Privacy Policy

Introduction

At Forhopp, we understand the importance of privacy in the digital age. Whether you’re a freelancer showcasing your skills or a client seeking professional services, we are committed to safeguarding your information.

This Privacy Policy applies to all users, including:

Freelancers: Individuals offering services on our platform.
Clients: Businesses or individuals hiring freelancers.
Site Visitors: Anyone browsing our website or app.

Our goal is to ensure clarity and transparency about how we handle your personal information, meeting global privacy standards like GDPR (EU), CCPA (California), and UK Data Protection Act.

Information We Collect

To provide exceptional service, we collect various types of information, grouped into the following categories:

a. Personal Information

This refers to information that can identify you directly or indirectly. Examples include:

Contact Details: Full name, email address, phone number, and physical address.
Profile Data: Work history, skills, uploaded documents (e.g., resumes, certifications), and portfolio links.
Payment Information: Billing details, credit card information, or PayPal account details to process transactions securely.

b. Non-Personal Information

Non-identifiable data helps us understand platform usage trends and improve user experience.

Examples include:

Device type, browser information, and operating system details.
IP address and geolocation (approximate).
Browsing patterns, such as pages visited and time spent on the platform.

c. Sensitive Information

In certain cases, we collect sensitive data to verify identity and ensure platform security.

This includes:

Scanned government-issued IDs (e.g., passports, driver’s licenses).
Taxpayer Identification Numbers (if required for regulatory compliance).

Important Note: Sensitive data is only collected when necessary and is processed securely using advanced encryption methods.

How We Collect Information

We gather information in several ways, ensuring that users are aware and consent to the collection where required:

1. Registration Forms:

When you sign up as a freelancer or client, you provide personal and profile information to create your account.

2. User Activity:

Data is automatically collected as you navigate our website or app. For example, we track interactions with freelancer profiles or job postings to improve recommendations.

3. Third-Party Integrations:

If you connect external services (e.g., PayPal, Google, or LinkedIn), we receive data such as your profile picture or email address.

4. Cookies and Trackers:

Cookies and similar technologies help us remember your preferences, analyze usage, and deliver better experiences.

5. Communications:

When you contact customer support or engage in discussions with other users, the content of these interactions may be stored.

How We Use Your Information

We process your data for several purposes, each aimed at enhancing your experience or fulfilling legal obligations:

a. Core Platform Operations

Freelancer Profiles: Display work history, skills, and portfolio to attract clients.
Client Accounts: Enable clients to post projects and hire freelancers efficiently.

b. Service Improvements

Analyze user behavior to optimize platform functionality.
Develop new features based on user feedback and activity trends.

c. Personalized Recommendations

Suggest freelancers or projects that match your preferences.
Tailor marketing campaigns based on your activity.

d. Compliance and Security

Verify identity to prevent fraud or unauthorized access.
Meet regulatory requirements, such as tax reporting or anti-money laundering laws.

e. Marketing and Communication

Send promotional emails and newsletters to keep you informed about platform updates.
Notify you of new features, discounts, or partnership opportunities.

Opt-Out: Users can unsubscribe from marketing communications at any time by clicking the “Unsubscribe” link in our emails or contacting support.

Sharing and Disclosure of Information

We value your privacy and only share information under the following circumstances:

a. With Trusted Service Providers

Third parties help us operate Forhopp effectively.

Examples include:

Payment Gateways: Stripe and PayPal process financial transactions securely.
Analytics Providers: Google Analytics and Microsoft Clarity provide insights into platform performance.

b. Legal Obligations

We may disclose data to law enforcement or government authorities if required to comply with legal obligations.

c. Marketing Partners

Limited data (e.g., email addresses) may be shared with marketing partners for targeted campaigns.

d. Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale, your data may be transferred to the new entity.

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Cookies enhance your browsing experience by remembering your preferences.

Types of Cookies:

Essential Cookies: Necessary for platform functionality, such as logging in.
Performance Cookies: Track usage metrics to improve user experience.
Preference Cookies: Save settings like language and region.

User Rights and Identity Verification

As a user, you have the right to:

Access: View the personal data we hold about you.
Correction: Update inaccurate or incomplete data.
Deletion: Remove your profile and associated data.
Opt-Out: Decline marketing communications.

Verification Process

To exercise these rights, contact [email protected]. We will verify your identity and respond within 30 days.

Data Retention Policy

Forhopp retains user data for as long as necessary to fulfill operational, legal, or regulatory requirements. This means:

Operational Needs:
- Data is retained to provide uninterrupted services to our users, such as maintaining user profiles and ensuring seamless transactions.

- Historical data may be analyzed to improve platform features and detect trends.
Legal and Compliance Requirements:
- Certain data may be retained for longer periods to comply with tax laws, anti-fraud regulations, or other legal obligations. For example, financial transaction records may be stored to meet accounting and auditing standards.
Account Deletion:
- When a user requests account deletion, their profile data (e.g., work history, uploaded documents) is permanently erased from our systems.
- However, limited information like names and email addresses may be retained for marketing purposes, unless the user opts out. Users can unsubscribe from marketing emails or contact support to request complete removal of their information.
Retention Periods:
- Data is typically retained for as long as the account is active. If no legal requirements exist, inactive accounts and associated data are deleted after a defined period.

