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Privacy Policy

Your privacy is fundamental. Here's how we protect your data and respect your trust.

Last updated: August 30, 2025

Our Privacy Principles

Security First

We use industry-leading encryption and security measures to protect your data.

Your Control

You decide what data to share and can modify or delete it anytime.

Transparency

Clear communication about how we collect, use, and protect your information.

Information We Collect

Information You Provide

  • • Account Information: Name, email address, phone number when you create an account
  • • Business Information: Business details you submit for listings
  • • Communications: Messages you send us through contact forms or support
  • • Reviews and Ratings: Content you post about local businesses

Information We Automatically Collect

  • • Usage Data: How you interact with our platform, pages visited, search queries
  • • Device Information: Browser type, operating system, IP address
  • • Location Data: General location to show relevant local businesses (with your permission)
  • • Cookies: Small files to improve your experience and remember preferences

How We Use Your Information

Platform Operations

  • • Provide and maintain our directory service
  • • Process business listings and reviews
  • • Personalize search results and recommendations
  • • Ensure platform security and prevent fraud

Communication & Support

  • • Respond to your inquiries and support requests
  • • Send important updates about our service
  • • Notify you about businesses you follow
  • • Share relevant local business opportunities

Information Sharing & Disclosure

We Never Sell Your Personal Data

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes.

Limited Sharing

We may share information only in these specific circumstances:

  • • With Your Consent: When you explicitly authorize sharing
  • • Service Providers: Trusted partners who help operate our platform (under strict agreements)
  • • Legal Requirements: When required by law or to protect rights and safety
  • • Business Transfers: In case of merger or acquisition (with privacy protections)

Third-Party Integrations

GoHighLevel CRM Integration

We integrate with GoHighLevel to enhance business owner services and customer relationship management.

  • • Business contact information is synced for improved listings
  • • Customer interactions help provide better service recommendations
  • • All data sharing follows strict privacy protocols
  • • You can opt-out of this integration at any time

Other Services

  • • Analytics: Google Analytics for improving user experience (anonymized data)
  • • Maps: Location services for business discovery
  • • Payment Processing: Secure payment partners for premium features

Your Privacy Rights

Data Control

  • Access: Request a copy of your personal data
  • Correction: Update inaccurate information
  • Deletion: Request removal of your data
  • Portability: Export your data in a usable format

Communication Preferences

  • Opt-out: Unsubscribe from marketing emails
  • Notifications: Control app and browser notifications
  • Location: Disable location-based features

How We Protect Your Data

Technical Safeguards

  • • Encryption: All data encrypted in transit and at rest
  • • Secure Servers: Industry-standard hosting with 99.9% uptime
  • • Access Controls: Limited employee access on need-to-know basis
  • • Regular Audits: Security assessments and vulnerability testing

Operational Security

  • • Staff Training: Regular privacy and security education
  • • Incident Response: 24/7 monitoring and rapid response protocols
  • • Data Minimization: We only collect what's necessary
  • • Retention Limits: Automatic deletion of old, unused data

1. Data Collection and Use

We collect information to provide better services to all our users — from figuring out basic features like which language you speak, to more complex things like which local businesses you'll find most useful.

The information we collect includes your account details, search history, and preferences to personalize your experience and connect you with relevant local businesses in the Bay Area.

2. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your browsing experience, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. You can control cookie preferences through your browser settings.

Essential Cookies: Required for basic site functionality
Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how you use our site
Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and preferences

3. Third-Party Services

We work with trusted partners to provide enhanced services. These partners are contractually bound to protect your privacy and can only use your data for specified purposes.

  • • GoHighLevel: CRM integration for business owners
  • • Google Services: Maps, Analytics, and Cloud Infrastructure
  • • Payment Processors: Secure payment handling

4. Data Retention

We retain your information for as long as necessary to provide our services and as required by law. When you delete your account, we remove your personal data within 30 days, except where we're legally required to retain certain information.

5. International Data Transfers

Your information may be processed in countries other than your own. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your privacy rights in accordance with applicable privacy laws, including GDPR and CCPA.

6. Children's Privacy

Our service is not intended for children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe we have collected information from a child under 13, please contact us immediately.

7. Policy Updates

We may update this privacy policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the new policy on this page and updating the "Last updated" date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

Questions About Privacy?

We're here to help. If you have any questions about this privacy policy or how we handle your data, don't hesitate to reach out.

Email: privacy@buylocalbayarea.com

Address: BuyLocal Bay Area, San Francisco, CA

Contact Privacy Team