Introduction
Thikana (“we”, “our”, or “us”) operates a marketplace platform for property and classified listings, courses, messaging, and premium subscriptions in Bangladesh. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, who we share it with, and the choices you have when you use our website, mobile applications, and related services (collectively, the “Service”).
By creating an account or using Thikana, you agree to this policy. If you do not agree, please do not use the Service.
Information we collect
Depending on how you use Thikana, we may collect:
- Account information: name, email address, phone number, password (stored in hashed form), date of birth, district, profession, gender, profile photo, and optional bio or address.
- Listing information: titles, descriptions, photos, prices, locations, categories, and contact preferences for ads you post.
- Verification documents: NID or trade licence images and related details if you apply for seller verification.
- Communications: messages sent through our in-app chat, support enquiries, and notifications you receive.
- Payment information: mobile wallet numbers and transaction IDs (TrxID) you submit for course enrollment, premium plans, or listing boosts. We do not store full payment card data.
- Usage data: pages viewed, listing interactions, device type, browser, IP address, approximate location, cookies, and similar technical logs.
- Referral and rewards: referral codes, wallet credit history, and promotion redemptions.
How we use your information
We use collected information to:
- Create and manage your account and authenticate you securely.
- Publish, moderate, and display listings and course content.
- Enable messaging between buyers and sellers.
- Process payments, verify transactions, and activate subscriptions or enrollments.
- Send service notifications (listing approval, messages, account updates).
- Prevent fraud, abuse, spam, and policy violations.
- Improve search, recommendations, and platform performance.
- Comply with legal obligations and respond to lawful requests.
- Show advertising or promotional content where applicable.
Legal bases for processing
We process personal data where necessary to perform our contract with you, with your consent (for example marketing or optional permissions), to comply with law, or for our legitimate interests in operating a safe and effective marketplace.
Sharing of information
We do not sell your personal information. We may share data:
- With other users: your public profile, listings, and messages you send are visible to intended recipients.
- With service providers: hosting, SMS, email, analytics, payment verification, and security partners who process data on our behalf under confidentiality obligations.
- With advertising partners: such as Google AdMob or similar networks that may collect device identifiers and usage data to serve ads. Their practices are governed by their own policies.
- For legal reasons: when required by law, court order, or to protect rights, safety, and security of users and Thikana.
- Business transfers: in connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, subject to continued protection of your data.
Cookies and similar technologies
We use cookies and local storage to keep you signed in, remember preferences, measure traffic, and improve the Service. You can control cookies through your browser settings; disabling them may limit some features.
Data retention
We retain information while your account is active and as needed to provide the Service, resolve disputes, enforce agreements, and meet legal requirements. Listing and message data may be retained for a reasonable period after deletion for backup, fraud prevention, or legal compliance.
Security
We use administrative, technical, and organizational measures to protect your information, including encrypted passwords and access controls. No method of transmission or storage is completely secure; please use a strong password and protect your account credentials.
Your rights and choices
Depending on applicable law, you may have the right to:
- Access, correct, or update your profile information in account settings.
- Delete your account or request deletion of certain data by contacting us.
- Withdraw consent where processing is consent-based.
- Opt out of non-essential marketing communications.
- Reset or limit ad personalization via your device or Google account settings.
- Request a copy of personal data we hold about you.
Children’s privacy
Thikana is not directed at children under 13 (or the minimum age required in your jurisdiction). We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided us data, contact us so we can delete it.
International transfers
Your data may be processed on servers located outside Bangladesh. Where required, we take steps to ensure appropriate safeguards for cross-border transfers.
Third-party links
Our Service may link to external websites or services. We are not responsible for their privacy practices. Please review their policies before providing personal information.
Changes to this policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The “Last updated” date below reflects the latest version. Material changes may be communicated via the website or email. Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
Contact us
For privacy questions, data requests, or complaints, contact us at support@thikana.app or through the Contact page on our website.