# Privacy Policy
*Last updated: July 22, 2026*
Earthnique (“Earthnique,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) operates the Earthnique marketplace mobile
application and related services (collectively, the “App”). This Privacy Policy explains what
information we collect, how we use and share it, and the choices you have. By using the App,
you agree to the practices described in this Policy.
—
## 1. Who This Policy Applies To
This Policy applies to everyone who uses the App, including customers who browse and purchase
products and services, and Vendors who list and sell through the App.
—
## 2. Information We Collect
We collect various types of information to provide and improve our services. This includes:
### 2.1 Personal Information
Information that can be used to identify you directly or indirectly, such as:
– *Contact Information:* Name, email address, phone number, physical address.
– *Account Information:* Username, password (hashed), profile picture.
### 2.2 Usage Data
Information about how you access and use the App, including:
– App interactions (e.g., features used, content viewed, search queries).
– Preferences and settings.
– Date and time of access.
### 2.3 Device Data
Information about the device you use to access the App, such as:
– IP address.
– Operating system and version.
– Device type and unique device identifiers.
– Browser type.
– Push notification tokens (to deliver order updates, messages, and alerts).
### 2.4 Location Data
If you grant us permission through your device settings, we may collect **precise or
approximate location information** to provide location-based services (e.g., finding Vendors
near you and sorting listings by distance).
We request location access *only while you are actively using the App* (foreground); we do
*not* collect your location in the background. Location access is *optional* — you can
decline it and instead enter your city manually, and the App remains fully usable. Your
coordinates are sent to our servers solely to return nearby results for your session, and are
used by our mapping provider (Google Maps) to display maps. You can revoke this permission at
any time in your device settings. See Section 4 for details.
### 2.5 Vendor Data
For Vendors, we collect additional business-related information, including:
– Business name and contact details.
– Product and service listings, descriptions, and pricing.
– Business registrant verification documents (e.g., government-issued ID such as a driver’s
license) as processed by our third-party verification partner (Stripe).
### 2.6 Payment Information
When you make or receive payments, payment card and banking details are collected and
processed directly by our payment processor (Stripe). Earthnique does not store full card
numbers on its own servers. We retain limited transaction records (e.g., amount, order,
card brand and last four digits, receipt) to fulfill orders and provide support.
### 2.7 Communications
Messages you exchange with Vendors or with us through the App’s in-app chat and support
features.
—
## 3. How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect to:
– Create and manage your account and authenticate you (via Firebase, and optionally Google or
Apple Sign-In).
– Provide, operate, and improve the App and its features.
– Show you relevant listings, including businesses near you and distance-based sorting.
– Process orders, bookings, payments, and payouts.
– Verify Vendor identity and eligibility.
– Send you transactional notifications (order updates, messages) and, where permitted,
promotional messages.
– Provide customer support and respond to your requests.
– Detect, prevent, and address fraud, abuse, and security issues.
– Monitor app stability and diagnose crashes and errors.
– Comply with legal obligations.
—
## 4. Location Data and Permissions
Location features are *optional*. The App requests access to your device location only when
you actively choose to use a location-based feature (for example, by tapping “Use my
location”). We request *foreground (while-in-use) access only* and do not track your
location in the background.
When enabled, we use your precise or approximate location to:
– determine your approximate city;
– show businesses, products, and services near you;
– sort and rank listings by distance; and
– display your position and nearby businesses on a map (via Google Maps).
Your coordinates are transmitted to our servers to return nearby results for your current
session. You may revoke location permission at any time through your device’s system
settings; if you do, you can continue using the App by entering your city manually.
Your use of Google Maps features is also governed by the
[Google Privacy Policy](https://policies.google.com/privacy).
—
## 5. How We Share Your Information
We do not sell your personal information. We share information only as described below:
– *With Vendors / Customers:* To complete a transaction, we share the information necessary
to fulfill an order or booking (e.g., customer name and delivery details with the relevant
Vendor, and Vendor business details with customers).
– *Service Providers:* With third parties that perform services on our behalf, including:
– *Stripe* — payment processing, payouts, and Vendor identity verification.
– *Google (Firebase, Google Maps)* — authentication, push notifications, and mapping.
– *Apple* — Sign in with Apple (if you use it).
– *Sentry* — crash reporting and diagnostics.
– *Legal and Safety:* When required by law, legal process, or to protect the rights,
property, or safety of Earthnique, our users, or the public.
– *Business Transfers:* In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, subject
to this Policy.
—
## 6. Third-Party Services
The App relies on third-party services that process data under their own privacy policies:
– Stripe — https://stripe.com/privacy
– Google / Firebase — https://policies.google.com/privacy
– Apple — https://www.apple.com/legal/privacy/
– Sentry — https://sentry.io/privacy/
—
## 7. Data Retention
We retain personal information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide
the App, comply with our legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements. When
you delete your account, we delete or anonymize your personal information as described in
Section 8, except where retention is required by law (e.g., transaction records for tax and
accounting).
—
## 8. Your Rights and Choices
– *Access and Update:* You can view and update your profile information in the App.
– *Account Deletion:* You can delete your account directly in the App (Profile → Account →
Delete account). Deleting your account removes or anonymizes your personal information; some
records may be retained in anonymized form or where required by law.
– *Location Permission:* You can grant or revoke location access at any time in your device
settings.
– *Push Notifications:* You can disable notifications in your device settings.
– *Marketing:* You can opt out of promotional messages while continuing to receive essential
transactional communications.
Depending on your jurisdiction (including under Canada’s PIPEDA and similar laws), you may have
additional rights to access, correct, or delete your personal information. Contact us using the
details below to exercise these rights.
—
## 9. Data Security
We use administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect your
information, including encryption in transit, hashed passwords, and restricted server-side
access. No method of transmission or storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee
absolute security.
—
## 10. Children’s Privacy
The App is not directed to children under the age of 13 (or the minimum age required in your
jurisdiction), and we do not knowingly collect personal information from them. If you believe a
child has provided us personal information, please contact us and we will delete it.
—
## 11. International Users
Earthnique is based in Canada. If you access the App from outside Canada, your information may
be processed in Canada and other countries where our service providers operate, which may have
data protection laws different from those in your country.
—
## 12. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do, we will revise the “Last
updated” date above and, where appropriate, provide additional notice. Your continued use of
the App after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the updated Policy.
—
## 13. Contact Us
If you have questions or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or your personal information,
contact us at:
*Earthnique*
Email: privacy@earthnique.ca
