Privacy Policy

Last Updated: January 2025

DC Talent ("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 marketplace platform and services (the "Service").

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Information You Provide

We collect information you provide directly to us, including:

Account Information: Name, email address, password, phone number, and profile information
Professional Information: For Experts: skills, certifications, work experience, availability, and portfolio
Business Information: For Operators: company name, job postings, and business details
Payment Information: Billing address, payment method details (processed securely through third-party payment processors)
Communication Data: Messages, proposals, and other communications sent through the Service
Content: Job postings, proposals, reviews, and other content you submit

1.2 Automatically Collected Information

When you use our Service, we automatically collect certain information, including:

Usage Data: Pages visited, features used, time spent, and navigation patterns
Device Information: IP address, browser type, device type, operating system, and unique device identifiers
Location Data: General location information based on IP address
Cookies and Tracking Technologies: We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience and analyze usage

1.3 Information from Third Parties

We may receive information about you from third parties, including:

Payment processors (Stripe) for transaction processing
Identity verification services
Social media platforms (if you connect your account)
Public databases and professional networks

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

Provide, maintain, and improve our Service
Process transactions and facilitate payments
Match Operators with qualified Experts
Verify user identities and qualifications
Send you service-related communications
Respond to your inquiries and provide customer support
Send marketing communications (with your consent)
Detect, prevent, and address fraud and security issues
Comply with legal obligations
Analyze usage patterns to improve our Service
Enforce our Terms of Use and other policies

3. How We Share Your Information

3.1 Public Information

Certain information is publicly visible on our platform:

For Experts: Profile information, skills, certifications, and public reviews may be visible to Operators
For Operators: Company name, job postings, and public reviews may be visible to Experts

3.2 Marketplace Sharing

To facilitate the marketplace, we share information between matched parties:

Operator contact information with Experts who submit proposals
Expert profiles and proposals with Operators posting assignments
Contract and transaction details with relevant parties

3.3 Service Providers

We share information with third-party service providers who perform services on our behalf, including:

Payment processors (Stripe) for payment processing
Cloud hosting providers
Email and communication services
Analytics and monitoring services
Customer support tools

3.4 Legal Requirements

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

Legal processes or government requests
Enforcement of our Terms of Use
Protection of rights, property, or safety
Prevention of fraud or security threats

3.5 Business Transfers

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

4. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your information, including:

Encryption of data in transit and at rest
Secure authentication and access controls
Regular security assessments and updates
Limited access to personal information on a need-to-know basis

However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

5. Your Privacy Rights

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

5.1 Access and Portability

You can access and download your personal information through your account settings or by contacting us.

5.2 Correction

You can update your information at any time through your account settings.

5.3 Deletion

You can request deletion of your account and personal information, subject to legal and contractual obligations.

5.4 Opt-Out

You can opt out of marketing communications by using the unsubscribe link in emails or adjusting your account preferences.

5.5 Cookies

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Note that disabling cookies may affect Service functionality.

6. 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 believe we have collected information from a child, please contact us immediately.

7. 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. By using our Service, you consent to such transfers.

8. Data Retention

We retain your information for as long as necessary to:

Provide our Service
Comply with legal obligations
Resolve disputes
Enforce our agreements

When you delete your account, we will delete or anonymize your personal information, except where we are required to retain it for legal purposes.

9. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to:

Remember your preferences and settings
Authenticate your account
Analyze Service usage
Provide personalized content
Improve security

You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings.

10. Third-Party Links

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 review their privacy policies.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of material changes by:

Posting the updated policy on our website
Sending an email notification
Displaying a notice in the Service

Your continued use of the Service after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

12. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us at:

DC Talent
Email: team@dctalent.ca
Website: www.dctalent.ca

13. Canadian Privacy Laws

If you are located in Canada, your personal information is protected by the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and applicable provincial privacy laws. This Privacy Policy is designed to comply with these laws.

14. California Privacy Rights

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

Know what personal information is collected
Know if personal information is sold or disclosed
Opt out of the sale of personal information
Access and delete personal information
Non-discrimination for exercising privacy rights