At SkillFinds.com (“SkillFinds,” “we,” “our,” “us”), your privacy is a top priority. We are committed to protecting your personal information and ensuring transparency in how it is collected, used, stored, and shared. This Privacy Policy outlines our practices in compliance with United Arab Emirates (UAE) data protection regulations and international privacy standards, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
By accessing or using SkillFinds, you (“User,” “Client,” “Freelancer,” or “Agency”) agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, please discontinue use of our platform.
1. Information We Collect
To provide you with seamless access to our services, we collect the following types of information:
1.1 Personal Information
- Account Registration Details: Name, email address, phone number, and business information (if applicable).
- Identity Verification Data: Government-issued ID, trade license, or other documents when required by UAE law for KYC (Know Your Customer) compliance.
1.2 Payment Information
- Billing details such as credit/debit card numbers, bank account details, and invoicing addresses.
- Payment information is securely processed via third-party providers and encrypted in compliance with PCI-DSS standards.
1.3 Technical & Usage Data
- IP address, browser type, operating system, and device details.
- Login activity, location data (where legally permitted), and time zone.
- Interaction data, including clicks, searches, and session history.
1.4 Communication Data
- Messages exchanged between Clients and Freelancers via the SkillFinds messaging system.
- Customer support inquiries (chat, email, or phone).
1.5 Cookies & Tracking Technologies
- Cookies, pixels, and similar technologies are used to track usage patterns, remember preferences, and analyze traffic.
2. How We Use Your Information
We use your information to provide, enhance, and secure our services. Specifically:
2.1 Service Delivery
- To process registrations and verify user accounts.
- To facilitate secure transactions between Clients and Freelancers.
- To enable communication and collaboration through our platform.
2.2 Personalization & Experience
- To recommend freelancers, projects, or services based on your activity.
- To personalize dashboards, project listings, and marketing content.
2.3 Safety & Compliance
- To detect, prevent, and investigate fraud or unauthorized activity.
- To comply with UAE regulations, anti-money laundering (AML) obligations, and international compliance requirements.
2.4 Analytics & Improvement
- To understand how users interact with our services.
- To improve platform performance, design, and functionality.
2.5 Marketing & Communication
- To send you updates, offers, newsletters, and relevant notifications (if you have opted in).
- To communicate service changes, policy updates, or account-related notices.
3. Data Protection & Security
We take security seriously and implement strict safeguards:
- Encryption: SSL encryption across the platform to protect data during transfer.
- Secure Payments: PCI-DSS compliant payment processors handle all financial data.
- Access Controls: Only authorized staff with confidentiality agreements can access sensitive data.
- Multi-Factor Authentication: Available for enhanced account security.
- Data Minimization: We only collect information necessary to deliver our services.
Despite our best efforts, no system is 100% secure. Users are encouraged to use strong passwords and keep login details confidential.
4. Cookies & Tracking Policy
SkillFinds uses cookies and similar tools to provide a better browsing experience.
4.1 What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files stored on your device that help us remember preferences, measure site performance, and deliver relevant content.
4.2 Types of Cookies We Use
- Essential Cookies – Required for login, navigation, and secure transactions.
- Performance Cookies – Track how users interact with the site to improve usability.
- Functional Cookies – Remember your preferences (e.g., language, region).
- Marketing Cookies – Deliver tailored ads and promotional offers.
4.3 Your Choices
- You can manage or disable cookies in your browser settings.
- Note: Some features may not work properly if cookies are disabled.
5. Data Sharing & Disclosure
We respect your privacy and only share data in limited circumstances:
- With Service Providers: Payment processors, cloud hosting providers, and analytics services.
- With Clients/Freelancers: Information necessary to complete a project (e.g., communication details).
- For Legal Compliance: When required by UAE law, regulators, or legal proceedings.
- Business Transfers: In case of mergers, acquisitions, or restructuring, your data may be transferred with proper safeguards.
We do not sell or rent personal data to third parties.
6. International Data Transfers
SkillFinds is headquartered in the UAE, but some data may be processed outside the UAE by third-party providers. In such cases, we ensure compliance with applicable data protection laws and require service providers to use adequate safeguards, such as standard contractual clauses or equivalent frameworks.
7. Data Retention
- Personal data is retained only for as long as necessary to provide services, comply with legal obligations, or resolve disputes.
- Transaction records may be retained for up to 7 years in compliance with UAE tax and commercial regulations.
- Users may request deletion of personal data, subject to legal or contractual obligations.
8. User Rights
SkillFinds respects your data rights under UAE law and international frameworks:
- Access: Request a copy of your personal data we hold.
- Correction: Request updates to incorrect or outdated information.
- Deletion: Request permanent deletion of your account and related data.
- Restriction: Request temporary suspension of data processing.
- Portability: Request transfer of your data in a machine-readable format.
- Objection: Opt out of direct marketing or certain processing activities.
To exercise these rights, contact us at info@skillfinds.com. We may require identity verification for security purposes.
9. Marketing & Communication Preferences
- You may opt in to receive newsletters, promotions, and offers.
- You may unsubscribe anytime by clicking the “unsubscribe” link in emails or adjusting your account settings.
- Even if unsubscribed, you may still receive essential service notifications (e.g., billing, policy updates).
10. Third-Party Links & Services
Our Platform may include links to third-party websites or integrations (e.g., payment gateways, cloud tools). SkillFinds is not responsible for the privacy practices or content of third-party services. We encourage you to review their policies before use.
11. Children’s Privacy
SkillFinds is not intended for users under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal data from minors. If we become aware that a minor has registered, we will delete the account promptly.
12. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in law, technology, or business practices. Updates will be posted on this page with the revised effective date. Significant changes may also be communicated via email or platform notifications.
Continued use of SkillFinds after policy updates constitutes acceptance of the revised Privacy Policy.
13. Governing Law
This Privacy Policy is governed by the laws of the United Arab Emirates, including applicable free zone data protection frameworks (DIFC & ADGM), and international best practices.
14. Contact Us
For questions, requests, or complaints regarding this Privacy Policy, please contact us: