1. Personal Information We Collect
When you use the Friend Lend Platform, we collect certain personal information to provide our services, enhance the user experience, and ensure the safety and security of the platform. The types of personal information we collect include: 1.1 Information You Provide to Us Account Information: When you create an account on the Friend Lend Platform, we collect your name, email address, phone number, mailing address, and any other information required for registration. Profile Information: You may also provide additional information as part of your profile, such as profile photos, your bio, and any preferences you choose to share. Payment Information: When you transact on the platform, we collect payment information such as your credit card or debit card details, billing address, and transaction history. Payment information is processed securely by third-party payment processors. Communication Data: We collect any messages, communications, or feedback you send through the platform, including customer support inquiries or interactions with other users (such as rental agreements, reviews, and correspondence between Lenders and Borrowers). 1.2 Information We Automatically Collect Usage Data: When you access or use the Friend Lend Platform, we automatically collect data about your activity, including your device type, browser type, IP address, pages viewed, interactions with the platform, and the dates and times of your visits. Location Data: With your consent, we may collect precise geolocation data or approximate location information, depending on your device settings, to provide location-based services such as displaying nearby items for rent or facilitating item pickup and drop-off. Cookies and Tracking Technologies: We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to collect information about your interactions with the Friend Lend Platform. This includes details about your browsing behavior, preferences, and account activity. You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings. 1.3 Information from Third Parties Third-Party Services: If you link or sign into the Friend Lend Platform using a third-party service (such as social media login or Google authentication), we may collect personal information that you have authorized the third party to share with us, such as your name, email address, and profile information. Background Checks and Identity Verification: We may collect information from third-party services to verify your identity, perform background checks, or conduct other necessary verifications as part of the registration or transaction process, depending on the services you use and your location. 1.4 Sensitive Information We do not intentionally collect sensitive personal information (such as race, ethnicity, religious beliefs, or health information) unless required by law or as part of specific services, such as insurance coverage options. If we need to collect sensitive information for any reason, we will obtain your explicit consent.
2. How We Use the Information We Collect
We use the personal information we collect to provide, maintain, and improve the Friend Lend Platform and ensure a safe, efficient, and customized experience for our users. Specifically, we use your information in the following ways: 2.1 To Provide and Operate the Platform Account Creation and Management: We use your personal information to create and manage your Friend Lend account, verify your identity, and provide you with access to the platform's features, such as listing or renting items. Processing Transactions: Your information is used to process payments, facilitate rental agreements, and manage interactions between Lenders and Borrowers. Communications: We use your contact information to send you important information regarding your account, transactions, and activity on the platform, such as confirmations, updates, and alerts. 2.2 To Improve and Customize the User Experience Personalization: We use the data we collect to provide personalized recommendations, such as suggesting items that may be of interest to you or showing relevant rental listings based on your preferences and location. User Feedback and Analytics: We use your feedback and interaction data to improve the functionality, performance, and usability of the platform. We may also conduct surveys, research, or analytics to understand user behavior and enhance the overall user experience. 2.3 To Ensure Trust and Safety Fraud Prevention and Security: We use your personal information to detect and prevent fraud, unauthorized access, and other harmful activities that could compromise the safety of our users or the platform. This includes monitoring transaction patterns, using automated systems for security checks, and verifying the identity of users when necessary. Background Checks and Verifications: Depending on the services you use or your location, we may use third-party services to conduct background checks or identity verification to maintain a safe and trustworthy community. 2.4 To Comply with Legal Obligations Compliance with Laws: We may process your personal information to comply with legal obligations, such as responding to requests from law enforcement, regulators, or other legal processes. Enforcement of Terms: We may use your data to enforce our Terms of Service, investigate violations, and address disputes between users, including collecting any amounts owed or taking other actions as necessary to protect Friend Lend and its users. 2.5 For Marketing and Communications Marketing Communications: With your consent or as otherwise permitted by law, we may use your contact information to send you promotional messages, marketing emails, and other information about Friend Lend services, new features, or special offers. You can opt-out of receiving these communications at any time. Advertising: We may use your information to deliver personalized advertising based on your interests and interactions with the platform. This may include advertising on third-party websites and services, subject to applicable privacy laws. 2.6 To Aggregate and Anonymize Data Aggregated Insights: We may aggregate and anonymize the information we collect to generate insights, reports, or statistics that help us improve the platform or provide industry trends. Aggregated data is not personally identifiable and cannot be linked back to individual users. 2.7 With Your Consent Consent-Based Processing: In cases where we need your consent to process your personal information for a specific purpose, we will request and obtain your consent prior to using your data in that way. You can withdraw your consent at any time by contacting us or adjusting your account settings.
