Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Welcome to Hammertime Creators Limited ("Hammertime," "we," "our," or "us"). We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring you have a positive experience on our platform. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our equipment rental marketplace and related services.

By accessing or using Hammertime, you agree to this Privacy Policy. If you disagree with our policies and practices, please do not use our services.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide Directly

• Account Registration: Name, email address, phone number, password, business information (for equipment owners)
• Profile Information: Profile photo, bio, location, verification documents (ID, business registration)
• Payment Information: Payment card details (processed securely through M-Pesa and our payment processors), billing address
• Equipment Listings: Equipment details, photos, pricing, availability, location
• Communications: Messages sent through our platform, customer support inquiries, reviews and ratings

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

• Usage Data: Pages viewed, features used, search queries, booking history, time and date of visits
• Device Information: IP address, browser type, operating system, device identifiers, mobile network information
• Location Data: Approximate location from IP address, precise location if you grant permission
• Cookies and Tracking: Cookies, web beacons, and similar technologies (see Section 7)

2.3 Information from Third Parties

• Identity Verification: Information from identity verification services to confirm your identity
• Payment Processors: Transaction confirmation from M-Pesa and other payment providers
• Social Media: If you connect social media accounts, we may receive profile information

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information for the following purposes:

3.1 Provide and Improve Our Services

• Process bookings, payments, and rental agreements
• Connect equipment owners with renters
• Enable communication between users
• Provide customer support and respond to inquiries
• Improve platform functionality and user experience

3.2 Safety and Security

• Verify user identity and prevent fraud
• Detect and prevent illegal activities or policy violations
• Investigate disputes and enforce our Terms of Service
• Protect the rights and safety of users

3.3 Communications

• Send booking confirmations, payment receipts, and notifications
• Provide updates about our services and features
• Send marketing communications (with your consent)
• Respond to your inquiries and requests

3.4 Legal Compliance

• Comply with legal obligations and regulatory requirements
• Respond to lawful requests from authorities
• Enforce our legal rights and agreements

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

4.1 With Other Users

When you book equipment, your name, profile photo, and contact information are shared with the equipment owner. Similarly, owners' information is shared with renters.

4.2 Service Providers

We share information with third-party service providers who help us operate our platform:

• Payment processors (M-Pesa, card payment gateways)
• Cloud hosting services (AWS, Google Cloud)
• Customer support tools
• Analytics providers
• Marketing platforms (with your consent)

4.3 Business Transfers

If Hammertime is involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred to the acquiring entity.

4.4 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required by law, court order, or government request, or to protect our rights and safety.

5. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your information:

• Encryption: All data transmissions use SSL/TLS encryption
• Secure Storage: Personal information is stored in encrypted databases
• Access Controls: Limited employee access to personal information, based on need
• Regular Audits: Security audits and vulnerability assessments
• Payment Security: PCI DSS compliance for payment processing

While we take reasonable measures to protect your information, no system is completely secure. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials.

6. Your Rights and Choices

6.1 Access and Update

You can access and update your account information through your profile settings at any time.

6.2 Data Portability

You can request a copy of your personal information in a portable format by contacting us at privacy@hammertimecreators.co.ke.

6.3 Deletion

You can request deletion of your account and personal information. Note that we may retain certain information as required by law or for legitimate business purposes.

6.4 Marketing Communications

You can opt out of marketing emails by clicking "unsubscribe" in any promotional email or updating your communication preferences in your account settings.

6.5 Cookies

You can control cookies through your browser settings (see Section 7).

6.6 Data Protection Rights (GDPR/Kenya Data Protection Act)

If you are in the EU or Kenya, you have additional rights including:

• Right to object to processing
• Right to restrict processing
• Right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority

7. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience:

7.1 Types of Cookies We Use

• Essential Cookies: Required for platform functionality (login, security)
• Performance Cookies: Help us understand how users interact with our platform
• Functionality Cookies: Remember your preferences and settings
• Marketing Cookies: Used to deliver relevant advertisements (with consent)

7.2 Managing Cookies

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Note that disabling certain cookies may affect platform functionality.

8. Data Retention

We retain your information for as long as necessary to provide our services and comply with legal obligations:

• Active Accounts: Information retained while your account is active
• Inactive Accounts: Deleted after 3 years of inactivity (unless required by law)
• Transaction Records: Retained for 7 years for tax and legal compliance
• Marketing Data: Deleted upon opt-out or after 2 years of inactivity

9. Children's Privacy

Hammertime is not intended for children under 18. We do not knowingly collect information from children. If we learn we have collected information from a child without parental consent, we will delete it promptly.

10. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries outside Kenya, including the United States and European Union, where our service providers operate. We ensure adequate safeguards are in place through:

• Standard Contractual Clauses approved by the European Commission
• Privacy Shield certifications (where applicable)
• Other legally recognized transfer mechanisms

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. We will notify you of material changes by:

• Posting the updated policy on our website
• Sending email notification to registered users
• Displaying a prominent notice on our platform

Your continued use of Hammertime after changes indicates acceptance of the updated policy.

12. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or your personal information, please contact us: