Privacy Policy

DirConnect Directory ("we", "our", or "us") operates the DirConnect platform, a digital directory connecting users with verified local businesses. We are committed to protecting your personal information and being transparent about how we collect, use, and share your data. This Privacy Policy applies to our website, mobile applications, and related services (collectively, the "Service").

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Information You Provide Directly

• Account Registration: Name, email address, phone number, password, and optional profile photo.
• Business Listings: Business name, address, contact details, hours, descriptions, photos, and payment information (for premium listings).
• Communications: Messages, reviews, ratings, support tickets, and survey responses.

1.2 Information Collected Automatically

• Usage Data: IP address, browser type, device identifiers, operating system, pages visited, time spent, and search queries.
• Location Data: Approximate location based on IP or explicit GPS consent (used for local business recommendations).
• Cookies & Log Files: See Section 5 for details.

2. How We Use Your Information

We process your data for the following purposes:

1. To create, manage, and secure your account and business listings.
2. To match users with relevant businesses based on search queries and location.
3. To display reviews, ratings, and business hours accurately.
4. To communicate service updates, security alerts, and policy changes.
5. To improve platform performance, analytics, and fraud prevention.
6. To comply with legal obligations and enforce our Terms of Service.

We do not sell your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes.

3. Information Sharing & Disclosure

We may share your information only in the following circumstances:

• With You: Business owners control the visibility of their contact information in public listings.
• Service Providers: Trusted vendors for hosting, payment processing, analytics, and email delivery (bound by data processing agreements).
• Legal Requirements: When required by law, subpoena, or to protect rights, safety, or property.
• Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or asset sale (users will be notified via email and prominent notice).

4. Data Security & Retention

We implement industry-standard technical and organizational measures to protect your data, including TLS encryption, access controls, regular security audits, and encrypted storage for sensitive fields.

We retain your information only as long as necessary to provide the Service, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce agreements. Account data is anonymized or securely deleted upon request, subject to legal retention requirements.

5. Cookies & Tracking Technologies

We use cookies, web beacons, and similar technologies to:

• Maintain session state and authentication
• Remember preferences and language settings
• Analyze traffic and improve user experience
• Deliver personalized directory recommendations

You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings or our in-app privacy controls. Disabling essential cookies may limit functionality.

6. Your Rights & Choices

Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have the following rights:

• Access, correct, or delete your personal data
• Restrict or object to processing
• Data portability in a structured, machine-readable format
• Withdraw consent at any time (where processing is consent-based)
• Lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority

To exercise these rights, contact us using the details in Section 9. We will respond within 30 days.

7. Children’s Privacy

DirConnect is not intended for individuals under 16. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we become aware of such collection, we will take prompt steps to delete the data. Parents or guardians who believe their child has provided information should contact us immediately.

8. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in our practices, technology, or legal requirements. Material changes will be communicated via email, in-app notice, or prominent website banner. Continued use after effective date constitutes acceptance.

9. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or your data, please reach out:

• Email: privacy@dirconnect.com
• Mail: DirConnect Directory, 100 Commerce Way, Suite 400, Austin, TX 78701, USA
• Support Portal: DirConnect Help Center

For data protection inquiries in the EU/EEA, our DPO can be reached at dpo@dirconnect.com.