of marketing communications through account settings or email unsubscribe

5.2 GDPR Rights (EU Users)

To exercise these rights, please contact our support team at legal@stackkd.com:

  • Right to access personal data
  • Right to rectification of inaccurate data
  • Right to erasure ("right to be forgotten")
  • Right to data portability
  • Right to object to processing

5.3 CCPA Rights (California Users)

To exercise these rights, please contact our support team at legal@stackkd.com:

  • Right to know what personal information is collected
  • Right to delete personal information
  • Right to opt out of sale of personal information
  • Right to non-discrimination for exercising rights

5.4 How to Exercise Your Rights

  • Email us: legal@stackkd.com
  • Support ticket: Through your account dashboard
  • Response time: We will respond to your request within 30 days
  • Verification: We may need to verify your identity before processing certain requests
  • No fees: Exercising your privacy rights is free of charge

6. Cookies and Tracking

Current Policy:

Stackkd currently uses only essential technical cookies required for platform functionality (login sessions, security features). We do not use tracking, analytics, or advertising cookies at this time.

Future Updates:

As we grow, we may implement additional cookies to improve user experience and platform performance. If we do, we will:

  • Update this privacy policy with detailed information
  • Provide clear cookie management options
  • Ensure full compliance with applicable privacy laws

7. International Transfers

Data Processing Locations:

Your personal information may be transferred to and processed in countries outside your residence, including the United States, where our servers and service providers are located.

Current Protections:

  • Data is encrypted during transmission and storage
  • We use reputable cloud service providers with strong security measures
  • Our payment processors (Stripe and Coinbase) handle international transfers of payment data in accordance with their privacy policies and applicable laws

Ongoing Compliance:

As we grow, we will implement additional safeguards as required by applicable privacy laws, including formal data transfer agreements and other protective measures.

Your Rights:

Regardless of where your data is processed, you retain all privacy rights outlined in this policy.

8. Children's Privacy

We do not knowingly collect information from children under 18. If we discover such collection, we will delete the information immediately.

9. Contact Information

For privacy questions or to exercise your rights:

  • Email: legal@stackkd.com