Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

BLocal AI ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our local publishing platform and services.

By using BLocal AI, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy. If you do not agree with our policies and practices, please do not use our services.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

We may collect the following personal information:

• Name and contact details (email address, phone number)
• Business information (company name, address, tax identification)
• Payment information (processed securely through third-party processors)
• Account credentials (username, encrypted password)
• Profile information and preferences
• Communication history with our support team

2.2 Usage Data

We automatically collect certain information when you use our services:

• IP address and browser type
• Device information and operating system
• Pages viewed and actions taken on our platform
• Time and date of visits
• Referring URLs and clickstream data

2.3 Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies, web beacons, and similar technologies to enhance your experience, analyze trends, and gather information about our user base. You can control cookie preferences through your browser settings.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use collected information for the following purposes:

• Providing, maintaining, and improving our services
• Processing transactions and managing subscriptions
• Sending administrative information and service updates
• Responding to your inquiries and providing customer support
• Analyzing usage patterns to enhance user experience
• Detecting, preventing, and addressing technical issues and security threats
• Complying with legal obligations and enforcing our terms
• Sending marketing communications (with your consent)

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We may share your information in the following circumstances:

4.1 Service Providers

We engage trusted third-party service providers to perform functions on our behalf, including payment processing, data analytics, email delivery, hosting services, and customer support. These providers have access only to information needed to perform their functions.

4.2 Legal Requirements

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

4.3 Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred to the acquiring entity. We will notify you of any such change in ownership or control.

4.4 With Your Consent

We may share your information with third parties when you explicitly consent to such sharing.

5. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, and destruction. These measures include:

• Encryption of data in transit (SSL/TLS) and at rest
• Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments
• Access controls and authentication mechanisms
• Employee training on data protection practices
• Incident response and breach notification procedures

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

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law. When we no longer need your information, we will securely delete or anonymize it.

7. 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: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal requirements)
• Portability: Request transfer of your data to another service provider
• Objection: Object to processing of your personal information
• Restriction: Request restriction of processing in certain circumstances
• Withdrawal of Consent: Withdraw consent for marketing communications at any time

To exercise these rights, please contact our Chief Compliance Officer at the details provided below.

8. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries outside your country of residence. These countries may have different data protection laws. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information in accordance with this Privacy Policy and applicable law.

9. Children's Privacy

Our services are not intended for individuals under the age of 16. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have collected information from a child, please contact us immediately, and we will take steps to remove that information.

10. Third-Party Links

Our platform may contain links to third-party websites and services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any personal information.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the updated policy on our website and updating the "Last Updated" date. Your continued use of our services after such changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

12. Contact Information