Privacy Policy
Last updated: January 2025
1. Introduction
At BuoyShare, we take your privacy seriously. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our Platform.
2. Information We Collect
2.1 Information You Provide
- Account Information: Name, email address, phone number, date of birth, profile photo
- Profile Information: Bio, location, languages spoken, certifications
- Payment Information: Credit card details, billing address (processed securely by payment partners)
- Identity Verification: Government-issued ID, driver's license, boating licenses
- Listing Information: Equipment descriptions, photos, availability, pricing
- Communications: Messages with other users, customer support inquiries
2.2 Automatically Collected Information
- Device Information: IP address, browser type, operating system, device identifiers
- Usage Data: Pages visited, features used, search queries, click patterns
- Location Data: GPS coordinates, Wi-Fi signals (with your permission)
- Cookies and Tracking: Session cookies, persistent cookies, web beacons
2.3 Information from Third Parties
- Social media profile information (when you sign in via social accounts)
- Identity verification services
- Payment processing partners
- Background check providers (with your consent)
3. How We Use Your Information
We use your information for the following purposes:
- Provide Services: Facilitate rentals, process payments, enable communication
- Safety and Security: Verify identities, prevent fraud, ensure compliance
- Customer Support: Respond to inquiries, resolve disputes, provide assistance
- Improvements: Analyze usage patterns, develop new features, enhance user experience
- Marketing: Send promotional emails, personalized recommendations (with opt-out option)
- Legal Compliance: Comply with laws, respond to legal requests, protect rights
4. How We Share Your Information
We may share your information in the following circumstances:
4.1 With Other Users
- Profile information is visible to potential renters/owners
- Reviews and ratings are publicly displayed
- Contact information is shared after booking confirmation
4.2 With Service Providers
- Payment processors (Stripe, PayPal)
- Identity verification services
- Cloud hosting providers (AWS, Google Cloud)
- Email and communication services
- Analytics and tracking services
4.3 For Legal Reasons
- To comply with legal obligations or court orders
- To protect rights, property, and safety
- To enforce our Terms of Service
- In connection with fraud prevention or investigations
4.4 Business Transfers
In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred to the new entity.
5. Data Retention
We retain your information for as long as necessary to provide services and comply with legal obligations:
- Account information: Retained while account is active plus 7 years
- Transaction records: 7 years for financial and legal compliance
- Communications: 3 years or as required by law
- Analytics data: Aggregated and anonymized indefinitely
6. Your Rights and Choices
6.1 Access and Correction
You can access and update your account information through your dashboard settings.
6.2 Data Portability
You can request a copy of your data in a machine-readable format.
6.3 Deletion
You can request deletion of your account and personal information, subject to legal retention requirements.
6.4 Marketing Opt-Out
You can unsubscribe from marketing emails using the link in each email or through account settings.
6.5 Cookie Management
You can control cookies through your browser settings. See our Cookie Policy for details.
6.6 Location Data
You can disable location tracking through your device settings.
7. Security Measures
We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your information:
- Encryption of data in transit (TLS/SSL)
- Encryption of sensitive data at rest
- Regular security audits and penetration testing
- Access controls and authentication requirements
- Employee training on data protection
- Incident response procedures
8. International Data Transfers
Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, including:
- Standard contractual clauses approved by relevant authorities
- Adequacy decisions recognizing equivalent protection
- Certification schemes (e.g., EU-US Privacy Shield successor frameworks)
9. Children's Privacy
Our Service is not intended for users under 18. We do not knowingly collect information from children. If we learn we have collected information from a child, we will delete it immediately.
10. Third-Party Links
Our Platform may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for their privacy practices. We encourage you to review their privacy policies.
11. Regional Specific Provisions
11.1 European Union (GDPR)
If you are in the EU, you have additional rights under GDPR:
- Right to object to processing
- Right to restriction of processing
- Right to lodge a complaint with supervisory authority
- Right to withdraw consent
11.2 California (CCPA)
California residents have the right to:
- Know what personal information is collected
- Know if personal information is sold or disclosed
- Opt-out of sale of personal information
- Access personal information
- Request deletion of personal information
- Not be discriminated against for exercising rights
12. Changes to Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of material changes via email or Platform notification. Your continued use after changes constitutes acceptance.
13. Contact Us
For privacy-related questions or to exercise your rights, contact us at:
Email: privacy@buoyshare.com
Address: 123 Marina Boulevard, Miami, FL 33101
Data Protection Officer: dpo@buoyshare.com
14. Complaints
If you have concerns about our privacy practices, please contact us first. EU residents may also file complaints with their local data protection authority.