Privacy Policy

1. Information We Collect

We collect the following types of information:

• Account Information: Name, email address, and profile details you provide during registration or via OAuth (Google sign-in).
• Transaction Data: Bid history, auction participation records, purchase history, and payment references.
• Usage Data: Pages visited, features used, timestamps, and general interaction patterns.
• Device Information: Browser type, operating system, and IP address for security and analytics purposes.
• Communications: Messages sent through our contact form or support channels.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information to:

• Operate, maintain, and improve the platform.
• Process payments, manage auctions, and fulfil orders.
• Communicate auction updates, bid notifications, and transaction confirmations.
• Prevent fraud, enforce our Terms of Service, and protect platform integrity.
• Analyze usage trends to improve user experience.
• Comply with applicable legal obligations.

3. Sharing of Information

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

• Service Providers: Trusted third-party services (e.g., Cloudinary for image hosting, Razorpay for payment processing) that assist in operating our platform. These parties are bound by confidentiality agreements.
• Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or governmental authority.
• Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, where user data may be transferred as a business asset.

4. Cookies & Tracking

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to maintain your session, remember your preferences (such as dark/light theme), and analyze platform usage. You can control cookie settings through your browser, though disabling certain cookies may affect platform functionality.

5. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide services. Transaction records may be retained for up to 7 years for legal and financial compliance. You may request deletion of your account and associated data at any time by contacting us.

6. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures including encrypted connections (HTTPS), hashed credentials, and access controls to protect your information. However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

7. Your Rights

Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have the right to:

• Access the personal data we hold about you.
• Correct inaccurate or incomplete information.
• Request deletion of your personal data ("right to be forgotten").
• Object to or restrict certain processing of your data.
• Data portability — receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format.

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

8. Third-Party Links

Our platform may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those sites and encourage you to review their privacy policies independently.

9. Children's Privacy

Our Service is not directed to individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from minors. If you become aware that a child has provided us with personal data, please contact us immediately.

10. Changes to this Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes via email or a prominent notice on our platform. Continued use of the Service after such changes constitutes your acceptance of the updated policy.

11. Contact Us

For privacy-related inquiries or to exercise your rights, please reach out via our Contact page.