Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Welcome to Freelancea ("we," "our," "us"). Freelancea LLC, a company formed and registered in the United States of America, operates a freelance marketplace platform accessible through:

• Website: www.freelancea.net and all subdomains
• iOS Application (available on Apple App Store)
• Android Application (available on Google Play Store)
• Progressive Web App (PWA)
• Any other digital platforms we may operate

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our Services (collectively referred to as "Platform" or "Services"). By accessing or using our Services, you agree to this Privacy Policy.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information You Provide

When you register, use, or interact with our Services, we may collect:

• Account Information: Name, email address, phone number, username, password, profile picture
• Profile Information: Professional skills, work experience, education, portfolio, certifications, bio, hourly rate, availability
• Identity Verification: Government-issued ID, tax identification numbers (SSN, EIN, VAT), date of birth, address
• Payment Information: Bank account details, credit/debit card information, PayPal email, Wise account, cryptocurrency wallet addresses
• Communication Data: Messages, proposals, contracts, feedback, reviews, ratings, support tickets
• User Content: Job postings, project descriptions, files, documents, images, videos uploaded to the Platform
• Data Collection and Use of Device Identifiers:Our application may collect or process certain “Device or Other Identifiers” which are required for providing core functionality, security, analytics, account management, and advertising support. These identifiers can include, but are not limited to: Advertising ID, Android ID, Firebase Installation ID, Instance ID, App Instance Token, IP address, Device Model, and Network Information. We do not directly access, store, or manage these identifiers on our servers; however, they may be automatically collected and processed by secure, trusted third-party service providers integrated into our app. These providers include: • Google Firebase Authentication – used for user login, account verification, fraud prevention, and securing user sessions. Firebase may process device identifiers to ensure account integrity and prevent unauthorized access. • Google Firebase Cloud Firestore – used for secure data storage, syncing, and app functionality. Device identifiers may be used for authentication tokens, backend communication, and security enforcement. • Google Firebase Analytics and/or Google Firebase Services – may automatically collect anonymized device information and identifiers to help improve app performance, stability, crash diagnostics, and user experience. • Google Mobile Ads (AdMob) – may collect device identifiers such as Advertising ID to display personalized or non-personalized ads, prevent invalid activity, perform ad measurement, and maintain ad-related functionality. • Firebase Crashlytics – collects app instance identifiers and device environment information strictly for diagnosing crashes and improving app stability. Crash data is not used for advertising or user profiling. These identifiers are used for: • App functionality and user authentication • Analytics and performance monitoring • Fraud prevention, security, and compliance with Google Play policies • Advertising, measurement, and ad-fraud detection (AdMob) All third-party services process data in accordance with their own Privacy Policies and comply with Google Play User Data policies. We do not sell user data, do not share personally identifiable information with unauthorized parties, and do not use collected identifiers for any purpose outside of app functionality, security, analytics, and advertising support. By using our application, you acknowledge that these trusted third-party providers may process certain device identifiers as part of delivering safe, stable, and secure app functionality. Our app uses third-party services such as Google Mobile Ads, Firebase Authentication, Cloud Firestore, and Firebase Analytics. These services may collect ‘Device or Other IDs’ (e.g., Advertising ID, Android ID, Firebase installation ID) for the purposes of authentication, analytics, app functionality, and fraud prevention. We do not directly access or store this data.

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

• Device Information: IP address, device type, operating system, browser type, mobile device identifiers (IDFA for iOS, AAID for Android)
• Usage Data: Pages viewed, features used, time spent, search queries, clicks, scrolling behavior
• Location Data: Approximate location based on IP address; precise location if you grant permission on mobile apps
• Cookies and Tracking: Cookies, web beacons, pixels, local storage, session data
• Mobile App Data: App version, crash reports, performance data, push notification tokens

2.3 Information from Third Parties

• Social Media: If you connect social accounts (LinkedIn, Facebook, Google), we may receive profile information
• Payment Processors: Stripe, PayPal, and other payment partners may share transaction data
• Identity Verification: Third-party verification services for background checks and identity confirmation
• Analytics Providers: Google Analytics, Firebase Analytics, Mixpanel, and similar services

3. How We Use Your Information

We use collected information for the following purposes:

3.1 Service Provision

• Create and manage your account
• Facilitate connections between clients and freelancers
• Process payments, withdrawals, and financial transactions
• Enable messaging and communication features
• Provide escrow and dispute resolution services
• Verify identity and prevent fraud

3.2 Platform Improvement

• Analyze usage patterns and user behavior
• Develop new features and improve existing functionality
• Conduct research and testing
• Optimize platform performance and user experience
• Debug and fix technical issues

3.3 Communication

• Send transactional emails and notifications
• Provide customer support
• Send marketing communications (with your consent)
• Share platform updates and announcements
• Deliver push notifications on mobile apps

3.4 Legal and Security

• Comply with legal obligations and regulations
• Enforce our Terms of Service
• Detect and prevent fraud, abuse, and illegal activities
• Protect rights, property, and safety of users and Freelancea
• Respond to law enforcement requests

3.5 Business Operations

• Generate tax documents (1099s, invoices)
• Conduct financial reporting and accounting
• Facilitate business transactions (mergers, acquisitions)
• Manage partnerships and integrations

4. How We Share Your Information

We may share your information in the following circumstances:

4.1 Public Profile Information

Your public profile (name, photo, skills, portfolio, reviews, ratings) is visible to all platform users and may appear in search results.

4.2 With Other Users

When you engage in contracts, we share relevant information (contact details, work history, payment information) with the other party.

4.3 Service Providers

• Payment Processing: Stripe, PayPal, Wise, bank transfer services
• Cloud Hosting: AWS, Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure
• Analytics: Google Analytics, Firebase, Mixpanel
• Customer Support: Zendesk, Intercom, or similar platforms
• Email Services: SendGrid, Mailchimp, AWS SES
• Identity Verification: Jumio, Onfido, Stripe Identity
• SMS Services: Twilio, AWS SNS

4.4 Legal Requirements

We may disclose information to:

• Comply with legal obligations, court orders, or government requests
• Enforce our agreements and policies
• Investigate potential violations
• Protect against fraud and security threats
• Protect the rights, property, and safety of Freelancea and users

4.5 Business Transfers

In connection with merger, acquisition, bankruptcy, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred to the acquiring entity.

4.6 With Your Consent

We may share information with your explicit consent for specific purposes not covered above.

5. Data Retention

We retain your information for as long as necessary to:

• Provide Services and maintain your account
• Comply with legal obligations (tax records: 7 years minimum)
• Resolve disputes and enforce agreements
• Prevent fraud and abuse

After account deletion, we may retain certain information for:

• Legal compliance: Financial records, tax documents, contracts
• Fraud prevention: Identity verification data, blacklist information
• Analytics: Aggregated, anonymized usage data
• Backup systems: Data may persist in backups for up to 90 days

6. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures:

• Encryption: SSL/TLS for data in transit, AES-256 for data at rest
• Access Controls: Role-based access, multi-factor authentication for employees
• Regular Audits: Security assessments and penetration testing
• Payment Security: PCI DSS compliant through Stripe
• Network Security: Firewalls, intrusion detection systems
• Employee Training: Regular security awareness programs

7. Your Rights and Choices

7.1 Access and Portability

You can access and download your personal data through your account settings.

7.2 Correction and Update

You can update your profile information directly in your account.

7.3 Deletion

You may request account deletion by contacting support@freelancea.net. Some information may be retained as described in Section 5.

7.4 Marketing Communications

You can opt out of marketing emails by clicking "unsubscribe" or adjusting notification settings.

7.5 Cookies

You can control cookies through browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect platform functionality.

7.6 Mobile Permissions

iOS and Android apps may request permissions for:

• Camera: Profile pictures, document uploads
• Photos: Upload work samples, portfolio items
• Location: Show local jobs, verify service area
• Notifications: Push alerts for messages, job updates
• Files: Upload project deliverables

You can modify permissions in device settings anytime.

8. International Data Transfers

Freelancea LLC is based in the United States. Your information may be transferred to and processed in:

• United States (primary servers)
• European Union (compliance with GDPR)
• Other countries where our service providers operate

We ensure appropriate safeguards through:

• Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs)
• Data Processing Agreements
• Adequacy decisions by relevant authorities
• Privacy Shield frameworks (where applicable)

9. Children's Privacy

Freelancea is not intended for users under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect information from children under 18.

If we discover that a child under 18 has provided personal information, we will delete it immediately. Parents or guardians who believe their child has provided information should contact us at privacy@freelancea.net.

10. Third-Party Links and Services

Our Platform may contain links to third-party websites, applications, or services. We are not responsible for their privacy practices.

This includes but is not limited to:

• Payment processors (Stripe, PayPal)
• Social media platforms
• External portfolio websites
• Third-party tools and integrations

11. Platform Development and Feature Availability

We expressly disclaim any warranties or guarantees regarding:

• Availability of specific features or services
• Timeline for feature implementation or deployment
• Continuous availability of any current features
• Performance, reliability, or accuracy of platform services
• Success in connecting clients with freelancers
• Quality, timeliness, or completion of work by freelancers
• Payment by clients or satisfaction with services
• Resolution of disputes in your favor

Features Under Development: The following categories may include features that are planned but not yet available:

• AI-powered matching and recommendations
• Advanced analytics and reporting tools
• Certain payment methods or currencies
• Specific mobile app functionalities
• Integration with third-party services
• Blockchain-based features
• Advanced security features
• Automated contract management tools

No Guarantee of Service: Freelancea acts solely as a platform to facilitate connections between clients and freelancers. We do not guarantee, warrant, or promise the availability of qualified freelancers, successful client relationships, job opportunities, or project outcomes. Users acknowledge that platform performance and feature availability may vary and are subject to change without notice.

12. Regional Privacy Rights

12.1 California Residents (CCPA/CPRA)

California residents have additional rights:

• Right to know what personal information is collected
• Right to know if personal information is sold or shared
• Right to opt-out of sale of personal information
• Right to deletion of personal information
• Right to non-discrimination for exercising rights
• Right to correct inaccurate information

Note: We do not "sell" personal information as defined by CCPA. We share information as described in Section 4.

12.2 European Union Residents (GDPR)

EU/EEA residents have rights under GDPR:

• Right of access to personal data
• Right to rectification of inaccurate data
• Right to erasure ("right to be forgotten")
• Right to restriction of processing
• Right to data portability
• Right to object to processing
• Right to withdraw consent
• Right to lodge complaint with supervisory authority

Legal Basis for Processing:

• Contract Performance: Processing necessary to provide Services
• Legitimate Interests: Fraud prevention, platform improvement, security
• Legal Compliance: Tax reporting, KYC/AML requirements
• Consent: Marketing communications, optional features

13. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Changes will be effective immediately upon posting to the Platform with a new "Last Updated" date.

For material changes, we will:

• Notify you via email (if registered)
• Display prominent notice on the Platform
• Send push notifications on mobile apps

Continued use of Services after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

14. Contact Us

For questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or your personal information: