Privacy Policy

1 · Information We Collect

1.1 Information you provide directly

• Account registration: name, email address, username, password, role (freelancer/client), country, timezone.
• Profile details: bio, skills, hourly rate, portfolio items, education, work experience, certifications, languages.
• Payment information: Stripe customer ID, payment method details (we do not store full card numbers – Stripe handles that).
• Communications: messages, dispute evidence, support requests.

1.2 Information collected automatically

• Usage data: IP address, browser type, device identifiers, referring URLs, pages visited, time spent.
• Cookies and similar technologies to remember preferences and analyse platform performance.
• Transaction history: projects, bids, contracts, milestones, orders, withdrawals.

1.3 Information from third parties

• Stripe: payment confirmation, refund status, fraud assessment.
• Backblaze B2: file metadata when you upload attachments.
• Social logins (if enabled): public profile information when you sign in with Google/LinkedIn.

2 · How We Use Your Information

• To operate and maintain the Platform (matching, payments, messaging).
• To process transactions, calculate commissions, and manage escrow.
• To resolve disputes, enforce our Terms, and protect against fraud.
• To send service‑related notices (milestone updates, payment confirmations).
• To improve our algorithms, recommend freelancers/projects, and personalise your experience.
• To comply with legal obligations and respond to lawful requests.

3 · Sharing of Information

We do not sell your personal data. We may share information with:

• Other users: Your public profile (name, skills, rating) is visible to potential clients or freelancers. Messages and project details are shared only with the relevant parties.
• Service providers: Stripe (payment processing), Backblaze (file storage), hosting providers, analytics (e.g., Google Analytics). These third parties are bound by confidentiality obligations.
• Legal authorities: If required by law, court order, or to protect our rights or the safety of users.

4 · Data Retention

We retain your account information as long as your account is active, plus a reasonable period thereafter to comply with legal obligations (e.g., tax records, dispute records). You may request deletion of your account – we will anonymise or remove personal data except where retention is required by law.

5 · Your Rights

Depending on your jurisdiction (e.g., GDPR for EEA residents, CCPA for California), you may have the right to:

• Access and receive a copy of your data.
• Correct inaccurate information.
• Request deletion of your personal data.
• Object to processing or restrict certain uses.
• Data portability.

To exercise these rights, contact us at privacy@brenda.com. We will respond within 30 days.

6 · Security

We implement industry‑standard measures (encryption, access controls, regular audits) to protect your data. However, no transmission over the Internet is 100 % secure. You are responsible for keeping your login credentials confidential.

7 · International Data Transfers

Brenda operates globally. Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your own. When we transfer data outside the EEA, we rely on Standard Contractual Clauses or equivalent safeguards.

8 · Children’s Privacy

Our Platform is not intended for children under 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from minors.

9 · Cookies

We use essential cookies for authentication and security. Analytical cookies help us understand usage. You can manage your cookie preferences through your browser settings.

10 · Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. We will notify users of material changes via email or a prominent notice on the Platform.

11 · Contact Us

For privacy‑related questions or to submit a data request, please email:
privacy@brenda.com