Privacy Policy for Live Mela

Last Updated: December 11, 2024

Introduction

Welcome to Live Mela ("we," "our," or "us"). 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 mobile application and services.

By using Live Mela, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Personal Information You Provide

When you register and use Live Mela, we collect:

• Account Information: Name, email address, phone number, password (encrypted)
• Profile Information: Profile picture, bio, business details (for sellers/organizers)
• Payment Proof: Screenshots of payment receipts uploaded by sellers and organizers
• Delivery Information: Shipping addresses for buyers
• Identity Verification: Business registration documents for sellers and organizers
• Communication Data: Messages, chat history, and call logs within the app

1.2 Information Collected Automatically

• Device Information: Device type, operating system, unique device identifiers
• Usage Data: App features used, pages viewed, time spent on features
• Location Data: Approximate location for event discovery (with your permission)
• Log Data: IP address, access times, crash reports, performance data

1.3 User-Generated Content

• Products: Product listings, descriptions, images, prices (sellers)
• Events: Event details, schedules, vendor lists (organizers)
• Reviews and Ratings: Product reviews and seller ratings (buyers)
• Livestream Content: Video and audio broadcasts (sellers)
• Photos and Videos: Product images, payment proof screenshots

1.4 Information from Third-Party Services

We integrate with third-party services that may collect information:

• Authentication Service: Supabase (user authentication and session management)
• Livestream Service: Agora.io (video/audio streaming)
• Analytics: App usage and performance analytics
• Cloud Storage: Media file hosting and delivery

2. How We Use Your Information

We use collected information for the following purposes:

2.1 Service Delivery

• Create and manage your account
• Enable marketplace transactions between buyers and sellers
• Facilitate event creation and management
• Process stall bookings and approvals
• Enable live shopping streams
• Provide messaging and calling features
• Deliver order tracking and notifications

2.2 Payment Verification

• Verify manual payment proofs submitted by sellers and organizers
• Approve event creation and stall bookings
• Maintain transaction records (no financial data processed)

2.3 User Experience

• Personalize content and recommendations
• Display nearby events based on location
• Improve app functionality and features
• Provide customer support

2.4 Safety and Security

• Prevent fraud and unauthorized access
• Enforce our Terms of Service
• Monitor and prevent policy violations
• Protect user safety and platform integrity

2.5 Communication

• Send transactional notifications (order updates, booking confirmations)
• Provide customer support responses
• Send important platform updates
• Marketing communications (with your consent, opt-out available)

2.6 Analytics and Improvement

• Analyze app usage patterns
• Improve features and user experience
• Fix bugs and technical issues
• Develop new features

3. How We Share Your Information

We do NOT sell your personal information. We share information only in the following circumstances:

3.1 With Other Users

• Buyers: Can see seller names, store information, product listings
• Sellers: Can see buyer names, delivery addresses (for order fulfillment), order details
• Organizers: Can see seller business information, payment proof for stall approvals
• Public Content: Product listings, livestreams, reviews are publicly visible

3.2 Service Providers

We share information with trusted third-party service providers:

• Supabase: Authentication and database hosting
• Agora.io: Livestream video/audio infrastructure
• Cloud Storage Providers: Media file hosting
• Analytics Providers: App performance monitoring

These providers are contractually obligated to protect your data.

3.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose information if required by law or to:

• Comply with legal processes or government requests
• Enforce our Terms of Service
• Protect rights, property, or safety of Live Mela, users, or the public
• Prevent fraud or security issues

3.4 Business Transfers

If Live Mela is involved in a merger, acquisition, or asset sale, your information may be transferred. We will notify you before your information becomes subject to a different privacy policy.

4. Data Retention

We retain your information for as long as necessary to provide services:

• Active Accounts: Retained while your account is active
• Closed Accounts: Deleted within 90 days of account closure (except as required by law)
• Transaction Records: Retained for 3 years for legal and accounting purposes
• Payment Proof Screenshots: Retained for verification and dispute resolution
• Messages and Communications: Retained while accounts are active
• Backups: May persist in backups for up to 90 days after deletion

You can request deletion of your data at any time by contacting us.

