Privacy Policy

Introduction

Welcome to MyUsta ("we," "our," or "us"). We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our platform, including our website (myusta.al), mobile applications, and related services (collectively, the "Services").

By using our Services, you consent to the data practices described in this policy. If you do not agree with the terms of this Privacy Policy, please do not access or use our Services.

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Information You Provide

• Account Information: Name, email address, phone number, password (encrypted), and profile picture
• Profile Information: For service providers (Ustas): professional bio, skills, certifications, years of experience, hourly rates, and portfolio images
• Identity Verification: Government-issued ID documents and selfie photos for identity verification purposes
• Location Information: Address, city, and GPS coordinates when you enable location services
• Job Information: Job descriptions, requirements, images, budget ranges, and timeline preferences
• Communication Data: Messages exchanged through our chat system
• Payment Information: Payment method details and transaction history (processed securely through our payment providers)
• Reviews and Ratings: Feedback you provide about service providers or customers

1.2 Information Collected Automatically

• Device Information: Device type, operating system, unique device identifiers, and mobile network information
• Usage Data: Pages viewed, features used, time spent on the platform, and interaction patterns
• Log Data: IP address, browser type, access times, and referring URLs
• Push Notification Tokens: Device tokens for sending notifications (with your permission)
• Location Data: Approximate location based on IP address or precise location when you grant permission

1.3 Information from Third Parties

• Social Login: If you sign in using Google or Apple, we receive basic profile information from these services
• Payment Processors: Transaction confirmation and payment status from our payment partners

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Create and manage your account
• Connect customers with qualified service providers
• Process jobs, contracts, and payments
• Verify identities to maintain platform safety and trust
• Enable communication between users through our chat system
• Send notifications about job updates, messages, and platform activity
• Improve our Services through analytics and user feedback
• Detect and prevent fraud, abuse, and security threats
• Comply with legal obligations
• Provide customer support
• Send marketing communications (with your consent)

3. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We may share your information in the following circumstances:

3.1 With Other Users

• Your public profile information is visible to other users
• When you submit a job or proposal, relevant details are shared with the other party
• Reviews and ratings you give or receive are publicly visible

3.2 With Service Providers

We work with third-party service providers who help us operate our platform, including cloud hosting (AWS), payment processing, email delivery, SMS services, and analytics. These providers have access to your information only to perform services on our behalf and are obligated to protect it.

3.3 For Legal Reasons

We may disclose your information if required by law, court order, or government request, or when we believe disclosure is necessary to protect our rights, your safety, or the safety of others.

3.4 Business Transfers

If MyUsta is involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction.

4. Data Security

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

• Encryption of data in transit (HTTPS/TLS) and at rest
• Secure password hashing using industry-standard algorithms
• Regular security assessments and monitoring
• Access controls and authentication for our systems
• Secure cloud infrastructure (AWS)

While we strive to protect your information, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security.

5. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide you Services. After account deletion:

• Your personal identifiable information is anonymized or deleted within 30 days
• Some information may be retained longer for legal compliance, dispute resolution, or legitimate business purposes
• Anonymized and aggregated data may be retained for analytics purposes
• Chat messages and transaction records may be retained for legal compliance

6. Your Rights and Choices

You have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you
• Correction: Update or correct inaccurate information through your account settings
• Deletion: Request deletion of your account and associated data
• Data Portability: Request an export of your data in a portable format
• Opt-out: Unsubscribe from marketing communications or disable push notifications
• Location: Control location permissions through your device settings

To exercise these rights, please visit your account settings or contact us at privacy@myusta.al.

8. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience, analyze usage, and personalize content. Types of cookies we use include:

• Essential Cookies: Required for platform functionality (authentication, security)
• Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how users interact with our Services
• Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and preferences

You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings. Note that disabling certain cookies may affect platform functionality.

9. Children's Privacy

Our Services are not intended for users under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have collected information from a child, please contact us immediately at privacy@myusta.al.

10. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than Albania, including countries in the European Union and other regions where our service providers operate. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information in compliance with applicable data protection laws.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes by posting the new policy on this page and updating the "Last Updated" date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically. Your continued use of our Services after any changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

12. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

13. Governing Law

This Privacy Policy is governed by the laws of the Republic of Albania. Any disputes arising from this policy shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Albania.