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Privacy Policy

Last updated: December 13, 2024

1. Introduction

Purpose of the Privacy Policy

Welcome to NeedTown! Your privacy is incredibly important to us. This Privacy Policy explains what personal data we collect, how we use it, and the steps we take to keep it secure. It also details your rights regarding your information and how you can manage your privacy preferences.

By accessing NeedTown, you agree to the principles and practices described in this Privacy Policy. We strive to be clear and upfront about how we handle your information, and we're here to answer any questions you might have.

Overview of NeedTown's Commitment to User Privacy

At NeedTown, protecting your privacy is central to everything we do. As we launch in Bangladesh, we are committed to complying with local data protection laws and international standards, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and relevant Bangladeshi regulations, such as the Digital Security Act, 2018, and any applicable guidelines issued by the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC).

Here's what you can expect from us:

  • Transparency: We provide clear and straightforward explanations of how your data is collected, used, and shared.
  • Control: You have tools to manage your data, including updating, deleting, or opting out of certain uses.
  • Security: Your data is protected with advanced security measures to prevent unauthorized access or misuse.
  • Compliance: We adhere to legal requirements and best practices for data privacy and protection, ensuring alignment with Bangladesh's laws.

2. Information We Collect

Types of Information Collected

We collect two main types of information from our users:

Personal Information:

Data that identifies you as an individual. This may include:

  • Name
  • Contact information (email address, phone number, etc.)
  • Address and location details
  • Payment and billing information
  • Government-issued identification (if required for specific services)

Non-Personal Information:

Data that does not directly identify you. This may include:

  • Demographic details
  • Device information (browser type, operating system, etc.)
  • Usage statistics and analytics

Methods of Data Collection

We collect information through various methods, ensuring transparency and consent at every step:

Account Registration:

When you create an account on NeedTown, we collect the details you provide, such as your name, email, and password.

User Activities on NeedTown

Information is gathered as you interact with the platform. This includes:

  • Services you browse or book
  • Items you purchase
  • Reviews or comments you post

Automated Technologies

We use technology to enhance your experience, including:

  • Cookies: Small files stored on your device to personalize your experience and improve functionality.
  • Log Data: Information automatically collected when you access the platform, such as IP address, device type, and access times.
  • Tracking Tools: Such as pixels and analytics tools to understand user behavior and improve services.

We ensure that all information collected is handled securely and in compliance with Bangladeshi laws, including the Digital Security Act, 2018, and international privacy standards.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to make NeedTown work for you in the best way possible. Here’s how:

Providing and Improving Services

Your information plays a vital role in helping us deliver and enhance the services you rely on. For instance:

  • Location-Based Services: By using your location data, we can connect you with nearby service providers, ensuring relevance and convenience.
  • Payment Processing: Your payment details enable us to process transactions securely and efficiently, supporting seamless bookings and purchases.
  • Platform Enhancements: By analyzing how you interact with NeedTown, we identify areas for improvement, refining our features to better meet your needs and preferences.

Personalization of User Experience

At NeedTown, we strive to make your experience unique and tailored to your preferences. Your information helps us:

  • Curate Recommendations: Suggest services, businesses, or products that align with your interests and activities.
  • Streamline Interactions: Provide features such as auto-fill options or reminders for scheduled bookings to save you time and effort.
  • Enhance Usability: Adapt the interface and content to better suit your preferences, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable user journey.

Communication and Support

  • Keep You Informed: Send updates about your account, bookings, and important platform changes.
  • Resolve Issues Quickly: Enable our support team to access relevant information to address your concerns effectively.
  • Provide Proactive Assistance: Offer guidance or solutions based on your interactions and feedback, ensuring your satisfaction.

Marketing and Promotional Activities

We aim to keep you informed about features and opportunities that could benefit you. Your data helps us:

  • Tailor Promotions: Share offers and discounts that align with your interests and usage patterns.
  • Launch New Features: Notify you about services or enhancements that might be relevant to your needs.
  • Respect Preferences: Provide the option to opt out of promotional communications at any time through your account settings.

Security and Fraud Prevention

Protecting your information is a top priority. We employ your data to:

  • Identify Risks: Detect and prevent fraudulent activities, unauthorized access, and other security threats.
  • Secure Transactions: Implement safeguards for safe and reliable financial interactions on the platform.
  • Maintain Trust: Ensure that NeedTown remains a secure and dependable environment for all users by continuously monitoring and updating our security measures.

