Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

GadgetVault ("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 mobile application, which provides device protection services and a secure marketplace for buying and selling gadgets.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide, including but not limited to:

• Name, email address, phone number, and physical address
• Identity verification documents (as required for marketplace transactions)
• Banking and payment information for protection plans and marketplace purchases
• Profile information, photos, and account credentials
• Device information for protection plans (make, model, IMEI, serial numbers)

2.2 Device and Usage Information

We automatically collect certain information about your device and use of our app, including:

• Device type, operating system, unique device identifiers
• IP address, mobile network information
• App usage patterns, features accessed, and time spent
• Location data (with your permission) for fraud prevention and service delivery
• Transaction history and marketplace activity
• In-app messages, including text, voice messages, and images shared in chat

2.3 Protection Plan Data

When you enroll in device protection plans, we collect:

• Device specifications and condition at enrollment
• Purchase receipts and proof of ownership
• Photos and documentation of devices
• Claim information including incident reports and supporting documents

2.4 Marketplace Data

For marketplace transactions, we collect:

• Product listings (descriptions, photos, pricing)
• User verification status and ratings
• Communication between buyers and sellers
• Transaction records and payment information

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information to:

• Provide and manage device protection plans and insurance coverage
• Process claims for damaged, lost, or stolen devices
• Facilitate marketplace transactions between buyers and sellers
• Verify user identities and maintain marketplace safety
• Enable in-app messaging, including text, voice, and image sharing
• Process payments and manage escrow services
• Send push notifications about messages, transactions, and protection plans
• Provide customer support and technical assistance
• Prevent fraud, illegal activities, and maintain platform security
• Improve our services, develop new features, and enhance user experience
• Comply with legal obligations and regulatory requirements
• Send important notifications about your account, plans, and transactions

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

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

4.1 With Other Users

In the marketplace, limited information may be shared with other verified users to facilitate transactions, including username, verification status, ratings, and product listings. Messages and communications you send through the app are shared with the intended recipients.

4.2 Service Providers

We work with trusted third-party service providers who assist in operating our app, including:

• Payment processors and escrow service providers
• Insurance partners for device protection plans
• Identity verification services
• Cloud storage and hosting providers
• Push notification services (Firebase Cloud Messaging)
• Analytics and performance monitoring tools
• Customer support platforms

4.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required by law, regulation, legal process, or government request, or to protect the rights, property, or safety of GadgetVault, our users, or others.

4.4 Business Transfers

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

5. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your information, including:

• End-to-end encryption for sensitive communications and data
• Secure data storage with encryption at rest
• Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments
• Multi-factor authentication options for account access
• Secure payment processing with PCI DSS compliance
• Real-time monitoring for suspicious activities and fraud detection
• Access controls and authentication for internal systems

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

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to provide our services, including active protection plans, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements. Specific retention periods include:

• Account information: Duration of account plus 7 years after closure
• Protection plan data: Duration of plan plus 7 years for legal compliance
• Transaction records: 7 years as required by financial regulations
• Chat messages: Until deleted by user or 2 years after last activity
• Device data: Duration of protection plan coverage

7. Your Rights and Choices

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights:

• Access: Request a copy of your personal data
• Rectification: Update or correct inaccurate information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal data (subject to legal requirements)
• Objection: Object to processing of your data
• Restriction: Request limitation of data processing
• Data Portability: Receive data in a structured, machine-readable format
• Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent
• Opt-out: Unsubscribe from marketing communications

You can also manage your preferences within the app:

• Control push notification settings
• Manage location permissions
• Delete messages and chat history
• Update profile information
• Adjust privacy settings

To exercise these rights, please contact us at Gadgetvaultofficial1@gmail.com

8. Push Notifications

We use Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM) to send push notifications about:

• New messages from buyers or sellers
• Transaction updates and payment confirmations
• Protection plan reminders and claim status
• Important account notifications

You can disable push notifications at any time through your device settings or within the app.

9. Location Data

With your permission, we may collect and use location data to:

• Verify device location for claims processing
• Show nearby marketplace listings
• Prevent fraud and unauthorized access
• Improve service delivery

You can control location permissions through your device settings.

10. Children's Privacy

GadgetVault is not intended for users 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 so we can delete it.

11. 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 information in accordance with this Privacy Policy and applicable data protection laws.

12. Third-Party Links

Our app 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.

13. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. We will notify you of any material changes by:

• Posting the updated policy in the app
• Sending a push notification
• Updating the "Last updated" date
• Sending an email for significant changes

Your continued use of GadgetVault after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

14. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, our data practices, or wish to exercise your rights, please contact us:

We aim to respond to all requests within 30 days.