1. Introduction
SheenLink ("we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our hostel and accommodation booking platform.
By using SheenLink, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with our policies and practices, do not use the Platform.
2. Information We Collect
2.1 Information You Provide Directly
We collect information you provide when you:
- Create an account: Name, email address, phone number, password
- Make a booking: Guest names, contact details, identification information, payment information
- Contact us: Name, email, phone, message content, inquiry category
- Submit feedback: Name, email, feedback type, ratings, comments
- Vendor registration: Business name, property details, banking information, tax information
2.2 Information Collected Automatically
When you use the Platform, we automatically collect:
- Device information: IP address, browser type, operating system, device identifiers
- Usage data: Pages viewed, time spent, clicks, search queries, booking history
- Location data: Approximate location based on IP address (with your consent for precise location)
- Cookies and tracking: Session data, preferences, authentication tokens
2.3 Information from Third Parties
We may receive information from:
- Payment processors (transaction status, payment verification)
- Social media platforms (if you choose to sign in via social login)
- Analytics providers (aggregated usage statistics)
- Property vendors (booking confirmations, guest check-in/check-out data)
3. How We Use Your Information
We use your information to:
3.1 Provide Services
- Process and manage your bookings
- Facilitate communication between guests and vendors
- Process payments and issue invoices
- Send booking confirmations and updates
- Provide customer support and respond to inquiries
3.2 Improve and Personalize
- Analyze usage patterns to improve Platform functionality
- Personalize your experience and recommend relevant properties
- Conduct research and develop new features
- Test and optimize Platform performance
3.3 Communication
- Send transactional emails (booking confirmations, receipts)
- Provide important Platform updates and security alerts
- Send promotional offers and newsletters (with your consent)
- Request feedback and reviews
3.4 Security and Legal
- Detect, prevent, and address fraud and security issues
- Enforce our Terms and Conditions
- Comply with legal obligations and law enforcement requests
- Protect the rights, property, and safety of SheenLink and our users
4. Information Sharing and Disclosure
4.1 With Property Vendors
When you make a booking, we share necessary guest information (name, contact details, booking dates) with the property vendor to fulfill your reservation.
4.2 With Service Providers
We share information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us with:
- Payment processing (e.g., Stripe, PayPal)
- Cloud hosting and storage (e.g., Google Cloud, Firebase)
- Email delivery services
- Analytics and performance monitoring
- Customer support tools
These providers are contractually obligated to protect your data and use it only for specified purposes.
4.3 Legal Requirements
We may disclose your information if required by law or in response to:
- Court orders, subpoenas, or legal processes
- Law enforcement or government requests
- Protection of our legal rights or property
- Emergency situations involving safety threats
4.4 Business Transfers
If SheenLink is involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction. We will notify you before your information becomes subject to a different privacy policy.
5. Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your information:
- Encryption of data in transit (SSL/TLS) and at rest
- Secure authentication and access controls
- Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments
- Employee training on data protection
- Secure cloud infrastructure with Firebase/Google Cloud
However, no method of transmission over the Internet is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.
6. Data Retention
We retain your information for as long as necessary to:
- Provide services and fulfill bookings
- Maintain transaction records for accounting and tax purposes
- Comply with legal obligations (typically 7 years for financial records)
- Resolve disputes and enforce agreements
When information is no longer needed, we securely delete or anonymize it. You may request deletion of your account data at any time (subject to legal retention requirements).
7. Your Privacy Rights
7.1 Access and Correction
You have the right to access, review, and update your personal information. You can do this by:
- Logging into your account settings
- Contacting our support team at privacy@sheenlink.tech
7.2 Data Portability
You can request a copy of your data in a structured, machine-readable format.
7.3 Deletion
You can request deletion of your account and personal data, subject to:
- Legal obligations to retain certain records
- Completion of any pending bookings
- Resolution of disputes or outstanding payments
7.4 Marketing Opt-Out
You can unsubscribe from marketing emails by:
- Clicking "Unsubscribe" in any marketing email
- Updating your communication preferences in account settings
- Contacting support@sheenlink.tech
Note: You cannot opt out of transactional emails (booking confirmations, receipts, security alerts).
8. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
We use cookies and similar technologies to:
- Essential cookies: Required for Platform functionality (login, security)
- Performance cookies: Analyze usage and improve performance
- Functional cookies: Remember your preferences and settings
- Analytics cookies: Understand user behavior (Google Analytics)
You can control cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling cookies may affect Platform functionality.
9. Children's Privacy
SheenLink is not intended for users under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect information from children. If you believe we have collected information from a child, please contact us immediately at privacy@sheenlink.tech, and we will delete it.
10. International Data Transfers
Your information may be processed and stored in Pakistan or other countries where our service providers operate. By using SheenLink, you consent to the transfer of your information to countries that may have different data protection laws than your country of residence.
11. Third-Party Links
The 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 their privacy policies before providing any information.
12. 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 the Platform
- Updating the "Last updated" date
- Sending email notification for significant changes
Your continued use of the Platform after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the revised Privacy Policy.
13. Contact Us
If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or your personal data, please contact us:
Privacy Officer: privacy@sheenlink.tech
General Support: support@sheenlink.tech
Data Protection Requests: dpo@sheenlink.tech
Address: Lahore, Pakistan
14. Consent
By using SheenLink, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy and consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of your information as described herein.