PRIVACY POLICY
Effective Date: September 11, 2025
Last Updated: September 11, 2025
This Privacy Policy describes how Houwlly.com (“Houwlly”, “we”, “us”, or “our”) collects, uses, stores, and discloses information obtained from users of our website and services. This Policy applies to individuals who use our platform as Freelancers (Service Providers) and Clients (Service Seekers) in connection with purchasing or delivering gig service-based work.
By accessing or using the platform, you agree to this Privacy Policy.
1. Information We Collect
We collect various types of information depending on how you interact with the platform.
a. Personal Information
Name, email address, phone number, and physical address
Account login credentials
Profile details including your biography, skills, service categories, rates, and uploaded media
b. Financial Information
Payment and payout details (e.g., bank account info, PayPal, or Stripe Express data)
Billing address and transaction records
Note: We do not store full credit card information. All payments are processed securely through third-party providers (e.g., Stripe).
c. Platform Usage Information
Gig service transactions and order history
Reviews, ratings, and messages exchanged between users
Communication logs with our support team
d. Technical Information
IP address, browser type, operating system, and device identifiers
Activity logs, timestamps, referral URLs
Cookies and similar technologies to manage sessions and collect analytics
2. How We Use Your Information
We use collected information for the following purposes:
To create and manage user accounts
To enable Freelancers to publish and deliver gig services
To allow Clients to discover, purchase, and review services
To process payments, invoices, and withdrawals
To send account notifications and respond to support inquiries
To enforce our Terms of Service and prevent fraudulent activity
To comply with legal obligations and regulatory requirements
To analyze trends, improve performance, and enhance the user experience
3. Information Sharing and Disclosure
We do not sell your personal information. We only share your data as outlined below:
a. With Payment Processors
To process payments and disbursements via trusted third parties such as Stripe, Wise, or PayPal.
b. With Service Providers
Third-party vendors who support our operations (e.g., hosting, analytics, support), bound by confidentiality agreements.
c. With Other Users
When you engage in a gig service transaction, basic information (such as username and communication history) is shared between the involved Freelancer and Client.
d. For Legal and Compliance Purposes
We may disclose information if required by law, legal process, or governmental request, or to protect our rights and users.
4. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
We use cookies and other tracking tools to:
Authenticate user sessions
Remember preferences and settings
Monitor performance and security
Collect usage metrics via tools such as Google Analytics
Users can manage cookie settings through browser preferences. Disabling cookies may impact certain platform features.
5. Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organizational safeguards to protect your personal information, including:
SSL encryption
Secure servers and firewalls
Access controls for internal systems
However, no system is completely secure. Users are responsible for safeguarding their login credentials.
6. Data Retention
We retain your personal data for as long as your account is active or as needed to:
Provide services
Fulfill legal or regulatory obligations
Resolve disputes
Enforce agreements
We may retain anonymized data indefinitely for analytical purposes.
7. Your Rights and Choices
Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have rights such as:
Accessing your personal data
Correcting or updating your information
Deleting your account or requesting data erasure
Withdrawing consent for marketing communications
To exercise your rights, contact us at: support@houwlly.com
8. International Users
Our services may be accessed globally. If you are located outside the jurisdiction in which our servers are hosted, your information may be transferred to and processed in a jurisdiction with different data protection laws.
9. Third-Party Links
Our platform may contain links to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for their privacy practices and encourage you to review their policies.
10. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Material changes will be communicated via notice on our website or through email. The “Effective Date” will reflect the latest revision. Continued use of the platform constitutes your acceptance of the updated policy.
11. Legal Disclaimer
This Privacy Policy is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For guidance regarding compliance with laws such as the GDPR, CCPA, or other data protection frameworks, consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.