CIKWA – Privacy Policy

CIKWA – Privacy Policy

Last Updated: March 10, 2025

Welcome to CIKWA (“we,” “us,” or “our”). CIKWA is a platform connecting freelancers with clients globally. We are committed to protecting your privacy while ensuring transparency regarding the information shared on our Platform. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit or use our website https://cikwa.com (the “Site”) or our services (collectively, the “Platform”).

IMPORTANT NOTICE: By using the Platform, you acknowledge and agree that any information you provide may be publicly disclosed on CIKWA as part of your profile, job postings, reviews, or other user-submitted content. If you do not agree with this policy, please do not use the Platform.

I. Information We Collect

A. Personal Information

We collect various types of personal information to enable effective use of the Platform:

  • For all users: Name, email address, phone number (optional), and details provided during registration or profile creation to establish your identity and facilitate communication.
  • For freelancers: Portfolio details, skills, payment information (e.g., bank or third-party payment service details), and identity verification data (if required) to showcase your expertise and ensure secure transactions.
  • For clients: Billing information, project descriptions, and payment details to support project postings and payment processing.

B. Non-Personal Information

We gather non-personal information such as IP address, browser type, device information, and usage data collected via cookies or third-party analytics tools. This helps us optimize the Platform and enhance your overall experience.

C. User-Submitted Content

Content you share, including job postings, proposals, messages, reviews, or other contributions, is collected. Depending on your privacy settings, this may become publicly visible, fostering connections within our community.

II. How We Collect Information

A. Directly from You

We obtain information directly when you register, create a profile, post jobs, submit proposals, or communicate via the Platform. This ensures we have the details necessary to support your activities.

B. Automatically

Information is collected automatically through cookies, web beacons, or third-party analytics tools as you interact with the Platform, allowing us to monitor usage and improve functionality.

C. From Third Parties

We may receive information from third-party services, such as payment processors, social media logins (if enabled), or identity verification providers, to streamline services and verify authenticity.

III. How We Use Your Information

We utilize your information to:

  • Facilitate connections between freelancers and clients, enabling seamless collaboration.
  • Process payments, issue payouts, and manage transactions via third-party services for efficient financial operations.
  • Verify user identities and maintain Platform integrity to ensure a trustworthy environment.
  • Provide customer support and respond to inquiries, addressing your needs promptly.
  • Send transactional emails (e.g., project updates) and, with your consent, promotional emails or newsletters to keep you informed.
  • Analyze and improve the Platform’s functionality and user experience using third-party tools for ongoing enhancement.
  • Comply with legal obligations or protect our rights, adhering to applicable regulations.

IV. Public Disclosure of Information

All details provided by users may be publicly disclosed on the Platform, including freelancer profiles, job postings, client details (excluding sensitive payment information), reviews, and other shared content. This transparency is central to connecting our community, though we advise against sharing sensitive personal data in public sections. While certain non-public information, such as payment details, is safeguarded, general profile and project-related data may be visible to other users to promote engagement.

V. How We Share Your Information

A. Other Users

Freelancer profiles (e.g., name, skills, reviews) are visible to clients, and client job postings are visible to freelancers, enabling effective collaboration across the Platform.

B. Service Providers

We share information with third-party providers for hosting, analytics, payment processing, or email services to support Platform operations efficiently.

C. Legal Requirements

Information may be shared if required by law, court order, or to prevent fraud or harm, ensuring compliance and safety.

D. Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred, with safeguards to maintain its protection.

VI. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance functionality, track usage, and personalize your experience on the Platform. You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings, though this may impact some features, giving you control over your data.

VII. Your Choices and Rights

A. Opt-Out

You may unsubscribe from marketing emails using the link provided in any email, allowing you to tailor your communication preferences effortlessly.

B. Account Management

Edit or delete your profile information via your account settings, giving you flexibility to update or remove your details as needed.

C. Data Rights

Depending on your location, you may have rights to:

  • Access, correct, or delete your data, ensuring it remains accurate and relevant.
  • Restrict or object to processing (e.g., under GDPR), offering control over how your information is used.
  • Request data portability, enabling you to transfer your data conveniently.

VIII. Data Security

We implement reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect your information from unauthorized access or loss. However, no system is entirely immune to risks, and while we strive for robust security, absolute protection cannot be guaranteed.

IX. Third-Party Links and Services

The Platform may link to external sites or integrate third-party tools. We are not responsible for their privacy practices, and we encourage you to review their policies for additional clarity.

X. Children’s Privacy

Our Platform is not intended for individuals under 18. We do not knowingly collect data from minors, and if we become aware of such data, we will delete it promptly to uphold our commitment to age-appropriate use.

XI. International Data Transfers

CIKWA is based and hosted in India, meaning your data may be transferred to and processed in India or other countries depending on our service providers. We ensure such transfers align with applicable data protection standards for your peace of mind.

XII. Global Compliance and User Responsibility

We strive to comply with key privacy laws globally, maintaining a high standard of data protection. Users are responsible for adhering to any additional privacy or data protection laws in their own countries, ensuring a shared commitment to compliance.

XIII. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this policy as our Platform evolves, with changes posted here alongside an updated “Last Updated” date. Your continued use of the Platform following these updates signifies your acceptance, keeping you aligned with our current practices.

XIV. Contact Us

For questions or concerns, please reach out: