Privacy Policy
Last Updated: March 14, 2026
SquadEase ("we", "us", or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our platform.
1. Information We Collect
1.1 Information You Provide
- Account Information: Name, email address, phone number, password, and profile photo
- Profile Information: Bio, skills, location, work experience, portfolio items, and social media links
- Payment Information: Payment method details (processed securely through Stripe)
- Verification Information: Social media links (LinkedIn, GitHub, Twitter), professional certifications, and identity verification information
- Communications: Messages sent through our platform and support requests
- Files: Documents and images uploaded to project Storage or as deliverables
- AI Interactions: Text you submit to our AI Project Assistant and AI Writing Assistant for content generation
- Wallet Information: Deposit amounts, transaction history, and wallet balance (payment card details are processed by Stripe and not stored on our servers)
1.2 Information Collected Automatically
- Usage Data: Pages visited, features used, and time spent on the platform
- Device Information: Device type, operating system, browser type, and IP address
- Location Data: General location based on IP address (used for local matching)
- Cookies: Session cookies and analytics cookies
2. How We Use Your Information
We use the collected information for:
- Providing and improving our services
- Matching clients with local freelancers (~25 mile radius)
- Processing payments and managing escrow
- Verifying user identities and preventing fraud
- Sending service-related communications
- Providing customer support
- Analyzing usage patterns to improve the platform
- Powering AI-assisted tools (project creation, writing assistance) using third-party AI services
- Complying with legal obligations
3. Information Sharing
We may share your information with:
3.1 Other Users
Profile information (name, bio, skills, reviews) is visible to other users. Clients and freelancers on the same project can see each other's contact information.
3.2 Service Providers
- Stripe: Payment processing
- Email Services: Transactional emails
- Analytics: Platform usage analysis
- AI Services (Anthropic): Project descriptions, profile information, and user-submitted text for AI-assisted content generation. Anthropic does not use your data to train their models.
- Background Check Providers: Identity and background verification
3.3 Hub Owners
If you're a freelancer associated with a Hub, the Hub Owner may have access to your profile information and project activity.
3.4 Legal Requirements
We may disclose information when required by law, court order, or to protect our rights and safety.
4. Data Security
We implement industry-standard security measures including:
- SSL/TLS encryption for all data transmission (HTTPS enforced)
- Encrypted password storage using bcrypt with high cost factor
- Secure payment processing through Stripe (PCI DSS compliant)
- CSRF protection, rate limiting, and input validation on all forms
- Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to prevent script injection
- Regular security audits and monitoring
- Access controls and role-based authentication
- Authenticated file downloads (project attachments served through access-controlled proxy)
We do not sell, rent, or share your personal information with third parties for their marketing purposes.
5. Data Retention
We retain your information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide services. After account deletion:
- Personal data is deleted within 30 days
- Transaction records may be retained for legal compliance (7 years)
- Anonymized analytics data may be retained indefinitely
6. Your Rights
You have the right to:
- Access: Request a copy of your personal data
- Correction: Update or correct inaccurate information
- Deletion: Request deletion of your account and data
- Portability: Receive your data in a portable format
- Opt-out: Unsubscribe from marketing communications
- Restriction: Request limitation of data processing
7. Cookies and Tracking
We use cookies for:
- Essential Cookies: Required for platform functionality (login, security)
- Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how users interact with the platform
You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings. Disabling essential cookies may affect platform functionality.
8. Children's Privacy
SquadEase is not intended for users under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we discover we have collected information from a child, we will delete it immediately.
9. Third-Party Links
Our platform may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies.
10. International Users
SquadEase is based in the United States. By using our platform, you consent to the transfer and processing of your information in the United States.
11. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. We will notify you of material changes via email or platform notification. Your continued use after changes constitutes acceptance.
12. California Privacy Rights (CCPA)
If you are a California resident, you have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA):
- Right to Know: You may request details about the categories and specific pieces of personal information we collect about you
- Right to Delete: You may request deletion of your personal information, subject to certain exceptions
- Right to Opt-Out: We do not sell personal information. If this changes, you will have the right to opt out
- Non-Discrimination: We will not discriminate against you for exercising your CCPA rights
To exercise these rights, contact us at privacy@squadease.com.
13. Contact Us
For privacy-related questions or to exercise your rights, contact us:
SquadEase Privacy Team
Email: privacy@squadease.com
Phone: 833-HIT US UP
Gainesville, FL