By ensuring data is only retained as needed, we minimize risks and align with global data protection standards like GDPR and CCPA.

Security Measures

Forhopp prioritizes the security of user data by implementing multiple layers of protection. Our security framework includes:

Data Encryption:
- Sensitive data, such as payment information and government IDs, is encrypted both in transit and at rest. This ensures that even if data is intercepted, it cannot be accessed without proper authorization.
Secure Infrastructure:
- Our servers are housed in secure facilities with 24/7 surveillance and physical safeguards to prevent unauthorized access.
Firewalls and Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS):
- Firewalls protect our systems from unauthorized access, while IDS monitor suspicious activities and block potential threats in real time.
Regular Audits and Updates:
- Security protocols are regularly reviewed and updated to address emerging threats. We also perform penetration testing to identify and fix vulnerabilities proactively.
User Accountability:
- Users are encouraged to maintain strong, unique passwords and avoid sharing login credentials. Forhopp will never request sensitive information via email.

Despite these measures, no online system is entirely immune to risks. Users should remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to our support team immediately.

Data Breach Notification

In the unfortunate event of a data breach, Forhopp is committed to transparency and swift action to protect user information.

Immediate Containment:
- Upon detecting a breach, our cybersecurity team works to identify the cause, contain the breach, and prevent further unauthorized access.
User Notification:
- Affected users will be notified via email within 72 hours of discovering the breach. Notifications will include:
  - The type of data compromised (e.g., email addresses, payment information).
  - Steps Forhopp is taking to resolve the issue.
  - Recommended actions users should take to protect themselves (e.g., updating passwords).
Regulatory Reporting:
- Depending on the nature of the breach, we will report the incident to relevant authorities (e.g., GDPR regulators or CCPA enforcement bodies).
Mitigation Measures:
- Forhopp will implement additional safeguards, such as enhanced encryption protocols or mandatory password resets, to prevent future occurrences.

By acting quickly and transparently, we aim to minimize the impact of any breach and maintain user trust.

Children’s Privacy

Forhopp is designed for users aged 18 and older. We do not knowingly collect, store, or process data from minors.

Prevention Measures:
- Age verification steps are built into the registration process to restrict access to minors.
- Profiles suspected of belonging to minors will be flagged for review and deleted if verified.
Inadvertent Collection:
- If we discover that data from a minor has been collected, we will take immediate action to delete this information from our systems.
Parental Requests:
- Parents or guardians who believe their child has provided information to Forhopp can contact us at [email protected] to request data deletion.

International Data Transfers

Forhopp operates as a global platform, which means data may be transferred across international borders to provide services efficiently.

Compliance with Global Standards:
- Data transfers comply with GDPR, UK Data Protection Act, and other relevant laws.
- Safeguards like Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) ensure that data transferred outside the EU or UK is protected by equivalent standards.
Data Storage Locations:
- Data may be stored on servers located in multiple jurisdictions, including the United States and Europe.
User Rights:
- Users can request information about data transfer mechanisms and the locations where their data is stored.
Third-Party Services:
- Trusted third-party vendors handling international data transfers (e.g., payment processors) adhere to similar security and privacy standards.

Non-Discrimination Statement

Forhopp upholds the principle of fairness, ensuring that users who exercise their privacy rights are not penalized.

Equal Access to Services:
- Users who opt out of marketing communications or request data deletion will continue to enjoy full access to platform features.
Prohibited Practices:
- We do not charge higher fees, provide inferior services, or deny access to users exercising their rights under GDPR, CCPA, or similar regulations.

By maintaining a fair and inclusive environment, Forhopp respects the diverse needs of its user base.

High-Risk Processing and Safeguards

Certain data processing activities, such as handling government IDs or conducting user profiling, are considered high-risk under GDPR and similar regulations.

Identification of High-Risk Activities:
- Examples include:
  - Storing sensitive information like government-issued IDs.
  - Using advanced algorithms to match freelancers with clients.
- Forhopp carefully evaluates these activities to mitigate risks.
Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs):
- Before initiating high-risk processing, Forhopp conducts DPIAs to:
  - Identify potential privacy risks to users.
  - Implement safeguards, such as additional encryption or restricted access.
Continuous Monitoring:
- High-risk processes are reviewed regularly to ensure compliance with evolving legal and technical standards.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

Forhopp may update this policy to reflect changes in laws, technology, or platform features.

Notification of Changes:
- Major updates will be announced via email or on our website.
Effective Date:
- The updated policy will include a new “Effective Date” and take immediate effect unless stated otherwise.

Contact Information

For questions, concerns, or requests related to this Privacy Policy, please contact:

Email: [email protected]
Mail: 30 N Gould St Ste R, Sheridan, Wyoming, US, 82801

Our support team is available 24/7 to address your privacy concerns.