Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

RoyaleMaide ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our website and services for connecting domestic helpers with employers in Hong Kong.

This policy complies with the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance (Cap. 486) of Hong Kong and other applicable data protection laws.

By using our services, you consent to the data practices described in this policy. If you do not agree with the practices described in this policy, please do not use our services.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

We may collect the following types of personal information:

• Identity Data: Name, date of birth, gender, nationality, government ID number
• Contact Data: Email address, phone number, residential address
• Profile Data: Profile picture, bio, work experience, skills, languages, certifications
• Employment Data: Employment history, references, salary expectations, availability
• Verification Data: Work permit, educational certificates, background check results
• Financial Data: Bank account information for salary payments (when applicable)
• Communication Data: Messages, feedback, support inquiries, reviews

2.2 Technical Information

• Device Information: IP address, browser type, operating system, device identifiers
• Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent, search queries, click patterns, user preferences
• Location Data: General location based on IP address for service delivery
• Cookies: Small data files stored on your device to enhance user experience

2.3 How We Collect Information

• Directly from you when you register, create a profile, or update your information
• Automatically when you use our website or mobile application
• From third-party sources (social media platforms, verification services, background check providers)
• From other users who provide references, feedback, or reviews
• From your interactions with our customer support team

3. How We Use Your Information

3.1 Primary Purposes

• Service Provision: To create and manage your account, facilitate job matching between helpers and employers
• Communication: To send important updates, respond to inquiries, provide customer support
• Verification: To verify identity, qualifications, employment eligibility, and background information
• Matching: To connect domestic helpers with suitable employment opportunities based on skills and preferences
• Safety: To maintain platform security, prevent fraud, and ensure user safety

3.2 Additional Uses

• To improve our services and develop new features based on user feedback
• To conduct research and analytics for service optimization
• To send marketing communications (with your explicit consent)
• To comply with legal obligations and regulatory requirements
• To resolve disputes and enforce our terms of service
• To protect our rights, property, and safety, as well as that of our users

3.3 Legal Basis

We process your personal data based on the following legal grounds:

• Consent: When you explicitly agree to processing for specific purposes
• Contract: To fulfill our service obligations under our terms of service
• Legitimate Interest: To improve our services, ensure security, and prevent fraud
• Legal Obligation: To comply with applicable laws and regulatory requirements
• Vital Interest: To protect your vital interests or those of other individuals

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

4.1 We May Share Your Information With:

• Other Platform Users: Limited profile information to facilitate job matching (name, experience, skills, location, availability)
• Service Providers: Third-party vendors who assist in platform operations (cloud hosting, payment processing, customer support)
• Verification Services: To verify identity, qualifications, employment status, and conduct background checks
• Legal Authorities: When required by law, court order, or to protect rights, property, and safety
• Business Partners: Trusted partners for additional services such as insurance or training (with your consent)

4.2 We Do NOT Sell or Share:

• Your personal information for marketing purposes without your explicit consent
• Sensitive financial information with other platform users
• Private messages or communications between users
• Data that could identify you personally with third-party advertisers
• Your information with anyone outside the purposes outlined in this policy

4.3 Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred to the new entity. We will notify you of any such change in ownership or control of your personal information via email and prominent notice on our website.

5. Data Protection and Security

5.1 Security Measures

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information:

• Encryption: Data transmission and storage encrypted using industry-standard protocols (TLS/SSL)
• Access Controls: Restricted access to personal data on a need-to-know basis with multi-factor authentication
• Regular Audits: Periodic security assessments, vulnerability testing, and compliance reviews
• Secure Infrastructure: Cloud hosting with built-in security features and regular backups
• Staff Training: Regular data protection and security training for all employees
• Incident Response: Established procedures for responding to security incidents

5.2 Data Breach Notification

In the unlikely event of a data breach affecting your personal information, we will:

• Investigate the breach promptly and thoroughly
• Notify affected users within 72 hours where required by law
• Report to relevant authorities as necessary
• Take immediate steps to minimize harm and prevent future occurrences
• Provide clear information about the breach and recommended actions

5.3 Data Minimization

We collect and retain only the personal information necessary for the purposes outlined in this policy. We regularly review our data collection practices to ensure compliance with this principle.

