🔒 Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Welcome to EzySearch's Privacy Policy. We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our construction materials search platform.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide Directly

When you use EzySearch, you may provide us with:

• Account Information: Name, email address, phone number (if you create an account)
• Search Queries: Construction materials, locations, and specifications you search for
• Communication Data: Messages, feedback, or inquiries you send us
• Preferences: Language preferences, search filters, and saved preferences

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

When you use EzySearch, we automatically collect:

• Device Information: IP address, browser type, operating system, device type
• Usage Data: Pages viewed, search history, time spent on pages, click patterns
• Location Data: Approximate location based on IP address (not precise GPS)
• Cookies and Similar Technologies: Session identifiers, preferences, analytics data
• Voice Data: If you use voice search, audio is processed in real-time and not permanently stored

2.3 Information from Third Parties

We may receive information from:

• Analytics Services: Usage statistics and performance metrics
• Vendor Partners: Product listings, pricing information, availability data
• AI Service Providers: OpenAI for AI-powered recommendations (processed securely)

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information for the following purposes:

4. AI and Voice Processing

4.1 AI-Powered Features

EzySearch uses artificial intelligence (OpenAI GPT models) to provide:

• Smart search results and recommendations
• Price comparison analysis
• Buying advice and material insights
• Construction cost estimates

Data sent to AI: Your search queries and selected results are sent to OpenAI's servers for processing. We do not send personally identifiable information. OpenAI processes data according to their privacy policy.

4.2 Voice Search

When you use voice search:

• Audio is processed in real-time through your browser's Web Speech API
• Voice data is NOT permanently stored on our servers
• Audio may be temporarily processed by your browser/device manufacturer (Google, Apple, Microsoft)
• You can disable voice features at any time by not using the microphone button

5. Information Sharing and Disclosure

5.1 We Share Your Information With:

• Service Providers: Hosting providers, analytics services, AI processors (under strict data protection agreements)
• Vendor Partners: Only when you explicitly contact a vendor (your contact request)
• Legal Authorities: When required by law or to protect our rights

5.2 We Do NOT:

• ❌ Sell your personal information to third parties
• ❌ Share your data with advertisers for targeted ads
• ❌ Rent or lease your information to anyone
• ❌ Use your data for purposes not disclosed in this policy

6. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your information:

• Encryption: Data transmitted over HTTPS/TLS encryption
• Access Controls: Limited access to personal data on need-to-know basis
• Secure Storage: Data stored on secure servers with regular backups
• Regular Audits: Security assessments and vulnerability testing
• Incident Response: Procedures to respond to potential data breaches

However, no method of transmission over the Internet is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your data, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

7. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

7.1 What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files stored on your device to help websites remember information about your visit.

7.2 How We Use Cookies

7.3 Managing Cookies

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Note that disabling cookies may limit some functionality of EzySearch.

8. Data Retention

We retain your information for as long as necessary to provide our services and comply with legal obligations:

• Search History: Stored for the duration of your session (cleared when you close browser or click "Clear Chat")
• Account Data: Retained until you request deletion or close your account
• Analytics Data: Aggregated and anonymized data may be retained indefinitely
• Legal Records: Retained as required by law (typically 7 years)

9. Your Privacy Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights:

• Access: Request a copy of your personal data we hold
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal data ("right to be forgotten")
• Portability: Request transfer of your data to another service
• Objection: Object to certain types of processing
• Restriction: Request restriction of processing in certain circumstances
• Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent for processing based on consent

10. Children's Privacy

EzySearch is not intended for children under the age of 13 (or 16 in some jurisdictions). We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have inadvertently collected information from a child, please contact us immediately, and we will delete it.

11. International Data Transfers

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

• Standard contractual clauses approved by relevant authorities
• Adequacy decisions by regulatory bodies
• Compliance with applicable data protection laws

When using AI features, data may be processed by OpenAI in the United States under their data protection terms.

12. Third-Party Links

EzySearch may contain links to third-party websites (vendor sites, external resources). We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these websites. We encourage you to read their privacy policies before providing any information.

13. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in:

• Our practices and services
• Legal or regulatory requirements
• Technology and security measures

We will notify you of significant changes by:

• Posting a notice on our website
• Updating the "Last Updated" date
• Sending an email (if you have an account)

Continued use of EzySearch after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

14. Your Choices and Controls

14.1 Search History

You can clear your search history anytime by clicking the "Clear Chat" button or closing your browser.

14.2 Language Preferences

Change your language preference anytime using the language selector.

14.3 Voice Search

Voice search is opt-in. Simply don't use the microphone button if you prefer not to use this feature.

14.4 AI Features

You can choose not to use AI analysis features by not clicking the AI analysis buttons.

15. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)

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

• Contract: To provide services you requested
• Consent: When you explicitly agree (e.g., voice search, cookies)
• Legitimate Interest: To improve our services, ensure security, analyze usage
• Legal Obligation: To comply with laws and regulations

16. California Privacy Rights (CCPA)

If you are a California resident, you have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act:

• Right to know what personal information is collected
• Right to know if personal information is sold or disclosed
• Right to say no to the sale of personal information
• Right to access your personal information
• Right to equal service and price

Note: EzySearch does not sell personal information.

17. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

18. Compliance and Certifications

EzySearch is committed to compliance with:

• General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
• California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA)
• Information Technology Act, 2000 (India)
• Personal Data Protection Bill (India) - when enacted