Privacy And Policies

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING TERMS AND CONDITIONS CAREFULLY

Effective Date: January 25, 2025

Thank you for using UoSwap, a platform designed to connect students for the buying, selling, and donating of textbooks. At UoSwap, we are committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your personal information when you access or use our Services.

1. Scope and Consent

By using UoSwap, you consent to the collection, use, disclosure, and retention of your personal information as described in this Privacy Policy. This policy applies to the UoSwap website, mobile application, and all related services (collectively referred to as “Services”). We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Substantial changes will be communicated via announcements on our website and mobile app. Your continued use of UoSwap constitutes acceptance of these updates.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide Directly:

• Account Creation: Full name, university email address, password, year of study, program, and optional profile picture.
• Listings and Transactions: Details about books listed, including title, condition, price, and associated course codes.
• Support Requests: Any additional details provided during communication with our support team.

2.2 Automatically Collected Information:

• Device Information: Operating system and app version for app functionality and updates
• Usage Data: Frequency and duration of app usage, interactions with features, and search queries

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information collected for purposes such as:

• Enabling secure access to your account and facilitating transactions between users.
• Customizing your experience with personalized recommendations and targeted features.
• Improving our Services based on user feedback and usage data.
• Sending updates, newsletters, and promotional offers.
• Investigating and addressing fraudulent activities, policy violations, or technical issues.

4. Information Sharing

4.1 We Share Information With:

• Other UoSwap Users: Necessary details (e.g., your name and contact information) are shared with other users for transaction facilitation.
• Service Providers: Third-party providers assisting with payment processing, data storage, and analytics.
• Legal Obligations: If required by law, court order, or government request.

4.2 We Do Not Sell Your Information:

UoSwap will never sell or rent your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes.

5. Payment and Listing Policy

UoSwap operates on a freemium model:

• Free Tier: Students receive 5 free book uploads per semester
• Premium Listing Access: After using your 5 free uploads, a one-time payment of $9.99 unlocks unlimited uploads for 30 days. This is not a recurring subscription.
• Payment Processing: All payments are processed securely through verified payment providers

6. Data Protection and Security

We implement comprehensive security measures including:

• Secure user authentication and verification
• Secure payment processing through verified providers
• Regular security audits and updates
• Encrypted data storage and transmission

7. In-App Features and Privacy

• Chat messages are encrypted and stored securely
• Book images are stored temporarily and can be deleted upon request
• Profile information visibility can be customized by users
• Real-time messaging is secured with industry-standard protocols

8. User Rights

You have the right to:

• Access and Rectify: Review and correct your personal information
• Delete: Request the deletion of your account and associated data
• Withdraw Consent: Revoke permission for specific data uses
• Data Portability: Request a copy of your data in a structured format

To exercise these rights, contact us at studentservice@uoswap.ca To exercise these rights, contact us at studentservice@uoswap.ca

9. Data Retention

• Active accounts: Data retained while account is active
• Deleted accounts: Account data is deleted immediately upon account deletion
• Transaction records: Kept for legal compliance
• Chat messages: Messages are retained for legal compliance purposes

10. Cross-Border Data Transfers

Your data may be transferred to servers located in other jurisdictions. Regardless of location, we implement strong security measures to ensure your data remains protected.

11. Children’s Privacy

UoSwap is intended for use by university and college students only. New registrations require valid institutional email verification. While we maintain existing accounts that were created before this policy change, all new users must register with their university/college email addresses. We do not knowingly collect data from individuals who are not enrolled in post-secondary education.

12. Content Standards and Safety

UoSwap maintains strict safety standards and zero tolerance for exploitation:

• User verification through valid university/college email
• Zero tolerance for any form of exploitation, abuse, or inappropriate content
• Proactive content monitoring and filtering systems
• Immediate investigation of all safety concerns
• Mandatory reporting of any CSAM (Child Sexual Abuse Material) to relevant authorities
• Cooperation with law enforcement and regulatory bodies
• Regular safety audits and updates to prevention measures
• Immediate removal of any content that violates our standards

To report any safety concerns or violations:

• Email: studentservice@uoswap.ca

All reports are treated confidentially and investigated promptly. We maintain direct partnerships with law enforcement and immediately report any illegal content or activities. We take appropriate action including:

• Immediate content removal
• Permanent account termination
• Reporting to relevant authorities
• Preservation of evidence for law enforcement

13. In-Person Meetings and Transactions

Please note:

• UoSwap is not responsible for any issues, disputes, or incidents that occur during in-person meetings between buyers and sellers
• Users are solely responsible for their personal safety and security when arranging in-person meetings
• We strongly recommend meeting in public, well-lit places during daylight hours
• Users are responsible for verifying the condition and authenticity of items before completing any transaction
• UoSwap does not guarantee, endorse, or take responsibility for any transactions between users

14. Sales and Refund Policy

Please Note:

• All sales are final
• UoSwap does not process refunds for any services or transactions
• Users are responsible for verifying all details before making any payments
• Disputes between users must be resolved directly between the parties involved

15. Contact Information

For questions, concerns, or complaints regarding this Privacy Policy, please contact us at:

• Email: studentservice@uoswap.ca

This Privacy Policy was last updated on January 25, 2025. We encourage users to review it periodically for any changes or updates.