3. Sharing and Disclosure
We are committed to protecting your privacy and only share your personal information when necessary to provide our services, comply with legal obligations, or as described in this policy. Below are the specific instances where your information may be shared or disclosed: 3.1 With Other Users Lenders and Borrowers: To facilitate rental transactions on the Friend Lend Platform, we may share certain information with other users, including: Your profile information, such as your name, profile photo, and any other information you choose to share publicly. Transaction-related details, such as item listings, rental dates, and messages exchanged between Lenders and Borrowers. Personal contact information (e.g., email addresses or phone numbers) will only be shared when necessary for transaction purposes or for item delivery and return arrangements. 3.2 With Third-Party Service Providers We engage trusted third-party companies to perform certain services on our behalf, such as: Payment processing: We share payment information with third-party payment processors to handle transactions between Lenders and Borrowers. Identity verification and background checks: If applicable, we may use third-party services to verify user identities or conduct background checks as part of our security and safety measures. Customer support: We may share your information with third-party customer service providers to assist with inquiries, troubleshooting, and account support. These service providers are contractually obligated to maintain the confidentiality of your personal information and use it only for the specific purpose of providing services to Friend Lend. 3.3 With Third-Party Partners and Integrations If you link or sign into your Friend Lend account using a third-party service (such as social media login or Google), we may share certain account information with that third party, such as your profile information and login credentials, based on your permissions with that service. We may also share aggregated or anonymized data with third-party partners, such as analytics providers or marketing platforms, to improve our services or offer better recommendations. This data will not identify individual users. 3.4 For Legal Reasons We may disclose your personal information if required to do so by law, regulation, legal process, or governmental request, including: In response to subpoenas, court orders, or other legal processes. To comply with regulatory requirements or law enforcement requests. To protect the rights, property, or safety of Friend Lend, its users, or the public. This includes sharing information to prevent fraud, abuse, or unlawful activity on the platform. 3.5 Business Transfers If Friend Lend undergoes a business transaction such as a merger, acquisition, sale of assets, or bankruptcy, your personal information may be transferred as part of the transaction. We will notify you of any such transfer and ensure that your data continues to be protected in accordance with this Privacy Policy. 3.6 With Your Consent In circumstances where we are required to obtain your consent before sharing your personal information, we will clearly explain the purpose of the data sharing and seek your permission before proceeding. You have the right to withdraw your consent at any time. 3.7 Aggregated or Anonymized Data We may share aggregated or anonymized data that cannot reasonably be used to identify you with third parties, including research institutions, industry partners, or advertisers. This type of data is used to provide insights into trends, improve services, or report on platform usage.
4. Third-Party Partners and Integrations
We work with trusted third-party partners to enhance the Friend Lend Platform and provide a seamless experience for our users. These third parties may provide additional services, process payments, or integrate with our platform. This section explains how we work with these third parties and how your information may be shared with them. 4.1 Third-Party Service Providers Payment Processors: We use third-party payment processors to handle all transactions on the Friend Lend Platform, including payments between Lenders and Borrowers. Your payment information is shared with these providers to process payments securely, and they are bound by confidentiality and data protection agreements. Identity Verification and Background Checks: Depending on your location and the services you use, we may partner with third-party companies to verify your identity or perform background checks. These services help ensure trust and safety on the platform. Analytics and Performance Tools: We use third-party analytics tools (such as Google Analytics) to collect information about how users interact with the platform. This data helps us analyze performance, optimize user experience, and improve our services. Information shared with these providers is anonymized or aggregated whenever possible. 4.2 Social Media and External Login Services You may have the option to register or log in to your Friend Lend account through external services such as Google, Facebook, or other social media platforms. When you use these services, we may collect certain profile information as authorized by your settings with that service, such as your name, email address, and profile photo. These third-party services may also collect information about your use of their services when you use them to log in to Friend Lend. Please review their privacy policies for information on how they handle your data. 4.3 Advertising and Marketing Partners We may partner with third-party advertising and marketing services to show personalized ads based on your interactions with the platform, both on Friend Lend and across other websites. This may involve the use of cookies or other tracking technologies to deliver targeted advertisements. You can manage your preferences for third-party advertising through your account settings or your browser settings. These partners may collect and process data about your usage of the platform, but this information is typically anonymized or aggregated to protect your privacy. 4.4 Third-Party Integrations Friend Lend may offer integrations with third-party platforms, such as calendar tools or messaging services, to enhance the functionality of the platform and improve the user experience. When you opt to use these integrations, your data may be shared with or accessed by the integrated service as needed to provide the intended functionality. We will always seek your consent before enabling any third-party integrations that require access to your personal information, and you can choose to disable these integrations at any time through your account settings. 4.5 Third-Party Links The Friend Lend Platform may contain links to third-party websites or services that are not owned or controlled by Friend Lend. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these third-party sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party service before providing them with your personal information. 4.6 Data Protection and Privacy All third-party partners and service providers we work with are required to follow strict confidentiality and data protection standards. We only share the information necessary for them to provide their services, and we ensure that they process your data in compliance with applicable privacy laws and regulations.
