Privacy Policy | Pawsome

1. Introduction

Pawsome ("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 directory service. Please read this policy carefully to understand our practices regarding your personal data.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide:

Business information (name, address, contact details, services offered)
Contact information (name, email address, phone number)
Messages and communications sent through our platform
Any other information you choose to provide

2.2 Automatically Collected Information:

IP address and browser type
Device information and operating system
Usage data and website interaction patterns
Cookies and similar tracking technologies

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

Provide, maintain, and improve our directory service
Process and manage business listings
Facilitate communication between users and listed businesses
Send administrative information and updates
Respond to your inquiries and provide customer support
Analyze usage patterns to improve user experience
Comply with legal obligations and prevent fraud

4. Legal Basis for Processing (UK GDPR)

We process your personal data under the following legal bases:

Consent: When you provide explicit consent for specific processing activities
Contract: To perform our contractual obligations in providing the directory service
Legitimate Interests: To improve our services, ensure security, and prevent fraud
Legal Obligation: To comply with applicable UK laws and regulations

5. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We may share your information in the following circumstances:

Public Listings: Business information you provide will be displayed publicly on our directory
Service Providers: With third-party service providers who assist in operating our platform (hosting, analytics, etc.)
Legal Requirements: When required by law or to protect our rights and safety
Business Transfers: In connection with any merger, sale, or acquisition of our business

We do not sell your personal information to third parties.

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law. When you request deletion of your listing, we will remove your information from public display, but may retain certain data for legal and administrative purposes.

7. Your Rights (UK GDPR)

Under UK GDPR, you have the following rights:

Right of Access: Request copies of your personal data
Right to Rectification: Request correction of inaccurate data
Right to Erasure: Request deletion of your personal data
Right to Restrict Processing: Request limitation of how we process your data
Right to Data Portability: Request transfer of your data to another service
Right to Object: Object to processing based on legitimate interests
Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent at any time where processing is based on consent

To exercise these rights, please contact us through our contact page.

8. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to track activity on our website and store certain information. You can instruct your browser to refuse all cookies or to indicate when a cookie is being sent. However, if you do not accept cookies, you may not be able to use some portions of our Service.

9. Third-Party Services

Our Service may contain links to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third parties. We encourage you to read the privacy policies of any third-party services you access.

10. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

11. Children's Privacy

Our Service is not intended for individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update our Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page and updating the "Last updated" date. You are advised to review this Privacy Policy periodically for any changes.

13. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your rights, please contact us through our contact page.