Privacy Policy

Introduction

ExpertLink ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our platform and services.

By using ExpertLink, you consent to the data practices described in this policy. We encourage you to read this policy carefully and contact us if you have any questions about our privacy practices.

This policy applies to all users of our platform, including enterprises seeking advisory services and advisory specialists offering their expertise through our marketplace.

Information We Collect

Personal Information You Provide

We collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us when you:

• Create an account on our platform
• Complete your profile information
• Submit verification documents
• Communicate with us or other users
• Participate in surveys or feedback requests
• Subscribe to our newsletters or marketing communications
• Contact our customer support team
• Engage in transactions through our platform

Information Collected Automatically

When you access our platform, we automatically collect certain information about your device and usage patterns:

• Device information (type, operating system, browser)
• IP address and approximate geographic location
• Log files and access times
• Pages visited and features used
• Referral sources and exit pages
• Search queries and interaction data
• Session duration and frequency of visits

Information from Third Parties

We may receive information about you from third-party sources, including:

• Verification services for identity and credential validation
• Professional networks and databases
• Public records and regulatory filings
• Background check providers
• Analytics and marketing service providers
• Social media platforms (if you choose to connect them)

How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for various legitimate business purposes, including:

Platform Operations

• Providing and maintaining our platform services
• Processing user registrations and account management
• Facilitating connections between enterprises and advisory specialists
• Processing transactions and managing contracts
• Providing customer support and technical assistance

Verification and Security

• Verifying the identity and credentials of advisory specialists
• Conducting background checks and employment verification
• Preventing fraud and ensuring platform security
• Monitoring for suspicious activities and policy violations
• Maintaining the integrity of our verification process

Communication and Marketing

• Sending important platform updates and notifications
• Providing marketing communications (with your consent)
• Responding to inquiries and support requests
• Conducting surveys and gathering feedback

Analytics and Improvement

• Analyzing platform usage patterns and user behavior
• Improving our services and user experience
• Developing new features and functionality
• Conducting research and analytics

Information Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties for their marketing purposes. We may share your information in the following circumstances:

Platform Functionality

• With verified experts when facilitating advisory connections
• With enterprises when you apply for advisory opportunities
• As part of your public profile information (with your consent)

Service Providers

• With trusted third-party service providers who assist in platform operations
• With verification services for identity and credential validation
• With payment processors for transaction handling
• With cloud storage and hosting providers
• With analytics and marketing service providers

Legal Requirements

• When required by law, regulation, or legal process
• To comply with court orders or government requests
• To protect our rights, property, or safety
• To prevent fraud or investigate security incidents
• In connection with legal proceedings or investigations

Business Transfers

• In connection with mergers, acquisitions, or asset sales
• During due diligence processes for business transactions
• As part of bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings

Data Security

We implement comprehensive security measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. Our security practices include:

• Encryption of data in transit and at rest using industry-standard protocols
• Multi-factor authentication for account access
• Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments
• Access controls and employee training on data protection
• Secure data centers with physical and environmental controls
• Incident response procedures for security breaches
• Regular backup and disaster recovery procedures
• Compliance with industry security standards and frameworks

While we strive to protect your personal information, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security but are committed to maintaining the highest standards of data protection.

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. Our retention practices include:

• Account information: Retained while your account is active and for a reasonable period after deactivation
• Transaction records: Retained for legal and regulatory compliance requirements
• Verification documents: Retained for the duration of your platform participation
• Communication records: Retained for customer service and legal purposes
• Usage data: Retained for analytics and platform improvement purposes
• Marketing data: Retained until you opt out or withdraw consent

When we no longer need your personal information, we will securely delete or anonymize it in accordance with our data retention policies and applicable legal requirements.

Your Rights and Choices

Depending on your location and applicable laws, you may have certain rights regarding your personal information:

Access and Portability

• Request access to your personal information
• Obtain a copy of your data in a portable format
• Review how your information is being used

Correction and Updates

• Update or correct inaccurate personal information
• Complete incomplete information in your profile
• Modify your communication preferences

Deletion and Restriction

• Request deletion of your personal information
• Restrict the processing of your data
• Object to certain uses of your information

Marketing Communications

• Opt out of marketing emails and communications
• Withdraw consent for marketing activities
• Manage your subscription preferences

To exercise these rights, please contact us at privacy@expertlink.com or call +1 (415) 837-2904. We will respond to your request within the timeframe required by applicable law.

International Data Transfers

Your personal information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. These countries may have different data protection laws than your jurisdiction.

When we transfer your personal information internationally, we implement appropriate safeguards to ensure your data remains protected, including:

• Standard contractual clauses approved by relevant authorities
• Adequacy decisions by regulatory bodies
• Certification schemes and codes of conduct
• Binding corporate rules for intra-group transfers

Children's Privacy

Our platform is designed for business use and is not intended for individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18 years of age.

If we become aware that we have collected personal information from a child under 18, we will take steps to delete such information promptly. If you believe we have collected information from a child under 18, please contact us immediately.

Updates to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. When we make material changes, we will:

• Post the updated policy on our platform
• Update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy
• Notify users through email or platform notifications
• Provide additional notice for significant changes

We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically to stay informed about how we protect your information. Your continued use of our platform after any changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

We are committed to addressing your privacy concerns and will respond to your inquiries promptly and professionally.