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Privacy Policy

Last Updated: November 24, 2025

1. Introduction

ToolShare.ch ("we," "us," or "the Company") takes the protection of your personal data very seriously. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website or use our platform.

We process your personal data in accordance with the Swiss Federal Act on Data Protection (FADP) and, where applicable, the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

2. Controller of Data File

The party responsible for the processing of your data (the "Controller") is:

ToolShare.ch
Zurich, Switzerland
Email: toolshare.ch497@gmail.com
Web: www.toolshare.ch

3. Data We Collect

We collect only the data necessary to operate our peer-to-peer marketplace effectively and securely.

3.1 Information You Provide to Us

  • Account Data: Name, email address, phone number, physical address, and password.
  • Identity Verification Data: To ensure trust in our marketplace, we may collect copies of government-issued IDs (passport, ID card), dates of birth, and facial recognition data (selfies) via our third-party verification partners.
  • Payment Information: Credit card details or bank account information (IBAN) for payouts. Note: We do not store full credit card numbers; these are handled by our payment processor (e.g., Stripe).
  • Profile Content: Reviews, photos of tools, and descriptions you upload.
  • Communications: Messages sent between Renters and Lenders via our internal messaging system.
3.2 Information Collected Automatically
  • Technical Data: IP address, browser type, operating system, device information, and access times.
  • Usage Data: Pages viewed, search queries, and interactions with the platform.
  • Cookies: Small text files stored on your device to improve functionality (see Section 9).

4. Purposes of Processing

We process your data for the following specific purposes:

  • Contract Performance: To facilitate the rental of tools, process payments, and manage bookings (Art. 31 para. 2 let. a FADP).
  • Identity Verification: To prevent fraud and ensure the safety of our community.
  • Communication: To send booking confirmations, invoices, and support messages.
  • Legal Compliance: To comply with Swiss tax laws, accounting obligations, and law enforcement requests.
  • Marketing: To send newsletters or promotional offers (only if you have opted in). You may opt out at any time.

5. Disclosure of Data to Third Parties

We do not sell your data. We only share it with third parties when necessary for the operation of the platform:

  • Other Users (Renters/Lenders): Once a booking is confirmed, we share necessary contact details (Name, Phone Number) to facilitate the handover of the tool.
  • Service Providers:
    • Payment Processors: (e.g., Stripe, PayPal) for secure transactions.
    • ID Verification Services: To validate user identities.
    • Hosting Providers: (e.g., AWS, Google Cloud) to host our infrastructure.
  • Authorities: If required by law or to protect the rights and safety of ToolShare.ch or its users.

6. Cross-Border Data Transfers

Your data is primarily stored in Switzerland or the European Economic Area (EEA). If we transfer data to countries that do not provide an adequate level of data protection (e.g., the USA), we ensure compliance through:

  • Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) approved by the European Commission and recognized by the Swiss Data Protection and Information Commissioner (FDPIC).
  • Ensuring the recipient participates in the Swiss-U.S. Data Privacy Framework (if applicable).

7. Data Retention

We retain your personal data only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy:

  • Account Data: Retained as long as your account is active.
  • Transaction Data: Retained for 10 years to comply with Swiss accounting and tax laws (Code of Obligations).
  • Inactive Accounts: If you delete your account, we delete or anonymize your data, unless legal retention obligations apply.

8. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures (TOMs) to protect your data against loss, unauthorized access, or modification. These include:

  • SSL/TLS encryption for all data in transit.
  • Hashed passwords.
  • Access controls restricting data access to authorized employees only.

9. Cookies and Tracking

We use cookies to maintain your session and analyze website traffic.

  • Essential Cookies: Necessary for the site to function (e.g., logging in).
  • Analytics Cookies: (e.g., Google Analytics) To understand how users interact with our site. IP addresses are anonymized where possible. You can control cookie preferences through your browser settings.

10. Your Rights

Under the Swiss FADP, you have the following rights regarding your data:

  • Right to Access: You may request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.
  • Right to Rectification: You may request the correction of inaccurate data.
  • Right to Erasure: You may request the deletion of your data (subject to legal retention periods).
  • Right to Object: You may object to the processing of your data for marketing purposes.
  • Right to Data Portability: You have the right to receive your data in a commonly used format.
To exercise these rights, please contact us at: toolshare.ch497@gmail.com. We may require proof of identity to process your request.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. The "Last Updated" date at the top indicates when the latest version was published.