PRIVACY POLICY

Last updated: January 22, 2026

1. INTRODUCTION

Forge ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our Platform. Please read this Privacy Policy carefully. If you do not agree with the terms of this Privacy Policy, please do not access the Platform.

2. INFORMATION WE COLLECT

We collect information that you provide directly to us and information that is automatically collected when you use our Platform:

2.1 Information You Provide

  • Account registration information (name, email address, password)
  • Profile information (business name, description, contact information, location)
  • Payment information (processed securely through Stripe)
  • Content you submit (listings, reviews, messages, course materials)
  • Communications with us (support requests, feedback)

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

  • Device information (IP address, browser type, operating system)
  • Usage data (pages visited, time spent, features used)
  • Cookies and similar tracking technologies
  • Location data (if you enable location services)

3. HOW WE USE YOUR INFORMATION

We use the information we collect to:

  • Provide, maintain, and improve our Platform and services
  • Process transactions and send related information
  • Send you technical notices, updates, and support messages
  • Respond to your comments, questions, and requests
  • Monitor and analyze trends, usage, and activities
  • Detect, prevent, and address technical issues and fraudulent activity
  • Personalize your experience and deliver content relevant to your interests
  • Send you marketing communications (with your consent)

4. HOW WE SHARE YOUR INFORMATION

We may share your information in the following circumstances:

  • Public Profile Information: Information you choose to make public (such as business name, description, and contact information) will be visible to other users of the Platform
  • Service Providers: We may share information with third-party service providers who perform services on our behalf (e.g., payment processing, data analytics, hosting)
  • Legal Requirements: We may disclose information if required by law or in response to valid requests by public authorities
  • Business Transfers: Information may be transferred in connection with any merger, sale of assets, or acquisition
  • With Your Consent: We may share information for any other purpose with your explicit consent

5. DATA SECURITY

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

6. DATA RETENTION

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law. When you delete your account, we will delete or anonymize your personal information, except where we are required to retain it for legal or legitimate business purposes.

7. YOUR RIGHTS AND CHOICES

You have certain rights regarding your personal information:

  • Access: You can access and update your account information through your account settings
  • Deletion: You can request deletion of your account and personal information
  • Opt-Out: You can opt-out of marketing communications by following the unsubscribe instructions
  • Cookies: You can control cookies through your browser settings
  • Data Portability: You can request a copy of your personal data in a structured format

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided in the Contact section below.

8. COOKIES AND TRACKING TECHNOLOGIES

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to collect and use personal information about you. Cookies are small data files stored on your device that help us improve our Platform and your experience.

You can instruct your browser to refuse all cookies or to indicate when a cookie is being sent. However, if you do not accept cookies, you may not be able to use some portions of our Platform.

9. CHILDREN'S PRIVACY

Our Platform is not intended for children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us so we can delete such information.

10. THIRD-PARTY LINKS

Our Platform 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 read the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.

11. INTERNATIONAL DATA TRANSFERS

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. These countries may have data protection laws that differ from those in your country. By using our Platform, you consent to the transfer of your information to these countries.

12. CALIFORNIA PRIVACY RIGHTS

If you are a California resident, you have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), including the right to know what personal information we collect, the right to delete personal information, and the right to opt-out of the sale of personal information (we do not sell personal information).

13. CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page and updating the "Last updated" date. You are advised to review this Privacy Policy periodically for any changes.

14. CONTACT US

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us at:

Email: forgebrigade@gmail.com