5. Your Rights and Choices

5.1 Access and Update

• View and update your profile information anytime in the app
• Download a copy of your data by contacting us

5.2 Account Deletion

• Delete your account through app settings or by contacting support
• Upon deletion, your personal data will be removed (except as legally required)

5.3 Communication Preferences

• Opt-out of marketing emails via unsubscribe links
• Transactional emails (order updates) cannot be disabled

5.4 Location Data

• Control location permissions through your device settings
• Disable location access (may limit event discovery features)

5.5 Cookie Management

• Manage cookie preferences through browser/app settings
• Some cookies are essential for app functionality

6. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures:

• Encryption: SSL/TLS encryption for data transmission
• Secure Storage: Encrypted databases and secure cloud storage
• Authentication: Secure password hashing and session management
• Access Controls: Limited employee access to personal data
• Regular Audits: Security assessments and vulnerability testing

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

7. Children's Privacy

Live Mela is not intended for users under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe we have collected information from a child under 13, please contact us immediately, and we will delete such information.

Age Restriction: Users must be at least 13 years old to use Live Mela. Sellers and organizers must be 18 years or older.

8. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and maintained on servers located outside your country of residence. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your data in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

9. Third-Party Links

Live Mela may contain links to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third parties. We encourage you to review their privacy policies.

10. Payment Information

• Buyers: Use Cash on Delivery (COD) for all orders
• Sellers: Make manual payments to organizers and upload proof via screenshots
• Organizers: Make manual payments to platform and upload proof via screenshots

We only collect and store:

• Payment proof screenshots (uploaded by users)
• Payment instructions (text-based)
• Transaction IDs or reference numbers (provided by users)

We do NOT have access to your banking credentials, card numbers, or financial accounts.

11. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to:

• Maintain user sessions
• Remember user preferences
• Analyze app usage
• Improve performance

You can control cookies through your device settings, but this may affect app functionality.

12. California Privacy Rights (CCPA)

If you are a California resident, you have the right to:

• Know what personal information is collected
• Request deletion of your personal information
• Opt-out of sale of personal information (we do not sell data)
• Non-discrimination for exercising your rights

Contact us to exercise these rights.

13. European Data Protection (GDPR)

If you are in the European Economic Area (EEA), you have rights under GDPR:

• Right to Access: Request a copy of your data
• Right to Rectification: Correct inaccurate data
• Right to Erasure: Request deletion of your data
• Right to Restrict Processing: Limit how we use your data
• Right to Data Portability: Receive your data in a portable format
• Right to Object: Object to data processing
• Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent at any time

Contact us to exercise these rights.

Legal Basis for Processing:

• Contract performance (providing services)
• Legitimate interests (improving services, fraud prevention)
• Consent (marketing communications, location data)
• Legal obligations (compliance with laws)

14. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes by:

• Posting the new policy in the app
• Updating the "Last Updated" date
• Sending an email notification (for material changes)

Your continued use of Live Mela after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

15. Contact Us

16. Consent

By using Live Mela, you consent to:

• Collection and use of information as described in this policy
• Transfer of data to third-party service providers
• Use of cookies and tracking technologies
• Processing of payment proof screenshots

You can withdraw consent at any time by deleting your account or contacting us.

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Summary of Key Points

• ✅ We collect personal information you provide and usage data
• ✅ We use data to provide services, verify payments, and improve the app
• ✅ We do NOT sell your personal information
• ✅ We do NOT process credit card or banking information
• ✅ You can access, update, or delete your data anytime
• ✅ We use industry-standard security measures
• ✅ We share data only with service providers and as required by law
• ✅ You must be 13+ to use the app (18+ for sellers/organizers)

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