Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

RatedStylists UK Ltd ("we", "us", or "our") operates the RatedStylists platform at app.ratedstylists.co.uk. We are committed to protecting your personal data and respecting your privacy in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our platform.

2. Data Controller

3. Information We Collect

3.1 Personal Information You Provide

• Account Information: Name, email address, phone number, password
• Profile Information: Profile photo, bio, preferences
• Booking Information: Service preferences, appointment history, payment details
• Business Information (Salon Owners): Business name, address, contact details, registration documents, banking information
• Communications: Messages you send to us or through the platform

3.2 Information Collected Automatically

• Device Information: IP address, browser type, device identifiers, operating system
• Usage Data: Pages visited, features used, time spent on pages, referring URLs
• Location Data: Approximate location based on IP address (with your consent, precise location for salon searches)
• Cookies and Tracking: See our Cookie Policy for details

4. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal data for the following purposes:

5. Legal Basis for Processing

Under UK GDPR, we process your personal data on the following legal bases:

• Contract Performance: Processing necessary to provide services you've requested
• Legitimate Interests: Improving our services, preventing fraud, direct marketing (where not requiring consent)
• Consent: Marketing communications, optional features, cookies (non-essential)
• Legal Obligation: Tax, accounting, legal compliance

6. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We may share your information with:

6.1 Service Providers

Payment processors (Stripe), hosting providers, analytics services, customer support tools

6.2 Salons and Professionals

When you book an appointment, we share necessary information (name, contact details, booking preferences) with the salon

6.3 Legal Requirements

When required by law, to protect rights, prevent fraud, or ensure safety

6.4 Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets

7. Your Rights Under UK GDPR

You have the following rights regarding your personal data:

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at privacy@ratedstylists.co.uk

8. Data Retention

We retain your personal data only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required by law. Typically:

• Account data: Until you delete your account, then 90 days
• Booking history: 7 years (for tax and accounting purposes)
• Marketing data: Until you withdraw consent, then 30 days
• Analytics data: 26 months

9. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal data against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These include:

• Encryption of data in transit (HTTPS/TLS) and at rest
• Regular security assessments and penetration testing
• Access controls and authentication requirements
• Employee training on data protection
• Secure data backup and disaster recovery procedures

10. International Transfers

Your data is primarily stored in the United Kingdom. If we transfer data outside the UK/EEA, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, such as:

• Adequacy decisions by the UK government
• Standard contractual clauses approved by the ICO
• Binding corporate rules

11. Children's Privacy

Our services are not intended for individuals under 16 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children. If you believe we have collected data from a child, please contact us immediately.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of material changes by email or through a notice on our platform. Continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

13. Contact Us & Complaints

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your rights:

You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the UK Information Commissioner's Office (ICO):