Privacy Policy

Introduction

At HiPop Markets, we take your privacy seriously. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our mobile application and website (collectively, the "Service"). Please read this Privacy Policy carefully. By using the Service, you consent to the practices described in this Privacy Policy.

Information We Collect

We may collect several types of information from and about users of our Service, including:

Personal Information

• Account Information: Email address, display name, and authentication information when you register
• Profile Information: Business name (for vendors), organization name (for market organizers), bio, phone number, website, Instagram handle
• Location Information: Address information for markets and vendors (when provided)
• Contact Information: Information you provide when contacting us for support

User Content

• Vendor profiles and business descriptions
• Market information and schedules
• Product categories and specialties
• Photos and images uploaded to profiles
• Application messages and notes
• Preferences and favorites

Usage Data

• Information about how you use the Service
• Pages visited and features used
• Time spent in the Service
• Search queries and filters applied
• Application and interaction history

Device Information

• Device type, operating system, and version
• Unique device identifiers
• IP address and general location (city/state level)
• Browser type and version (for web users)

How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Provide, maintain, and improve the Service
• Connect vendors with market organizers and shoppers
• Process vendor applications and market registrations
• Send you important notifications about your account and applications
• Respond to your comments, questions, and support requests
• Monitor and analyze trends, usage, and activities to improve the Service
• Detect, investigate, and prevent fraudulent or unauthorized activities
• Personalize your experience by showing relevant markets and vendors
• Comply with legal obligations and protect our rights

How We Share Your Information

We may share information we collect in the following circumstances:

Public Information

Information in vendor profiles and market listings is visible to all users of the Service. This includes:

• Business names and descriptions
• Product categories and specialties
• Market schedules and locations
• Contact information you choose to make public (website, Instagram)
• Photos and images in profiles

Service Providers

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

• Cloud hosting and storage providers (Firebase/Google Cloud)
• Authentication services
• Analytics and monitoring services
• Customer support platforms

Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required to do so by law or in response to valid requests by public authorities.

Business Transfers

If we are involved in a merger, acquisition, or asset sale, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction.

We do not sell your personal information to third parties.

Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect the security of your personal information, including:

• Encryption of data in transit and at rest
• Secure authentication systems
• Regular security monitoring and updates
• Access controls and permission management
• Secure cloud infrastructure (Firebase/Google Cloud)

However, please be aware that no method of transmission over the Internet or method of electronic storage is 100% secure.

Data Retention

We will retain your personal information only for as long as reasonably necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected, including:

• Active account information: Retained while your account is active
• Application history: Retained for operational and legal compliance purposes
• Usage data: Aggregated data may be retained indefinitely for analytics
• Legal compliance: Data may be retained longer if required by law

When you delete your account, we will delete or anonymize your personal information, though some information may be retained in our backup systems for a limited time.

Children's Privacy

The Service is not intended for children under the age of 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we learn we have collected or received personal information from a child under 13, we will delete that information. If you believe we might have any information from or about a child under 13, please contact us.

Your Privacy Rights

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

• Access: You can request access to your personal information
• Correction: You can request that we correct inaccurate or incomplete information
• Deletion: You can request that we delete your personal information
• Restriction: You can request that we restrict the processing of your information
• Data Portability: You can request a copy of your information in a structured format
• Objection: You can object to our processing of your personal information

To exercise these rights, please contact us at hipopmarkets@gmail.com. To request account and data deletion, please visit our Data Deletion Request page. We will respond to your request within a reasonable timeframe and in accordance with applicable law.

Location Information

The Service may use location information to help you find nearby markets and vendors. Location information is used only to provide location-based features and is not stored or shared unless you explicitly provide address information in your profile.

Third-Party Links

The Service may contain links to third-party websites or applications (such as vendor websites or social media profiles). We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third parties. We encourage you to read the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.

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 we collect, use, and share, and the right to delete your personal information. To exercise these rights, please contact us at hipopmarkets@gmail.com.

International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your own, including the United States. We ensure that any such transfers comply with applicable data protection laws and that appropriate safeguards are in place.

Changes to this Privacy Policy

We may update our Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page and updating the "Last Updated" date. For significant changes, we may also send you a notification through the Service or via email. You are advised to review this Privacy Policy periodically for any changes.

Contact Information

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us at: