Introduction
Effective Date: 29/10/2025
Clitch (“we,” “our,” or “us”) respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and share your data when you visit, register, or engage with our website https://clitch.co/marketplace (“the Site”). By using the Site or creating an account, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Policy.
Clitch operates as a digital marketplace and community platform that connects verified businesses and creative talents. This involves processing certain personal information to enable secure communication, payments, and collaborations between users.
Information We Collect
We collect both personal and non-personal information to operate effectively and provide a personalized user experience.
Information You Provide Directly
When you interact with the Site, you may provide:
- Account details such as your name, business name, email address, and password.
- Profile information such as biography, photo, services offered, skills, and categories selected.
- Financial information such as billing address or payment details when you make purchases or subscriptions.
- Communications including messages, reviews, or comments exchanged through the platform.
- Uploaded content such as logos, portfolio items, or other materials related to your business or talent.
We process this information to create and maintain your account, enable transactions, and allow you to connect with other members of the Clitch community.
Information Collected Automatically
When you visit our website, certain information is collected automatically, including:
- IP address, browser type, device information, and operating system.
- Pages viewed, time spent, and actions taken on the Site.
- Cookies and similar technologies used to improve site functionality and analytics.
This information helps us understand how visitors use our services and optimize performance.
Information from Third Parties
We may receive limited information from third-party partners such as:
Email marketing tools (e.g., Mailchimp) for consent-based communication.
Payment processors (e.g., Stripe, PayPal) for transaction validation.
Analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics) for performance insights.
How We Use Your Information
IYour information is used only for legitimate purposes necessary to operate the platform. This includes:
- Managing user accounts and enabling marketplace listings.
- Processing payments, invoices, and subscription renewals.
- Facilitating communication between users (e.g., messages or inquiries).
- Providing customer support and handling disputes.
- Sending service-related updates and notifications.
- Conducting analytics and improving user experience.
- Complying with legal obligations such as tax, fraud prevention, and recordkeeping.
We may also send promotional emails about new features, partnerships, or community news, but only with your explicit consent.
Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)
We process your data under the following lawful bases:
Legal obligation: To comply with applicable EU and national laws regarding data handling and taxation.
Performance of a contract: To deliver services you request, including user registration, marketplace functionality, and payment processing.
Consent: For optional features such as newsletters and cookies.
Legitimate interest: To maintain security, prevent fraud, and improve platform usability.
Where your data is sent
Suggested text: Visitor comments may be checked through an automated spam detection service.
Sharing and Disclosure of Information
We never sell or rent personal data. However, we may share information with trusted third parties to facilitate core operations:
- Service providers who support hosting, analytics, marketing, or technical maintenance.
- Payment processors for secure billing and financial transactions.
- Legal authorities if required by law, court order, or to enforce our Terms of Use.
- Other users through limited profile visibility (e.g., when posting listings or responding to requests).
All third parties are bound by strict confidentiality and data processing agreements in compliance with GDPR.
6. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
Our Site uses cookies to:
- Keep you signed in and remember your preferences.
- Analyze site traffic and measure user engagement.
- Deliver content and ads relevant to your interests.
You can disable cookies in your browser settings, though this may limit access to certain features.
7. Data Retention
We retain personal information only as long as necessary for business and legal purposes. For example:
- Account data is stored while your account remains active.
- Transaction records are retained for legal accounting periods.
- Backups and analytics logs are periodically anonymized or deleted.
Once information is no longer required, we delete or anonymize it securely.
8. Data Security
We use encryption (SSL/TLS), firewalls, and regular security audits to safeguard data from unauthorized access or misuse. Only authorized staff and service partners have access to your information, and all are subject to confidentiality agreements.
While we take strong precautions, no online service is entirely risk-free. You are encouraged to use strong passwords and avoid sharing sensitive information via public channels.
9. International Data Transfers
If you are located outside the European Union, your information may be transferred to and processed in other countries where our service providers operate. We ensure all transfers comply with GDPR through mechanisms such as Standard Contractual Clauses or Privacy Shield-certified partners.
10. Your Data Rights
Under applicable data protection laws, you have the right to:
- Access and receive a copy of your data.
- Request correction or deletion of inaccurate or unnecessary data.
- Withdraw consent at any time.
- Object to processing based on legitimate interest.
- Request data portability in a machine-readable format.
You can exercise these rights by contacting info@clitch.co. We may require identity verification before processing such requests.
11. Children’s Privacy
Our services are intended for users aged 16 and above. We do not knowingly collect data from children. If a parent or guardian believes their child has provided personal data, they should contact us immediately for removal.
12. Third-Party Links
Our website may contain links to third-party platforms or partner sites. We are not responsible for their privacy practices or content. We encourage you to review their policies before providing personal data.
13. Updates to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect legal or operational changes. The revised version will always include the updated “Effective Date.” Continued use of the platform after updates constitutes acceptance of the revised terms.
14. Contact Information
For questions, data requests, or privacy concerns, please contact:
Clitch Privacy Officer
Email: info@clitch.co
Website: https://clitch.co/marketplace