Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Welcome to 1bay Classifieds ("we," "our," or "us"). We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our classifieds platform at 1bay.co.uk (the "Service").

This policy complies with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the Data Protection Act 2018, and other applicable privacy laws. By using our Service, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information You Provide

We collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us when you:

• Create an Account: Name, email address, username, password, phone number, and location
• Post Listings: Item descriptions, pricing, images, contact information, and location details
• Communicate with Us: Messages, feedback, support requests, and survey responses
• Use Our Services: Search queries, preferences, and interaction data

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

We automatically collect certain information when you use our Service:

• Device Information: IP address, browser type and version, operating system, device identifiers
• Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent, links clicked, search queries, and navigation patterns
• Location Data: General location information based on IP address and any location data you choose to share
• Cookies and Similar Technologies: Information stored on your device to enhance your experience

2.3 Information from Third Parties

We may receive information about you from third-party sources, including:

• Social media platforms (if you choose to connect your account)
• Analytics providers and advertising networks
• Public databases and directories

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information for the following purposes:

3.1 Service Provision

• Provide, maintain, and improve our classifieds platform
• Process and manage your account and listings
• Facilitate communication between buyers and sellers
• Enable search and discovery of listings
• Process transactions and payments (where applicable)

3.2 Communication

• Send important service updates and notifications
• Respond to your inquiries and support requests
• Send marketing communications (with your consent)
• Notify you about new features and services

3.3 Analytics and Improvement

• Analyze usage patterns and optimize performance
• Conduct research and development
• Improve user experience and interface design
• Develop new features and services

3.4 Security and Compliance

• Prevent fraud and ensure platform security
• Comply with legal obligations and regulations
• Enforce our Terms of Service
• Protect the rights and safety of our users

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information in the following circumstances:

4.1 With Other Users

Your profile information and listing details are visible to other users as part of the Service's functionality. This includes:

• Public profile information (username, location, profile picture)
• Listing details (item description, price, images, contact information)
• Public reviews and ratings

4.2 Service Providers

We may share information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating our Service:

• Hosting and Infrastructure: Cloud storage and server providers
• Analytics and Monitoring: Website analytics and performance monitoring
• Customer Support: Help desk and customer service platforms
• Payment Processing: Payment gateways and financial services
• Email Services: Email delivery and marketing platforms

4.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required by law or in response to valid legal requests:

• Court orders, subpoenas, or other legal processes
• Government investigations and regulatory inquiries
• Protection of rights, property, or safety
• Prevention of fraud or illegal activities

4.4 Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred to the new entity, subject to the same privacy protections.

5. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction:

5.1 Technical Safeguards

• Encryption: Data encrypted in transit (SSL/TLS) and at rest
• Access Controls: Role-based access and authentication measures
• Network Security: Firewalls, intrusion detection, and monitoring
• Regular Updates: Security patches and system updates

5.2 Organizational Safeguards

• Employee Training: Regular privacy and security training
• Data Minimization: Collect only necessary information
• Regular Audits: Security assessments and compliance reviews
• Incident Response: Procedures for handling security breaches

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to:

• Provide our Service to you
• Comply with legal obligations
• Resolve disputes and enforce agreements
• Maintain business records

6.1 Retention Periods

• Account Information: Until account deletion or 3 years of inactivity
• Listing Data: Until listing is removed or account is deleted
• Communication Records: 2 years from last contact
• Analytics Data: 26 months (anonymized after 14 months)
• Legal Records: As required by applicable law

6.2 Data Deletion

You may request deletion of your account and associated data. We will delete your information within 30 days of receiving a valid request, subject to certain legal and operational requirements.

7. Your Rights and Choices

Under GDPR and other applicable privacy laws, you have the following rights regarding your personal information:

7.1 Access and Portability

• Right to Access: Request a copy of your personal data
• Right to Portability: Receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format

7.2 Correction and Deletion

• Right to Rectification: Update or correct inaccurate information
• Right to Erasure: Request deletion of your personal data

7.3 Processing Control

• Right to Object: Object to certain processing activities
• Right to Restrict: Limit how we process your data
• Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent for processing

7.4 Automated Decision Making

• Right to Human Review: Request human review of automated decisions
• Right to Explanation: Understand the logic behind automated processing

8. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience and analyze usage patterns:

8.1 Types of Cookies

• Essential Cookies: Necessary for basic website functionality
• Performance Cookies: Help us understand how visitors use our site
• Functional Cookies: Remember your preferences and settings
• Marketing Cookies: Used to deliver relevant advertisements

8.2 Cookie Purposes

• Remember your login status and preferences
• Analyze website traffic and usage patterns
• Provide personalized content and features
• Improve user experience and performance
• Deliver targeted advertisements

8.3 Cookie Management

You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences. However, disabling certain cookies may affect Service functionality. You can also manage cookies through our cookie consent banner.

9. Third-Party Links and Services

Our Service may contain links to third-party websites or integrate with third-party services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites and services.

9.1 Third-Party Services

We may use the following types of third-party services:

• Analytics: Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel
• Advertising: Google Ads, Facebook Ads
• Social Media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram integration
• Payment Processing: Stripe, PayPal

9.2 Your Responsibility

We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party services you interact with. This Privacy Policy does not apply to third-party websites or services.

10. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your own. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your data:

10.1 Transfer Mechanisms

• Adequacy Decisions: Transfers to countries with adequate protection
• Standard Contractual Clauses: EU-approved data transfer agreements
• Certification Schemes: Privacy Shield and similar frameworks
• Explicit Consent: Your informed consent for transfers

10.2 Data Protection

Regardless of where your data is processed, we maintain the same level of protection and comply with applicable data protection laws.

11. Children's Privacy

Our Service is not intended for children under 16 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 16.

11.1 Age Verification

If you are under 16, please do not use our Service or provide any personal information. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately.

11.2 Parental Rights

Parents and guardians have the right to review, delete, and refuse further collection of their child's information. We will take steps to delete such information upon request.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or applicable laws. We will notify you of any material changes by:

12.1 Notification Methods

• Posting the updated policy on our website
• Sending email notifications to registered users
• Displaying prominent notices on our Service
• Updating the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy

12.2 Your Acceptance

Your continued use of the Service after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the updated policy. If you do not agree with the changes, you should discontinue use of the Service.

13. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us: