Privacy Policy

1. Who we are

HipErlink is a local commerce marketplace operated by Hiperlink Inc. ("HipErlink", "we", "us", or "the Platform"), a corporation registered in the Province of Ontario, Canada. HipErlink connects consumers with local sellers for the purchase of products and the booking of service appointments through a mobile and web application.

This Privacy Policy explains what personal information we collect, how we use it, with whom we share it, and what rights you have over it. We handle your personal information in accordance with Canada's Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and applicable privacy legislation in Ontario.

2. Scope of this policy

This policy applies to anyone who uses HipErlink, whether as a consumer (who purchases products or books services) or as a seller (who publishes and sells products or services). Some sections apply specifically to sellers and are identified as such.

3. Information we collect

3.1 Account and profile information

When you create an account, we collect the information you enter, which may include: name, email address, phone number, date of birth, and a profile photo (avatar). We distinguish between consumer accounts and seller accounts.

3.2 Address and location information

To process deliveries and show you nearby sellers, we collect addresses you enter (personal address and delivery addresses), including unit and delivery instructions. We use the Google Places service to autocomplete and validate addresses; when you use this feature, your address query is processed through Google.

3.3 Transaction and payment information

Payments are processed through Stripe, our payment provider. HipErlink uses an authorization-and-capture model with a payment hold: when the consumer places an order the payment method is authorized but not yet charged; the charge is captured once the seller confirms the item through a confirmation video; HipErlink then holds the funds and releases them to the seller within a maximum of 72 hours after delivery or fulfilment is confirmed. We do not store full credit card numbers or sensitive payment data; these are collected and processed directly by Stripe under its own security standards. We do retain transaction records (amount, date, product or service, delivery status).

3.4 Content you create

We collect the content you create on the Platform, such as short videos, photos, post descriptions, comments, reviews (star ratings), messages you send to other users, and delivery proof photos.

3.5 Seller verification information

If you register as a seller, we collect additional information needed to verify your identity and your business, which may include: full legal name, a government-issued photo ID, business registration details, and your registered store address. This verification is mandatory before you can publish.

3.6 Usage and device information

We may collect technical information about how you use the Platform, such as device type, device identifiers, log data, and your interactions with posts (views, likes, saves). This information helps us operate and improve the service.

4. How we use your information

• To create and manage your account and profile.
• To process purchases, appointment bookings, payments, and deliveries, including operating the payment-hold model and releasing payments to sellers.
• To connect consumers and sellers to complete orders and provide services.
• To show relevant content, sellers, and products based on your location.
• To operate social features: comments, reviews, and messaging between users.
• To operate our AI shopping assistant and process your interactions with it.
• To verify seller identity and prevent fraud and misuse.
• To communicate with you about your account, orders, appointments, and service notices.
• To comply with legal, accounting, and regulatory obligations.

5. Legal basis and consent

We collect, use, and disclose your personal information with your consent, except where the law permits or requires otherwise. By creating an account and using the Platform, you consent to the handling of your information described in this policy. You may withdraw your consent at any time, subject to legal or contractual restrictions and reasonable notice; withdrawal may prevent you from continuing to use certain features or the service as a whole.

6. How we share your information

We do not sell your personal information. We share information only in the following situations:

6.1 With sellers and consumers

To complete a purchase, delivery, or appointment, we share the necessary information between the consumer and the seller involved (for example, name, delivery address, and delivery instructions with the seller fulfilling the order).

6.2 With service providers

We share information with third parties that provide essential services to us, under confidentiality obligations and only for the agreed purposes:

• Stripe — payment processing, subscriptions, and payouts to sellers.
• Supabase — database hosting, authentication, and file storage.
• Bunny.net — video hosting and delivery.
• Google (Places) — address autocomplete and validation.
• AI provider — to operate the AI shopping assistant (see Section 7).
• Delivery providers / couriers — to coordinate the delivery of orders.

6.3 For legal requirements

We may disclose personal information where required by law, in response to a valid request from an authority, to protect our rights, or to prevent fraud or harm to the safety of individuals.

6.4 In a business transfer

If HipErlink is involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction, subject to this policy.

7. Artificial intelligence assistant

HipErlink offers (or may offer) an AI-based shopping assistant within the chat. When you interact with this feature, the content of your messages may be processed by automated systems or by a third-party AI provider to generate responses. We let you know when you are interacting with an automated assistant. Its responses may be inaccurate or incomplete; you should verify product and service details before purchasing, and should not share sensitive information that is not necessary for your query.

8. Data retention

We retain your personal information for as long as your account is active and as needed to provide the service, comply with legal, accounting, or tax obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements. Transaction records may be retained for the period required by applicable law.

9. Information security

We apply reasonable technical and organizational security measures to protect your information, including database-level access controls and the use of providers that meet recognized security standards. No system is completely secure; we cannot guarantee the absolute security of information transmitted or stored.

10. Your rights

Subject to applicable law, you have the right to:

• Access the personal information we hold about you.
• Request correction of inaccurate or outdated information.
• Request deletion of your account and associated personal information.
• Withdraw your consent to future uses, subject to legal and contractual restrictions.

You can delete your account and associated data from within the app or by contacting us. To exercise any of these rights, write to us at the address listed in the "How to contact us" section.

11. International data transfers

Your information may be stored or processed on servers located outside Ontario or Canada by our service providers (for example, Supabase, Stripe, or Bunny.net). By using the Platform, you understand that your information may be transferred to those jurisdictions, where it may be subject to applicable local laws.

12. Children's privacy

HipErlink is not directed to individuals under 18 years of age, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from anyone under 18. If we believe we have collected information from a minor, we will delete it.

13. Cookies and similar technologies

We may use local storage, identifiers, and similar technologies to maintain your session, remember preferences, and operate the Platform.

14. Changes to this policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will post the updated version with a new effective date. If the changes are significant, we will notify you by reasonable means. Continued use of the Platform after the update constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.

15. How to contact us

If you have questions about this policy or wish to exercise your rights, you can contact our Privacy Officer: