Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Podi Job (Pvt) Ltd ("Podi Job", "we", "us", or "our") operates the micro-freelance marketplace at podijob.lk. This Privacy Policy governs data collection and usage across all our services. If you disagree with any part of this policy, please discontinue use of the platform immediately.

This policy applies to all users — freelancers, clients, and visitors. It describes what data we collect, why we collect it, how we use it, and what your rights are over it.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide Directly

• Account Registration: Name, email address, password, phone number, and profile photo.
• Profile Information: Skills, work experience, portfolio samples, service descriptions, and pricing.
• Payment Details: Bank account numbers, mobile payment credentials (Dialog eZ Cash, FriMi). We do not store full card numbers.
• Communications: Messages between freelancers and clients, support tickets, and reviews.
• Identity Verification: National Identity Card (NIC) or passport details for account verification.

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

• Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent, search queries, features used, and click patterns.
• Device & Technical Data: IP address, browser type, operating system, device identifiers, and referring URLs.
• Location Data: General geographic location based on IP. We do not track precise GPS location without explicit consent.

2.3 Information from Third Parties

• Social login data from Google or Facebook (name, email, profile picture).
• Payment verification data from our payment processing partners.
• Analytics data from Google Analytics.

3. How We Use Your Information

• Platform Operation: To manage your account, process transactions, and connect freelancers with clients.
• Communications: Transactional emails (job alerts, payment confirmations) and, with your consent, marketing emails.
• Safety & Fraud Prevention: To verify identities, detect suspicious activity, and protect users from scams.
• Improvement & Personalisation: To understand usage patterns and personalise your experience.
• Legal Compliance: To comply with Sri Lankan laws including the Computer Crimes Act and Payment & Settlement Systems Act.
• Dispute Resolution: To mediate disputes using communication records and transaction history.

4. How We Share Your Information

• With Other Users: Your public profile (name, skills, reviews, portfolio) is visible to other platform users. Private messages are only visible to the parties involved.
• Service Providers: Trusted third-party vendors (cloud hosting, email delivery, payment processors) under strict data processing agreements.
• Legal Requirements: If required by Sri Lankan law, court order, or government authority.
• Business Transfers: In the event of a merger or acquisition. You will be notified before any such transfer.
• With Your Consent: For any other purpose with your explicit written consent.

5. Cookies & Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your platform experience:

• Essential Cookies: Required for core platform functionality (login sessions, security tokens). Cannot be disabled.
• Analytics Cookies: Google Analytics cookies to understand traffic patterns. Opt out via the Google Analytics browser add-on.
• Preference Cookies: Remember your settings such as dark/light mode preference.
• Advertising Cookies: Google AdSense cookies for relevant advertisements. Opt out via Google's Ad Settings.

You may manage cookies through your browser settings, though disabling certain cookies may affect platform functionality.

6. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your information:

• All data transmitted is encrypted using TLS/SSL (HTTPS).
• Passwords are hashed using bcrypt and never stored in plain text.
• Access to personal data is restricted on a strict need-to-know basis.
• Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments are conducted.

While we use best-practice security, no method of internet transmission is 100% secure. We encourage you to use a strong, unique password and enable two-factor authentication.

7. Data Retention

• Account Data: Retained for the duration of your account plus 2 years after deletion.
• Transaction Records: Retained for 7 years as required by Sri Lankan financial regulations.
• Support Communications: Retained for 3 years.
• Server Log Files: Retained for 90 days.

8. Your Rights & Choices

• Access: Request a copy of all personal data we hold about you.
• Correction: Update inaccurate or incomplete data through your account settings.
• Deletion: Request deletion of your account and personal data, subject to legal retention requirements.
• Portability: Request your data in a structured, machine-readable format.
• Opt-Out: Unsubscribe from marketing emails at any time via the unsubscribe link in any email.
• Withdraw Consent: Where processing is consent-based, you may withdraw consent at any time.

To exercise any of these rights, contact our Data Protection Officer at privacy@podijob.lk. We will respond within 30 days.

9. Children's Privacy

Podi Job is not directed at individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from minors. If you believe your child has registered, please contact us immediately at privacy@podijob.lk and we will promptly delete the data.

10. Third-Party Links

Our blog and platform may link to third-party websites (e.g., Fiverr, Upwork, Google). This Privacy Policy does not apply to those sites. We encourage you to read their respective privacy policies before sharing any personal information.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy periodically. Material changes will be communicated by:

• Posting the updated policy here with a new "Last Updated" date.
• Sending an email notification to all registered users.

Continued use of the platform after the effective date constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.

12. Contact Us

If you have questions or concerns regarding this Privacy Policy or your personal data, contact our Data Protection Officer: