PRIVACY POLICY

1. Information We Collect

We collect various types of information to provide and improve our services to you.

2. How We Use Information

We use the collected information for the following purposes:

3. Geo-Location & Photos

Location data and photos are integral to the Civil Hive platform's functionality.

Photo Metadata: Photos uploaded to the platform may include embedded GPS metadata showing where and when the photo was taken. This information is used for documentation purposes only and is not verified or certified by the Company.

By using the Platform's photo and location features, you expressly consent to such collection and use of geographic data.

4. Data Sharing

We do NOT sell your personal data to third parties.

We may share your data in the following circumstances:

Sharing with Other Users

Your information may be shared with other users as required for project execution, including:

• Profile information visible to potential clients or service providers
• Project details shared with awarded contractors
• Progress updates visible to project stakeholders
• Messages and communications within project contexts

Service Providers

We may share data with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in:

• Cloud hosting and data storage
• Analytics and performance monitoring
• Payment processing
• Customer support tools
• Email and communication services

These providers are contractually obligated to protect your data and may only use it for the purposes we specify.

Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information when required by law, including:

• In response to court orders or legal processes
• To comply with regulatory requirements
• To protect our rights, property, or safety
• To prevent fraud or illegal activities
• In connection with law enforcement requests

Business Transfers

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

5. Data Storage & Security

We take the security of your data seriously and implement industry-standard measures to protect it.

Storage Infrastructure

• Data is stored on secure cloud servers with encryption at rest
• We use reputable cloud service providers with robust security protocols
• Regular backups are performed to prevent data loss
• Access to servers is restricted and monitored

Security Measures

• SSL/TLS encryption for data in transit
• Multi-factor authentication options for user accounts
• Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments
• Employee training on data protection best practices
• Incident response procedures for security breaches

6. Data Retention

We retain your data for different periods depending on the type of information and purpose:

Active Accounts

Data is retained for as long as your account remains active and for a reasonable period thereafter to:

• Maintain service continuity
• Comply with legal obligations
• Resolve disputes
• Enforce our agreements

Closed Accounts

After account closure, we may retain certain data for:

• Legal Compliance: Tax records, transaction history (typically 7-10 years)
• Dispute Resolution: Communication records related to disputes
• Security: Logs for fraud prevention and security purposes
• Analytics: Anonymized data for platform improvement

Deletion Requests

You may request deletion of your data, subject to legal retention requirements. Some data cannot be deleted if required for compliance, security, or legitimate business purposes.

7. User Rights

Depending on your location, you may have certain rights regarding your personal data:

How to Exercise Your Rights

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at quietignite@gmail.com. We will respond to your request within the timeframe required by applicable law.

Note: Some rights may be limited by legal requirements or legitimate business interests. We will inform you if we cannot fulfill a request and provide the reasons.

8. Cookies & Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience on the Platform.

Types of Cookies We Use:

Managing Cookies

You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings. Note that disabling certain cookies may affect platform functionality.

Browser Controls: Most browsers allow you to view, manage, and delete cookies. Consult your browser's help documentation for specific instructions.

9. Children's Privacy

We do not knowingly collect personal information from minors. If you are under 18, you may not use the Platform or provide any information to us.

If we become aware that we have collected personal information from a user under 18 without parental consent, we will take steps to delete that information as quickly as possible.

If you believe we have inadvertently collected information from a minor, please contact us immediately at quietignite@gmail.com.

10. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. These countries may have different data protection laws than your country.

When we transfer data internationally, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, such as:

• Standard contractual clauses approved by relevant authorities
• Data processing agreements with service providers
• Compliance with applicable data protection frameworks

By using the Platform, you consent to the transfer of your information to countries outside your country of residence.

11. Third-Party Links and Services

The Platform may contain links to third-party websites or integrate with third-party services. This Privacy Policy does not apply to those external sites or services.

We are not responsible for the privacy practices of third parties. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites or services before providing them with your information.

12. Your California Privacy Rights

If you are a California resident, you have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA):

• Right to know what personal information is collected
• Right to know if personal information is sold or disclosed
• Right to opt-out of the sale of personal information
• Right to request deletion of personal information
• Right to non-discrimination for exercising your privacy rights

We do not sell personal information to third parties.

13. Policy Updates

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors.

Notification of Changes: We will notify you of material changes through:

• Email notification to your registered email address
• Prominent notice on the Platform
• In-app notifications

Effective Date: Changes become effective on the date specified in the updated policy. Continued use of the Platform after the effective date constitutes acceptance of the revised Privacy Policy.

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

14. Data Protection Officer

For questions or concerns about data protection, you may contact our Data Protection Officer at:

Email:

15. Contact Information

For questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

We will respond to your inquiries within a reasonable timeframe, typically within 30 days.

16. Consent

By using the Civil Hive platform, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy and consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of your information as described herein.

If you do not agree with this Privacy Policy, please do not use the Platform.