4. How We Share Your Information

At NeedTown, we prioritize your privacy and the security of your personal information. We are committed to handling your data responsibly and in compliance with applicable privacy laws, including but not limited to the Digital Security Act, 2018 (Bangladesh), and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), where applicable. Below is a detailed overview of how and why we share your information:

Sharing with Third Parties

We may share your information with third parties in specific scenarios, always ensuring that such sharing aligns with legal requirements and our privacy commitments:

  • Service Facilitation: To fulfill the services you request, we may need to share your information with external service providers, vendors, or professionals. For instance, if you book a service through NeedTown, we may share your details with relevant service providers to ensure smooth service delivery. These third parties are contractually bound to use your information solely for the purpose of delivering the requested services and to adhere to strict confidentiality standards.
  • Legal Compliance: We may be legally required to share your information to comply with laws, respond to lawful requests, or protect the rights, safety, and property of NeedTown, its users, or the public. This may include disclosing information in response to subpoenas, court orders, regulatory inquiries, or other legal processes mandated by local or international laws.

Business Partners and Service Providers

To enhance the functionality and reliability of the NeedTown platform, we collaborate with trusted third-party business partners and service providers. These entities play a critical role in providing you with efficient and secure services. The types of partners we work with include:

  • Payment Processors: Your payment details are securely shared with payment processors to handle transactions in compliance with relevant financial regulations and to ensure the integrity of financial operations. These processors are required to comply with applicable laws such as the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS).
  • Cloud Service Providers: We utilize third-party cloud providers to securely store and process your data. These providers are carefully vetted to ensure compliance with stringent data protection laws, including the Digital Security Act, 2018 (Bangladesh), and global standards like the GDPR, where applicable.
  • Analytics Providers: To continuously improve our platform, we work with analytics providers to understand user behavior and preferences. These insights enable us to optimize the NeedTown experience while maintaining the confidentiality of your data. All data shared is anonymized or aggregated where possible to ensure your privacy.
  • Marketing Agencies: o deliver personalized marketing content, we collaborate with trusted marketing agencies. These agencies assist in executing targeted advertising campaigns based on your preferences, ensuring you receive relevant and meaningful promotional content. We ensure that such sharing complies with applicable advertising and data privacy laws.

All partners and service providers are bound by strict contractual agreements to use your information solely for the agreed-upon purposes. They are also required to adhere to rigorous data security and confidentiality standards, with periodic audits conducted to ensure compliance.

Legal Obligations and Compliance

We are committed to complying with all applicable legal requirements and regulations, which may necessitate the disclosure of your information in the following circumstances:

  • Responding to Legal Requests:We may disclose your information to comply with legal processes, such as subpoenas, court orders, or investigations by law enforcement or regulatory authorities. Disclosures will only be made to the extent required by law.
  • Local and Global Regulations:As a Bangladeshi-based platform, we adhere to the Digital Security Act, 2018, and other local laws governing data privacy and security. For users outside Bangladesh, we comply with international regulations, such as the GDPR, to ensure lawful handling of personal information, including data minimization, transparency, and user rights.
  • Ensuring Public Safety and Legal Rights:We may disclose information to protect against fraud, violations of our terms of service, or threats to the security of our platform. Additionally, we may share data to safeguard the rights, safety, or property of NeedTown, our users, or the public. In such cases, the disclosure will be limited to what is necessary to mitigate the risk or harm.

Mergers, Acquisitions, or Sale of Assets

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of all or part of NeedTown’s assets, your information may be transferred to the acquiring entity as part of the transaction. In such cases, we will ensure that the acquiring entity continues to protect your information in a manner consistent with this policy and applicable privacy laws. You will be notified of any significant changes to the way your data is handled and provided with an opportunity to review and consent to any new terms or policies governing your information. By using the NeedTown platform, you consent to the sharing of your information as described in this section. Rest assured, we take all reasonable measures to protect your data and require third parties with whom we share it to uphold the highest standards of security and confidentiality.

5. Data Retention and Security

At NeedTown, we understand how important your personal data is, and we take it seriously. Here's how we handle the security and storage of your information:

Duration of Data Storage

We only keep your data for as long as necessary to provide our services and meet our legal obligations. The length of time we store your data depends on the purpose for which it was collected. For example, your account information will be kept as long as your account remains active or as long as required by law. Once your data is no longer needed, we securely delete or anonymize it to protect your privacy.

