ekiepo

Privacy Policy
Last Updated: January 7, 2025

1. Introduction
Welcome to Ekiepo. We respect your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal data. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our platform.

2. Information We Collect
2.1 Information You Provide
Account information (name, email address, company details)
Profile information (professional background, expertise, portfolio)
Content you create (RFPs, proposals, project descriptions)
Communication preferences
Payment information

2.2 Information Automatically Collected
Usage data (features accessed, time spent on platform)
Device information (IP address, browser type, operating system)
Cookies and similar tracking technologies
Log data (access times, pages viewed, error logs)

3. How We Use Your Information
We use your information to:
Provide and maintain our services
Match clients with service providers
Review and moderate RFPs and proposals to ensure quality, compliance, and that no illegal, harmful, or prohibited content is submitted
Process transactions and payments
Send administrative information
Improve our platform and user experience
Analyze usage patterns
Prevent fraud and abuse
Comply with legal obligations

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure
We may share your information with:
Service providers who assist in platform operations
Business partners for matching services
Legal authorities when required by law
Professional advisers (lawyers, auditors, insurers)
Third parties in connection with a business transaction
We do not sell your personal information to third parties.

5. Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your data, including:
Encryption of data in transit and at rest
Regular security assessments
Access controls and authentication
Secure data storage
Regular backup procedures

6. International Data Transfers
We may transfer your data between different countries where we operate. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for these transfers.

7. Your Rights
You have the right to:
Access your personal data
Correct inaccurate data
Request deletion of your data
Object to processing
Data portability
Withdraw consent
Lodge a complaint with supervisory authorities

8. Data Retention
We retain your information for as long as:
Your account is active
Needed to provide our services
Required by law
Necessary for legitimate business purposes

9. Children's Privacy
Our services are not intended for children under 13. We do not knowingly collect information from children under 13.

10. Cookies Policy
We use cookies and similar technologies to:
Maintain your preferences
Analyze usage patterns
Provide security
Enable certain platform features
You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences.

11. Third-Party Links
Our platform may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for their privacy practices.

12. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. We will notify you of significant changes through:
Email notifications
Platform announcements
Website notices

13. Contact Us
For questions about this Privacy Policy or our practices, contact us at: 📧 info@ekiepo.com

14. Jurisdiction
This policy is governed by US law. Any disputes will be resolved in the courts of the United States.

15. Additional Rights for Specific Regions
15.1 European Economic Area (EEA)
Additional rights under GDPR include:
Right to restrict processing
Right to object to automated decision-making
Right to lodge complaints with supervisory authorities
15.2 California Residents
Additional rights under CCPA include:
Right to know what personal information is collected
Right to know whether personal information is sold or disclosed
Right to opt-out of the sale of personal information
Right to non-discrimination for exercising rights

16. Acceptance of This Policy
By using our platform, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy and agree to its terms.

Ekiepo – General Terms & Conditions
Effective Date: 1-1-2025
Last Updated: 5-1-2025

These Terms & Conditions (“Terms”) govern your use of the Ekiepo platform (“Ekiepo,” “we,” “our,” or “us”). By creating an account, you (“User,” “Business,” or “Provider”) agree to these Terms.

1. Purpose of Ekiepo Ekiepo is a digital marketplace that connects Businesses seeking services with Providers offering technology and creative solutions. Ekiepo facilitates introductions, proposal management, secure payments, and project/account oversight. Ekiepo is not an employer of Providers or Businesses and is not a direct party to service contracts.

2. Non-Circumvention Users agree not to bypass Ekiepo by engaging directly with a Business or Provider introduced through Ekiepo for a period of twelve (12) months after initial contact.
Violations of this clause may result in immediate suspension or termination of the User’s account and potential legal action for damages.

3. Independent Relationship Businesses and Providers operate as independent contractors.
Ekiepo does not control, direct, or supervise work performed by Providers.
Ekiepo is not responsible for employment obligations, including but not limited to wages, benefits, or taxes.

4. Payments and Escrow All project payments must flow through Ekiepo’s escrow/payment system.
Direct payments outside of Ekiepo are prohibited. Funds will be released to Providers upon milestone approval by the Business. Ekiepo may withhold payments in cases of suspected fraud, breach of these Terms, or unresolved disputes.

5. Indemnification & Limitation of Liability Users agree to indemnify and hold Ekiepo harmless against any claims, losses, damages, or liabilities arising from projects facilitated on the platform. Ekiepo is not liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages, including lost profits or revenues.

6. Dispute Resolution Ekiepo will attempt to mediate disputes between Businesses and Providers in good faith. If mediation fails, disputes will be resolved under the laws of the State of Illinois, without regard to conflict of law provisions. Venue shall be in the courts located in Cook County, unless otherwise required by law.

7. Account Suspension or Termination Ekiepo reserves the right to suspend or terminate any account for violations of these Terms, fraudulent activity, or attempts to circumvent the platform.

8. Modifications Ekiepo may update these Terms at any time. Continued use of the platform constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.

9. Entire Agreement These Terms, together with Ekiepo’s Privacy Policy and any Project Contracts entered into, constitute the entire agreement between the User and Ekiepo.