Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

HCzip ("we", "our", "us") operates hczip.com, a homecare marketplace connecting caregivers, agencies, and families in New York City. This Privacy Policy explains what personal information we collect, how we use it, and your rights regarding your data.

By using HCzip, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.

2. Information We Collect

We collect the following categories of personal information:

• Account information: name, email address, phone number, role (caregiver, agency, employer).
• Profile information: work experience, certifications (HHA, PCA, CNA), availability, location (city, ZIP code), profile photo.
• Agency information: business name, license number, service areas, contact details.
• Usage data: pages visited, search queries, interactions with job postings.
• Device information: IP address, browser type, operating system.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information to:

• Provide and improve our marketplace services.
• Create and manage your account profile.
• Connect caregivers with agencies and employers.
• Send notifications about job postings, applications, and messages.
• Verify agency licenses and caregiver certifications.
• Prevent fraud and ensure platform safety.
• Analyze usage to improve our product.

4. Information Sharing

We do not sell your personal information. We may share your data with:

• Other users: your public profile (name, location, certifications, availability) is visible to other registered users on the platform.
• Service providers: Firebase (Google) for authentication and database; Vercel for hosting; Google Maps for location services.
• Legal requirements: when required by law or to protect the rights and safety of our users.

5. Data Storage and Security

Your data is stored in Google Firebase, which provides industry-standard encryption in transit (TLS) and at rest. We implement access controls to limit who can view your private information.

Private data (phone number, date of birth, certificate files) is stored separately from your public profile and is only accessible to you and verified parties with your consent.

6. Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Access the personal information we hold about you.
• Correct inaccurate or incomplete information.
• Delete your account and associated data.
• Export your data in a portable format.
• Opt out of non-essential communications.

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at privacy@hczip.com.

7. Cookies and Tracking

We use session cookies for authentication and analytics cookies (Vercel Analytics) to understand how users interact with our platform. We do not use third-party advertising cookies.

You can disable cookies in your browser settings, but this may affect your ability to log in and use the platform.

8. Children's Privacy

HCzip is not intended for users under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately.

9. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify registered users of material changes via email or in-app notification. Continued use of HCzip after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

10. Contact

For questions about this Privacy Policy, contact us at: privacy@hczip.com