Security Measures Implemented

We use advanced security measures to protect your data from unauthorized access, loss, or misuse. These include:

  • Encryption: Your sensitive data, such as payment information, is encrypted during transmission to ensure it remains safe while being sent over the internet.
  • Access Controls: Only authorized personnel and trusted partners have access to your data. We implement strict policies to limit who can view or handle your information.
  • Regular Audits: We continuously monitor our systems for any unusual activity or potential security breaches. We also perform regular audits to ensure compliance with industry standards.
  • Secure Storage: Your data is stored in secure data centers with physical and digital safeguards to protect against unauthorized access, theft, or damage.

While we make every effort to keep your data secure, no system is completely immune to risks. We always strive to stay ahead by updating and improving our security practices to handle emerging threats.

User Responsibility for Account Security

While we take great care in securing your data, it's also important for you to protect your account. Here are a few things you can do:

  • Use Strong Passwords: Make sure your account password is unique, strong, and not easily guessed. A combination of letters, numbers, and symbols is recommended.
  • Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Enable 2FA for an added layer of security. This way, even if someone has your password, they won't be able to access your account without the second authentication step.
  • Be Cautious of Phishing: Be mindful of unsolicited emails or messages asking for your personal information. Always verify the source before clicking on any links or providing any sensitive data.
  • Log Out on Shared Devices: If you're accessing NeedTown on a shared or public device, always log out when you're finished to prevent unauthorized access to your account.

By staying vigilant and following these simple steps, you can help ensure your account remains secure while we handle the rest.

6. Your Privacy Rights

At NeedTown, we believe in giving you control over your personal information. You have several rights regarding how your data is used and can take actions to manage it in line with your preferences. Here's a breakdown of your privacy rights:

Access, Update, or Delete Your Information

You have the right to access the personal information we hold about you. If you would like to review, update, or correct any details, you can do so easily through your account settings. If your information is inaccurate or incomplete, we encourage you to update it to ensure we have the most accurate records.

Additionally, you have the right to delete your account and personal data if you no longer wish to use NeedTown's services. You can request account deletion by contacting us, and we will guide you through the process. Please note that we may retain some information for legal reasons or to fulfill contractual obligations, but we'll minimize this to what is necessary.

Opt-Out of Communications

We may send you marketing or informational communications related to your account or services on NeedTown. However, if you no longer wish to receive these communications, you can easily opt-out:

  • Email: You can unsubscribe from promotional emails by clicking the “unsubscribe” link at the bottom of the email.
  • App Notifications: If you're using our app, you can turn off push notifications from your device's settings or within the app itself.
  • SMS and Other Messaging: If we send you messages via SMS or other messaging platforms, you can reply with ”STOP” or use the provided link to opt-out of further messages.

Opting out will stop promotional communications, but please note that you may still receive essential service-related messages, such as updates about your account or important platform changes.

Managing Cookies and Tracking

Cookies and tracking technologies help us improve your experience on NeedTown. These tools collect information about how you interact with our platform, helping us tailor our services and content to your preferences. You have the option to manage or disable these tracking technologies:

  • Cookies: You can control cookies through your browser settings. Most browsers allow you to block or delete cookies, but please note that doing so may affect some features of the NeedTown platform.
  • Do Not Track: Some browsers offer a ”Do Not Track” option that lets you signal to websites that you do not want your activities to be tracked. However, not all websites respond to this signal.
  • Third-Party Tracking: We may work with third-party service providers who use their own cookies or tracking technologies. You can manage your preferences for these tools directly with the third parties involved, and they may provide opt-out options on their websites.

By understanding and managing these settings, you can have more control over your online privacy. If you have any questions or need assistance with your privacy settings, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.

7. Children’s Privacy

At NeedTown, we are committed to protecting the privacy and safety of children online. Our services are not intended for children under the age of 18, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from individuals in this age group. Here’s our policy regarding users under 18:

Policy for Users Under 18

Age Restrictions

To use NeedTown’s platform, you must be at least 18 years old. If we become aware that we have inadvertently collected personal information from a child under 18, we will take steps to delete that information as soon as possible.

Parental Consent

If you are a parent or guardian and believe that your child under the age of 18 has provided personal information to us, please contact us immediately. We will work with you to ensure that any data collected is removed and that your child’s privacy is protected.

No Targeting of Children

We do not design our services or marketing materials to target children or appeal directly to them. Our content and features are intended for an adult audience.

