Privacy Policy

Last updated: January 2025

BizScout ("we", "our", or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard your information when you use our service at bizscout.pro.

1. Information We Collect

We collect the following categories of personal data:

• Account Information: Email address and password when you register for an account
• Payment Information: Payment details are processed securely by PayPal. We do not store your full card details
• Search Data: Business searches you perform (niche, location, country)
• Feedback: Any messages you send through our feedback form
• Technical Data: IP address, browser type, and session cookies for security purposes

2. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)

We process your personal data based on the following legal grounds:

• Contract: To provide the services you have purchased
• Consent: For optional communications and feedback
• Legitimate Interest: For fraud prevention and service security

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Provide, maintain, and improve our services
• Process payments and manage subscriptions
• Send you important service updates
• Respond to your feedback and support requests
• Detect and prevent fraud or abuse

4. Data Storage and Security

Your data is stored securely using industry-standard encryption. We use PostgreSQL databases hosted on secure cloud infrastructure with TLS encryption in transit. Passwords are hashed using bcrypt and are never stored in plain text. We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your data.

5. Third-Party Services

We use the following third-party services to operate BizScout:

• PayPal: For secure payment processing (PayPal Privacy Policy)
• Third-Party APIs: For business search functionality
• Gmail API: For sending service notifications

These services have their own privacy policies governing your data.

6. Your Rights (GDPR/UK GDPR)

If you are in the UK or EU, you have the following rights under data protection law:

• Access: Request a copy of your personal data - you can download your data directly from your Account Settings
• Rectification: Request correction of inaccurate data
• Erasure: Request deletion of your data ("right to be forgotten") - you can delete your account directly from your Account Settings
• Portability: Receive your data in a portable format (JSON) - available in your Account Settings
• Object: Object to certain processing of your data
• Restrict Processing: Request limitation of how we use your data
• Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent at any time where processing is based on consent

How to exercise your rights: For access, portability, and erasure, log in to your account and go to Account Settings where you can download your data or delete your account. For other requests, contact us at hello@vyza.dev. We will respond within 30 days.

7. Cookies

We use essential cookies to maintain your session and remember your preferences. These are strictly necessary for the service to function. We do not use tracking or advertising cookies. By using our service, you consent to the use of essential cookies.

8. Data Retention

We retain your data as follows:

• Account data: Retained while your account is active, deleted within 30 days of account deletion request
• Search history: Retained for 12 months for service improvement
• Payment records: Retained for 7 years for legal and tax compliance

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

9. International Transfers

Your data may be processed in countries outside the UK/EU. Where this occurs, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, including Standard Contractual Clauses approved by the UK ICO and European Commission.

10. Children's Privacy

Our service is not intended for children under 16. We do not knowingly collect information from children. If you believe a child has provided us with personal data, please contact us immediately.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes via email or by posting a prominent notice on our website at least 15 days before the changes take effect.

12. Contact Us

For privacy-related questions or to exercise your rights, contact us at:

Email: hello@vyza.dev

You also have the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority. In the UK, this is the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).