Privacy Policy
Last updated: February 16, 2026
Welcome to SwapChoice (the "Platform") ("we", "us", "our"). The Platform is a peer-to-peer barter and exchange service that allows users to list items or services for swap, propose trades, communicate, negotiate, and complete exchanges with other users.
We are committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our Platform, register an account, use social login, list items, propose swaps, message other users, or otherwise interact with our services.
By using the Platform, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy. If you do not agree, please do not use the Platform.
1. Information We Collect
We collect several types of information:
a. Information you provide directly
- Account data: name, email address, password (hashed), profile photo/avatar, bio, location (city/country or approximate if enabled)
- Listing data: photos, descriptions, categories, condition, what you're seeking in exchange
- Swap proposals & communications: messages, offers, counter-offers, attached items
- Social login data: When you sign in with Google, we receive your Google ID, name, email, profile picture, and other basic profile info (as permitted by your Google privacy settings)
b. Automatically collected information
- Device & usage data: IP address, browser type, operating system, device identifiers, pages visited, time/date of access, referral sources
- Cookies & similar technologies: session cookies, analytics cookies (e.g. Google Analytics if used), preference cookies
- Location data: approximate location derived from IP or explicitly provided for nearby swap matching (only with consent where required)
c. Information from third parties
- Google (via OAuth): basic profile info when you choose "Sign in with Google"
- Other users: reports, ratings, reviews after a swap
We do <strong>not</strong> collect financial information (credit cards, bank details) since SwapChoice is a pure barter platform (cash top-ups, if implemented later, would be handled by third-party processors whose policies apply).
2. How We Use Your Information
We use collected information to:
- Create and manage your account
- Enable listing, browsing, proposing, negotiating, and completing barters/swaps
- Facilitate communication between users
- Personalize your experience (e.g., recommendations, notifications)
- Send service emails (account verification, swap updates, password reset)
- Detect/prevent fraud, abuse, or policy violations
- Improve the Platform (analytics, bug fixes)
- Comply with legal obligations and enforce our Terms of Service
3. Legal Basis for Processing
(Relevant if you are in the EU/EEA/UK)
- Contract performance: account creation, swap facilitation
- Legitimate interests: fraud prevention, service improvement, security
- Consent: marketing emails (you can opt out), optional location sharing, cookies
- Legal obligation: responding to lawful requests
4. Sharing Your Information
We do <strong>not</strong> sell your personal data.
We may share information with:
- Other users (only necessary info for swaps: username, listed items, messages; we mask sensitive details where possible)
- Service providers (hosting, email delivery, analytics — all under strict contracts)
- Legal authorities (if required by law, subpoena, etc.)
- In case of merger/acquisition (with notice where feasible)
Google login data is governed by Google's privacy policy.
5. Data Retention
We keep your data only as long as necessary:
- Active accounts: indefinitely (or until deletion request)
- Inactive accounts: deleted after 24–36 months of inactivity
- Logs/analytics: up to 26 months
- Legal requirements may require longer retention
You can request deletion of your account at any time (some anonymized data may remain for analytics/fraud prevention).
6. Your Rights
Depending on your location, you may have rights to:
- Access, correct, or delete your data
- Restrict or object to processing
- Data portability
- Withdraw consent
- Lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority
To exercise your rights, contact us at [email protected]. We respond within one month (extendable under GDPR).
7. Security
We implement reasonable security measures (encryption in transit, access controls, regular reviews). No method is 100% secure — we cannot guarantee absolute security.
8. Children's Privacy
Our Platform is not directed to children under 16. We do not knowingly collect data from children. If we learn we have, we delete it.
9. International Transfers
Data may be processed outside your country (e.g., EU data to non-adequate countries). We use appropriate safeguards (e.g., Standard Contractual Clauses where required).
10. Changes to This Policy
We may update this policy. Changes will be posted here with an updated "Last updated" date. Significant changes may include in-app/email notice.