We take children’s privacy seriously and adhere to applicable laws and regulations to ensure that young users are protected from any potential risks related to online data collection. If you have any concerns or questions about our children’s privacy practices, feel free to contact us.

8. Third-Party Links and Services

At NeedTown, we may provide links to external websites or services that are not owned or controlled by us. These third-party links are included for your convenience, but it's important to understand the following:

External Links on the Platform

Our platform may contain links to third-party websites, applications, or services that we do not operate or control. These links can direct you to external resources such as partner websites, service providers, or other platforms that we believe may be of interest to you. However, please note that:

No Control Over External Sites

We do not control or monitor the content, privacy policies, or practices of third-party websites. Once you click on a third-party link, you are no longer on the NeedTown platform, and your use of external websites is subject to their terms of service and privacy policies.

Potential Risks

While we aim to link to reputable external sites, we cannot guarantee the accuracy, reliability, or safety of the content provided by third parties. Always exercise caution when interacting with external websites or providing personal information on them.

Responsibility for Third-Party Content

No Endorsement

Including a third-party link on our platform does not imply that NeedTown endorses, sponsors, or is responsible for the content or services provided by those third-party entities. We provide these links solely for informational purposes or to offer additional resources to our users.

Third-Party Terms and Privacy

Your interactions with third-party services, including any transactions or exchanges of personal information, are between you and the third party. NeedTown is not responsible for the privacy practices, security measures, or actions of third-party sites or services.

Liability

We are not liable for any loss, damage, or issues arising from your use of third-party content or services. It is your responsibility to review the terms and privacy policies of these external websites before using their services.

By using our platform, you acknowledge that NeedTown is not responsible for the content or actions of third-party links and services, and we encourage you to exercise discretion and caution when navigating external sites. If you encounter any issues or concerns with third-party links, please let us know, and we will investigate the matter.

9. International Data Transfers

At NeedTown, we recognize that data privacy is a global concern, and we are dedicated to ensuring that your information is handled securely and responsibly, no matter where it is stored or processed. Here is how we manage international data transfers:

Compliance with Local and Global Privacy Laws

When transferring data across borders, we strictly adhere to applicable local and international privacy regulations to protect your personal information. These include:

General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

For users in the European Union, we comply with the GDPR’s stringent guidelines on data processing and transfer. This includes ensuring that any data transferred outside the EU is subject to legally enforceable safeguards.

Digital Security Act, 2018 (Bangladesh)

As a platform headquartered in Bangladesh, we adhere to the Digital Security Act, which regulates the storage, processing, and protection of data within the country. We also ensure compliance with any additional privacy directives issued by the government of Bangladesh, such as those related to cybersecurity and the use of personal information.

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Act, 2006 (Bangladesh)

This act provides a legal framework for secure data handling and digital communications, and we ensure our practices are aligned with its provisions when processing data domestically or internationally.

Other Jurisdictions

For users outside these regions, we comply with the respective data protection regulations of the jurisdictions involved, including laws such as the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) for users in the United States, and similar statutes in other regions. This ensures that cross-border data transfers meet the highest legal standards, irrespective of location.

Our commitment is to provide a secure framework for handling your personal data during international transfers, safeguarding it at every step of the process.

Mechanisms for Data Transfers

To ensure that data transfers are secure, transparent, and legally compliant, we utilize the following mechanisms:

Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs)

For data transfers to countries without equivalent data protection laws, we incorporate SCCs approved by regulatory authorities. These clauses provide contractual guarantees that your personal data will be protected.

Adequacy Decisions

When transferring data to countries recognized as providing an adequate level of data protection (e.g., those designated by the European Commission), we rely on these adequacy decisions to ensure compliance.

Binding Corporate Rules (BCRs)

In cases where data needs to be transferred within NeedTown or its affiliates across multiple jurisdictions, we implement Binding Corporate Rules to ensure consistent and robust data protection practices.

Data Encryption

We employ robust encryption technologies to protect your personal data during transfer. This prevents unauthorized access and ensures the integrity of your data while it moves between jurisdictions.

Third-Party Agreements

Any third-party service providers involved in international data handling are bound by strict contractual agreements to maintain the confidentiality, security, and privacy of your information. These agreements are regularly reviewed to ensure ongoing compliance.

By implementing these mechanisms, we aim to uphold the highest standards of data protection during international transfers.

