This Privacy Policy provides detailed information on when and why we collect your personal information, how we use it, the limited conditions under which we may disclose it to others, and how we keep it secure.

We may modify this Privacy Policy at any time without prior notice and will post the revised Privacy Policy on the Service. The revised Policy will be effective 180 days from when the revised Policy is published in the Service. Your continued access or use of the Service after such time will constitute your acceptance of the revised Privacy Policy. We recommend that you periodically review this page.

1. Introduction

Welcome to Crowdol (“Platform,” “we,” “us,” or “our”). We are committed to protecting your privacy and handling your data with transparency and care. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our website, mobile application, and services (collectively, “Services”).

We are not in the business of selling, renting, or trading our databases with other companies and businesses for sales or marketing purposes.

By accessing or using the Service, you consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of your information per this Privacy Policy. Please do not access or use the Service if you do not agree to the same.

2. Information We Collect
2.1 Information You Provide

  • Account Information: Name, email, phone number, password, profile photo, billing address, payment information

  • Profile Details: Skills, work experience, education, portfolio, certifications, languages, hourly rates

  • Project Information: Project descriptions, budgets, timelines, deliverables, communications, work samples

  • Verification Data: Government-issued ID, tax information, background check results (where applicable)

  • Communications: Messages, feedback, survey responses, support tickets

  • Financial Data: Payment history, invoicing information, transaction records

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

  • Device Information: IP address, browser type, operating system, device identifiers

  • Usage Data: Pages visited, features used, time spent, click patterns, search queries

  • Location Data: General location (country/city) based on IP address or GPS (with permission)

  • Cookies and Tracking: See Section 7 for details

2.3 Information from Third Parties

  • Social Media: When you connect social accounts (LinkedIn, GitHub, etc.)

  • Payment Processors: Stripe, PayPal, or other payment gateways

  • Background Services: Identity verification and screening services

  • Referral Sources: When you’re referred by another user

3. How We Use Your Information
3.1 To Provide and Improve Services

  • Create and manage your account

  • Match freelancers with projects using our Collective Intelligence system

  • Process payments and prevent fraud

  • Facilitate communication between users

  • Provide customer support

  • Develop and improve our algorithms and platform features

3.2 For Communication

  • Send service-related announcements

  • Respond to your inquiries

  • Send marketing communications (with opt-out option)

  • Notify you of platform updates, security alerts, or policy changes

3.3 For Safety and Security

  • Verify identities and prevent fraud

  • Investigate suspicious activity

  • Enforce our Terms of Use

  • Comply with legal obligations

3.4 For Analytics and Research

  • Analyze usage patterns to improve Services

  • Conduct anonymous, aggregated research on work trends

  • Measure platform performance and user satisfaction

4. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)

For users in the European Economic Area (EEA), we process your data based on:

  • Performance of contract: To provide the Services you requested

  • Legitimate interests: For platform security, fraud prevention, and improvement

  • Consent: For marketing communications and certain data processing

  • Legal obligations: To comply with applicable laws

5. How We Share Your Information
5.1 With Other Users

  • Freelancers: Clients see your profile, skills, ratings, and portfolio

  • Clients: Freelancers see project details, your name, and communication history

  • Both Parties: Project communications, work submissions, and feedback are shared

5.2 With Service Providers

  • Payment processors (Stripe, PayPal)

  • Cloud hosting services (AWS, Google Cloudflare)

  • Communication tools (email, messaging platforms)

  • Analytics providers (Google Analytics, Mixpanel)

  • Customer support software

5.3 For Legal Compliance

  • When required by law, regulation, or legal process

  • To protect rights, property, or safety of Crowdol or others

  • To enforce our Terms of Use or other agreements

5.4 Business Transfers

  • In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets

  • With affiliates under common control

5.5 With Your Consent

  • When you explicitly authorize specific sharing

6. Data Retention

We retain your information only as long as necessary:

  • Active accounts: While your account is active

  • Inactive accounts: Up to 3 years after last activity

  • Financial records: 7 years for tax and legal compliance

  • Project data: Retained for reference and dispute resolution

  • Communications: Up to 3 years for customer service purposes

7. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
7.1 Types of Cookies

  • Essential: Required for platform functionality

  • Performance: Help us understand how users interact with our Services

  • Functional: Remember your preferences and settings

  • Advertising: Deliver relevant ads (with consent)

7.2 Your Choices

  • Browser settings to refuse cookies

  • Platform cookie preference center

  • Opt-out of personalized advertising

  • Note: Disabling essential cookies may affect platform functionality

8. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures:

  • Encryption of data in transit and at rest

  • Regular security assessments and audits

  • Access controls and authentication protocols

  • Employee training on data protection

  • Incident response plan

However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure.

9. Your Rights and Choices
9.1 Access and Control

You have the right to:

  • Access your personal data

  • Correct inaccurate information

  • Delete your data (with limitations)

  • Restrict or object to processing

  • Data portability

  • Withdraw consent

9.2 How to Exercise Rights

Submit requests to: [email protected]
We will respond within 30 days and may require identity verification.

9.3 Account Settings

  • Update profile information

  • Adjust communication preferences

  • Download your data

  • Deactivate or delete account

10. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your own. We ensure appropriate safeguards through:

  • Standard Contractual Clauses (EU/UK)

  • Adequacy decisions

  • Other legally approved mechanisms

11. Children’s Privacy

Our Services are not intended for children under 18. We do not knowingly collect information from children. If we become aware of such collection, we will delete it immediately.

12. Third-Party Links

Our Services may contain links to third-party websites. This Privacy Policy does not apply to those sites. Review their privacy policies before providing information.

13. California Privacy Rights (CCPA/CPRA)

California residents have additional rights:

  • Know what personal information is collected

  • Delete personal information

  • Opt-out of sale/sharing of personal information

  • Correct inaccurate personal information

  • Limit use of sensitive personal information

  • Non-discrimination for exercising rights

To exercise these rights, email [email protected] or visit our Privacy Center.

14. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. We will notify you of material changes via:

  • Email notification

  • Platform announcement

  • Updated “Last Updated” date

Your continued use after changes constitutes acceptance.

15. Contact Us

For privacy-related questions or concerns:

Crowdol Data Protection Officer
Email: [email protected]

16. Dispute Resolution

If you have concerns about our privacy practices:

  1. Contact us first at [email protected]

  2. EU residents may lodge a complaint with their supervisory authority

  3. Other regions may contact relevant data protection authorities

Transparency Note: This Privacy Policy reflects our commitment to protecting your data while enabling meaningful connections between talent and opportunity. We believe in empowering users with control over their information while maintaining the security and functionality of our platform.