5. Your Rights
As a user of the Friend Lend Platform, you have certain rights regarding your personal information. We are committed to ensuring that you can exercise these rights, in accordance with applicable data protection laws, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and other privacy regulations. 5.1 Access to Your Information You have the right to request access to the personal information we hold about you. This includes details about the types of data we collect, how it is processed, and for what purposes. We will provide you with a copy of your personal information in a structured, commonly used, and machine-readable format upon request. 5.2 Correction of Inaccurate Information You have the right to request the correction or updating of inaccurate or incomplete personal information. You can update certain information directly through your account settings, or you can contact us to make the necessary changes. 5.3 Data Deletion You have the right to request the deletion of your personal information under certain circumstances, such as if the data is no longer needed for the purposes for which it was collected, or if you withdraw your consent. We will delete your personal data upon request, subject to any legal obligations we may have to retain certain information. 5.4 Restriction of Processing You have the right to request that we restrict the processing of your personal data in certain situations, such as when you contest the accuracy of the data or when you object to the processing. During this period, we will only store your data and not perform any further processing unless you consent or we have a legitimate legal basis for doing so. 5.5 Data Portability You have the right to receive a copy of the personal data that you have provided to us in a structured, machine-readable format and to request that we transmit that data to another service provider where technically feasible. This right applies to data processed by automated means and based on your consent or a contract. 5.6 Right to Object You have the right to object to the processing of your personal information for certain purposes, including direct marketing, profiling, or when we process your data based on legitimate interests. If you object, we will stop processing your data for those purposes, unless we have compelling legal grounds to continue. 5.7 Withdraw Consent If we rely on your consent to process your personal information, you have the right to withdraw that consent at any time. This will not affect the legality of any processing that took place before you withdrew your consent. 5.8 Lodge a Complaint If you believe that we have violated your privacy rights, you have the right to lodge a complaint with a data protection authority. We encourage you to contact us first to resolve any concerns. 5.9 Managing Your Rights You can exercise many of your rights by adjusting your account settings within the Friend Lend Platform. For other requests, such as data access, deletion, or portability, please contact us using the contact information provided in this Privacy Policy. We will respond to your request within a reasonable time frame, in accordance with applicable laws.
6. Security
We take the security of your personal information seriously and are committed to protecting it from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, and destruction. We implement a variety of security measures to safeguard your data and ensure the integrity of the Friend Lend Platform. 6.1 Security Measures Encryption: We use industry-standard encryption protocols (such as SSL/TLS) to protect your data during transmission over the internet. This ensures that sensitive information, such as payment details, is securely transmitted and cannot be easily intercepted. Access Controls: We limit access to your personal information to authorized employees, contractors, and third-party service providers who need access to perform their job responsibilities. These parties are bound by strict confidentiality agreements and are required to handle your data securely. Data Storage: Your personal information is stored on secure servers that are protected by firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and other advanced security technologies. We regularly review our security practices to ensure the protection of your data. Password Protection: Your account is protected by a password that you create. We encourage you to choose a strong password and keep it confidential. You are responsible for maintaining the security of your login credentials and for any activity conducted through your account. 6.2 Monitoring and Audits We continuously monitor the Friend Lend Platform for potential security vulnerabilities and unauthorized access attempts. Our systems undergo regular audits and security assessments to identify and address any weaknesses or risks. In the event of a detected vulnerability, we take immediate action to mitigate the risk and update our systems as necessary to protect your data. 6.3 Third-Party Security While we take steps to protect your personal information within the Friend Lend Platform, it’s important to note that third-party services (such as payment processors and identity verification providers) also play a role in securing your data. These third-party providers follow their own security protocols and are contractually required to safeguard your information in compliance with applicable privacy and data protection laws. We only partner with third parties that demonstrate a commitment to strong security practices, and we continuously review their compliance with our security standards. 6.4 Data Breach Response In the unlikely event of a data breach that compromises your personal information, we will promptly notify you in accordance with applicable laws. We will also take immediate steps to contain the breach, investigate the cause, and prevent future occurrences. Our data breach response plan includes notifying affected users, providing guidance on how to protect yourself from potential harm, and reporting the breach to relevant regulatory authorities, as required by law. 6.5 Your Role in Protecting Your Data You play a key role in keeping your data secure. To protect your account: Use a strong, unique password for your Friend Lend account and change it periodically. Enable two-factor authentication (if available) for an additional layer of security. Be cautious when sharing personal information online, and avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions. If you suspect that your account has been compromised or detect any suspicious activity, contact us immediately so we can assist in securing your account. 6.6 No Guarantee While we take reasonable measures to protect your personal information, no system is completely secure. We cannot guarantee the absolute security of your data, and any transmission of information is done at your own risk. We encourage you to take steps to protect your personal information, such as regularly updating your account security settings.
7. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, legal requirements, or as we introduce new features or services on the Friend Lend Platform. When we make changes, we will notify you by updating the date at the top of this Privacy Policy and, if the changes are significant, we will provide additional notice through the platform or by email. 7.1 Notification of Changes If we make material changes to this Privacy Policy, we will notify you through one or more of the following methods: An email notification sent to the address associated with your account. A prominent notice on the Friend Lend Platform (e.g., a banner or pop-up message). Updates to this policy with a clear indication of what has changed. 7.2 Your Continued Use Your continued use of the Friend Lend Platform after any changes to this Privacy Policy indicates your acceptance of the updated terms. If you do not agree with the changes, you should stop using the platform and contact us to close your account. 7.3 Reviewing Updates We encourage you to periodically review this Privacy Policy to stay informed about how we are protecting your personal information and any updates to our data practices. 7.4 Historical Versions If you would like to review previous versions of this Privacy Policy, you may contact us to request access to historical versions.
8. Contact Information and Responsible Friend Lend Entities
If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy, or if you would like to exercise any of your rights regarding your personal information, please feel free to contact us. We are committed to addressing any concerns you may have about your privacy and data protection. 8.1 Contact Information Email: For general inquiries about privacy, data protection, or this policy, you can reach us at contact@friendlendapp.com. Customer Support: For account-related questions or assistance, you can contact us via contact@friendlendapp.com or by using the contact form on our website. Mailing Address: FRIEND LEND TECHNOLOGIES LLC. 401 E Jackson St, Suite 3300 Tampa, Florida, 33602 United States Phone: [+1 (813) 330-4403] (available during business hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM, EST). 8.2 Responsible Friend Lend Entities Friend Lend Inc. is the entity responsible for processing your personal information under this Privacy Policy. If you are located outside of the United States, Friend Lend Inc. is still the controller of your personal information, and we handle your data in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. 8.3 Complaints If you believe your privacy rights have been violated or if you have unresolved concerns about how we handle your personal information, you have the right to lodge a complaint with a data protection authority in your jurisdiction. We encourage you to contact us first so we can address your concerns directly.
9. Definitions
For the purposes of this Privacy Policy, the following terms have the meanings outlined below: 9.1 "Friend Lend Platform" Refers to the Friend Lend website, mobile applications, and any other digital services provided by Friend Lend Inc. that allow users to list, rent, or browse items for rent. 9.2 "Lender" A registered user who lists items for rent on the Friend Lend Platform. The Lender is responsible for maintaining the item, ensuring it is safe for use, and fulfilling the rental agreement. 9.3 "Borrower" A registered user who rents items listed on the Friend Lend Platform. The Borrower is responsible for adhering to the rental agreement, using the item properly, and returning it in the agreed condition. 9.4 "Personal Information" Any information that identifies, relates to, describes, or could reasonably be linked, directly or indirectly, to a particular individual. This includes, but is not limited to, your name, email address, phone number, payment information, and usage data. 9.5 "Processing" Any operation or set of operations performed on personal data, whether or not by automated means, including collection, storage, use, disclosure, transfer, or deletion. 9.6 "Cookies" Small data files that are stored on your device when you visit websites or use online services. Cookies help us recognize you and personalize your experience on the Friend Lend Platform by storing your preferences and usage information. 9.7 "Third-Party Service Providers" Entities or individuals not employed by Friend Lend who provide services on our behalf, such as payment processors, identity verification services, and customer support providers. 9.8 "Aggregated Data" Data that has been combined or summarized from multiple users in a way that prevents any individual from being identified. Aggregated data is used for analysis, reporting, and improvement of the platform without revealing personal information. 9.9 "Anonymized Data" Data that has been processed in such a way that it cannot be linked back to an individual user. This data is used for research, analytics, and business purposes without revealing personally identifiable information. 9.10 "Consent" Refers to your voluntary agreement to allow Friend Lend to collect, process, or share your personal information in specific ways, as outlined in this Privacy Policy. You can withdraw your consent at any time.
10. Final Remarks
We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring that your personal information is handled responsibly. This Privacy Policy outlines the ways in which we collect, use, share, and protect your data. If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding your privacy rights, please don’t hesitate to contact us using the details provided in the Contact Information section. Your continued use of the Friend Lend Platform indicates your acceptance of this Privacy Policy and any updates we make to it. We encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed about how we are safeguarding your personal information. Thank you for being part of the Friend Lend community.