Your Rights and Concerns

We prioritize transparency and user trust. If you have questions or concerns about how your data is transferred internationally, or if you’d like more details about our practices, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Your trust in our commitment to privacy is what drives our efforts to exceed global data protection standards.

10. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We understand that privacy is a dynamic concern, and as such, we may update our privacy policy from time to time. These updates could reflect changes in our data practices, technological advancements, legal requirements, or the services we offer. We want to ensure that you are always informed about how we collect, use, and protect your personal data. Below is a detailed explanation of how we notify you about changes and how you can stay informed:

Notification of Updates

We are committed to keeping you informed whenever we make important changes to this privacy policy. Here’s how we notify you:

In-App/Platform Notification

We will display a prominent notice within the NeedTown platform (such as a banner or pop-up) to alert you to the changes. This will typically appear when you log in or access the platform after the update. This notification will highlight key updates to the policy, so you are aware of any significant changes that might affect your data privacy rights.

Email Notifications

If the changes are substantial, we may send you an email notification detailing the updated privacy policy. This email will explain the nature of the changes, why they are being made, and how they impact your data rights. We will include a link to the updated privacy policy for you to review at your convenience.

Login Prompt for Acceptance

In certain cases, especially when major revisions are made, we may prompt you to review and accept the updated privacy policy the next time you log in. By logging in and continuing to use the platform, you agree to the updated terms of the privacy policy.

Continued Use of the Platform

Your continued use of the NeedTown platform after the privacy policy is updated constitutes your acceptance of the changes. If you disagree with any of the updated terms, you may choose to stop using the platform or request that your data be deleted in accordance with our data retention policies.

Date of Last Update

This privacy policy was last updated on 13th December 2024.

Transparency

We will always include the date of the last update at the bottom of the privacy policy to help you easily determine when the policy was last revised. This ensures that you can track the changes to the policy over time and know when it was last modified.

Version History

In some cases, we may keep a version history of the privacy policy on our website or platform. This allows you to access previous versions of the policy if needed. If you have any specific questions about past changes, you can reach out to us for clarification.

Minor vs. Major Changes

In general, minor changes, such as updates in the types of data we collect or changes to service providers, may not require a formal re-acceptance prompt. However, major changes that significantly affect your rights or data handling (such as new data processing activities or compliance with new laws) will always be communicated clearly to you.

Your Responsibility to Stay Informed

While we will do our best to notify you of important changes to this privacy policy, it is also your responsibility to periodically review the privacy policy to stay informed about how your data is being managed. We encourage you to check the privacy policy periodically, especially when there are significant updates to our platform or services.

If you have any questions or concerns about the updated policy, or if you would like to request further details about any specific changes, please feel free to contact us. We are always happy to help and provide clarification.

11. Contact Us

Your privacy is important to us, and we are here to address any concerns you may have about how your data is handled. If you have questions, concerns, or need assistance related to our privacy practices, please feel free to contact us using the following methods:

How to Reach NeedTown for Privacy Concerns

1. Email

You can reach our Privacy and Data Protection team by emailing us at support@needtown.co. Please include a clear description of your concern or inquiry, and we will respond as quickly as possible.

2. Customer Support Portal

You can submit your privacy-related questions or concerns through our customer support portal on the NeedTown platform. To do so:

  • Log into your NeedTown account.
  • Navigate to the “Help” or “Support” section.
  • Select “Privacy Concerns” as your query type.
  • Submit your inquiry or request for further assistance.

3. Phone

For more urgent privacy matters, you may contact our customer support team by phone. Call us at 01886-994333, and our team will direct your query to the appropriate department.

4. Mailing Address

If you prefer to contact us by mail, you can send your inquiries to the following address:

NeedTown Privacy Team
Dhaka, Bangladesh

5. Social Media

For general inquiries, you can also reach out to us through our social media accounts. While these platforms are primarily for general customer support, we can direct your privacy concerns to the relevant team if necessary. Find us on:

What to Include in Your Inquiry

When reaching out, please provide as much detail as possible regarding your concern or request. This could include:

  • A description of your concern or question.
  • Specific information about your NeedTown account (e.g., account ID, email address associated with the account, or the type of service you are inquiring about).
  • Any relevant documentation or evidence if applicable.

We take privacy concerns seriously and are dedicated to resolving any issues promptly. If you ever feel that we have not addressed your concerns satisfactorily, you may escalate the matter to the relevant data protection authority or regulatory body. We are committed to working with you to ensure your data is handled securely and in accordance with applicable privacy laws.