6. Your Rights and Choices

6.1 Access and Portability

You have the right to:

• Access the personal information we hold about you
• Receive a copy of your data in a structured, machine-readable format
• Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Know what personal information we have and how it's being used

6.2 Deletion and Restriction

You can request:

• Deletion of your personal information (subject to legal obligations and legitimate business needs)
• Restriction of processing in certain circumstances
• Withdrawal of consent where processing is based on consent
• Objection to processing based on legitimate interests

6.3 Communication Preferences

You can control how we communicate with you:

• Opt out of marketing communications at any time
• Adjust notification settings in your account preferences
• Unsubscribe from emails using the unsubscribe link provided
• Contact us to update your communication preferences

6.4 How to Exercise Your Rights

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at support@RoyaleMaide.com or through your account settings. We will respond to your request within 30 days or as required by applicable law.

7. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

7.1 Types of Cookies We Use

• Essential Cookies: Required for basic website functionality, user authentication, and security
• Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how visitors use our website to improve user experience
• Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and preferences for a personalized experience
• Marketing Cookies: Used for advertising and promotional purposes (with your consent)

7.2 Managing Cookies

You can control cookies through:

• Your browser settings to block or delete cookies
• Our cookie consent banner when you first visit our site
• Third-party opt-out tools and industry programs
• Your account settings (for registered users)

7.3 Third-Party Tracking

We may use third-party services (such as Google Analytics, social media pixels) that employ cookies to collect usage data. These third parties have their own privacy policies governing the use of information they collect.

8. Data Retention

8.1 Retention Periods

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to:

• Provide our services to you effectively
• Comply with legal obligations and regulatory requirements
• Resolve disputes and enforce our agreements
• Maintain records for legitimate business purposes

8.2 Specific Retention Periods

• Account Information: Throughout your relationship with us and for 7 years after account closure for legal compliance
• Transaction Data: 7 years for tax and accounting purposes as required by law
• Communication Records: 3 years for customer service and dispute resolution purposes
• Marketing Data: Until you withdraw consent or 2 years, whichever is earlier
• Verification Documents: As required by employment law and regulatory requirements

8.3 Data Deletion

When we no longer need your personal information, we will securely delete or anonymize it in accordance with our data retention policy and industry best practices.

9. International Data Transfers

9.1 Cross-Border Transfers

Your personal information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than Hong Kong, including:

• Cloud service providers' data centers located globally
• Third-party service providers and verification companies
• Background check and identity verification services
• Customer support and technical service providers

9.2 Safeguards for International Transfers

We ensure adequate protection for international transfers through:

• Adequacy decisions by relevant data protection authorities
• Standard contractual clauses approved by regulatory authorities
• Binding corporate rules for intra-group transfers
• Certification schemes and codes of conduct
• Other legally recognized transfer mechanisms

9.3 Your Consent

By using our services, you consent to the transfer of your personal information to countries that may have different data protection laws than Hong Kong. We take steps to ensure adequate protection regardless of where your data is processed.

10. Children's Privacy

10.1 Age Restrictions

Our services are not intended for children under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18. If we become aware that we have collected personal information from a child under 18, we will take steps to delete such information promptly.

10.2 Parental Consent

If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately at support@RoyaleMaide.com so we can take appropriate action.

10.3 Age Verification

We may implement age verification measures to ensure compliance with this policy. Users who indicate they are under 18 will not be able to create accounts or use our services.

11. Policy Updates

11.1 Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. We will post the updated policy on our website with a new "Last Updated" date.

11.2 Notification of Changes

When we make material changes to this policy, we will:

• Post the updated policy prominently on our website
• Notify you via email if you have an active account
• Provide a summary of material changes when appropriate
• Obtain your consent for changes that materially affect how we use your information

11.3 Your Continued Use

Your continued use of our services after any changes to this Privacy Policy indicates your acceptance of the updated policy. If you do not agree with the changes, you may need to stop using our services.

12. Contact Us

12.1 Privacy Questions

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

12.2 Data Protection Authority

You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data (PCPD) if you believe we have not handled your personal information in accordance with the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance.

PCPD Contact Information:

• Website: www.pcpd.org.hk
• Phone: +852 2827 2827
• Email: communications@pcpd.org.hk