Privacy Policy
How we collect, use, and protect your personal information
Our Commitment to Your Privacy
timebanks.us is committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring your personal data is handled responsibly. This policy explains what information we collect, why we collect it, and how you can manage your data.
We believe in transparency and user control. You have the right to understand and manage how your information is used.
Information We Collect
We collect only the information necessary to provide and improve our services:
Account Information
Name, email address, password (encrypted)
Required to create and manage your account
Profile Details
Bio, skills, location, profile photo
Helps connect you with community members
Activity Data
Exchanges, messages, time credit transactions
Essential for platform functionality
Device Information
Browser type, IP address, device type
Security monitoring and troubleshooting
Usage Analytics
Pages visited, features used, session duration
Improve platform experience
How We Use Your Data
Your data is used exclusively for the following purposes:
- Service Delivery: Facilitating time exchanges and community connections
- Communication: Sending important updates, notifications, and messages from other members
- Security: Protecting your account and preventing fraud or abuse
- Improvement: Analysing usage patterns to enhance platform features
- Legal Compliance: Meeting regulatory requirements when necessary
We do not sell your personal data to third parties. Your information is never shared with advertisers or data brokers.
Profile Visibility
Your profile is visible to other verified members of the timebank community. This visibility is essential for facilitating exchanges and building trust within the community.
You can control what information appears on your profile through your account settings. Some information, like your name and general location, is required for meaningful community participation.
How We Protect Your Data
We implement robust security measures to safeguard your information:
Encryption
All data encrypted in transit (HTTPS) and at rest
Secure Passwords
Passwords hashed using industry-standard algorithms
Access Controls
Strict internal policies limit data access
Regular Audits
Security reviews and practice updates
Secure Infrastructure
Hosted in certified data centres
Your Privacy Rights
Under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), you have full control over your personal data. Here are your rights:
Right to Access
Request a copy of all personal data we hold about you. We will respond within 30 days.
Right to Rectification
Correct any inaccurate or incomplete personal information we hold about you.
Right to Erasure
Request deletion of your account and all associated personal data.
Right to Portability
Export your data in a structured, machine-readable format (JSON or CSV).
Right to Restrict Processing
Request that we limit how we process your data while a concern is being resolved.
Right to Withdraw Consent
Withdraw consent for optional data processing at any time without affecting prior processing.
To exercise any of these rights, please contact us through our contact page. We will respond to all requests within 30 days.
Data Retention
We retain your data only as long as necessary:
- Active Accounts: Data is kept while your account remains active
- Deleted Accounts: Personal data is removed within 30 days of account deletion
- Transaction Records: May be retained for up to 7 years for legal and audit purposes
- Security Logs: IP addresses and access logs retained for 12 months