Introduction
This Privacy Policy explains how TheUrbanNet LTD (“TheUrbanNet”, “the Company”, “we”, “our”, or “us”) collects, uses, stores, and protects your personal data when you use our platform.
We are committed to protecting your personal data and handling it transparently, fairly, and in accordance with applicable data protection laws, including the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and guidance from the Information Commissioner's Office.
By using TheUrbanNet, you acknowledge the practices described in this Privacy Policy.
About TheUrbanNet
TheUrbanNet is a digital platform that enables users to discover and connect with independent service providers.
TheUrbanNet operates solely as a technology and discovery platform. We do not provide, manage, or deliver the services listed by independent service providers.
For the purposes of data protection law, TheUrbanNet LTD is the data controller for personal data collected through the platform.
Independent service providers may act as separate and independent data controllers in relation to personal data they collect or receive outside of TheUrbanNet.
What Personal Data We Collect
We collect and process different categories of personal data depending on how you interact with the platform.
1. Information You Provide Directly
Account Information
- Name
- Email address
- Username or account ID
- Encrypted login credentials
Profile Information
- Profile details you choose to provide
- Preferences and interests
- Saved content
Service Provider Information
This applies to service providers only and may include:
- Business name and service details
- Portfolio content, including images, descriptions, and links
- Contact details
- Verification and onboarding information, where applicable
Communication Data
- Messages sent through the platform
- Enquiries made to service providers
Messaging data is stored only where necessary to facilitate communication and support platform safety.
2. Information Collected Automatically
Technical Data
- IP address
- Browser type
- Device information
- Pages visited
- Platform interactions and usage data
Cookies and Tracking Data
We may collect information through cookies and similar technologies. More information is available in our Cookie Policy .
3. Information from Third Parties
We may receive limited personal data from third-party services, such as:
- Analytics providers
- Authentication services
- Security tools
How We Use Your Personal Data
We use your personal data for the following purposes:
Platform Operation
- To create and manage user accounts
- To provide access to platform features
- To enable users to discover and connect with service providers
Communication
- To facilitate messaging between users and independent service providers
- To respond to enquiries and support requests
Platform Improvement
- To analyse platform usage
- To improve platform functionality
- To develop new features
Safety and Security
- To detect and prevent fraud, misuse, or harmful activity
- To monitor and protect platform integrity
Legal and Compliance
- To comply with legal obligations
- To enforce our Terms of Service
Lawful Basis for Processing
We rely on the following lawful bases under the UK GDPR:
- Contractual necessity: To provide the platform and its services.
- Legitimate interests: To operate, improve, and secure the platform.
- Legal obligations: Where processing is required by law.
- Consent: Where applicable, including cookies and marketing communications.
Messaging and Platform Boundaries
TheUrbanNet provides messaging functionality to allow users to contact independent service providers with enquiries.
Important clarifications include:
- Messaging is provided for initial communication only.
- TheUrbanNet does not currently facilitate bookings, payments, or transactions.
- TheUrbanNet does not monitor or control communications that take place outside the platform.
- Once a user chooses to engage with a service provider outside the platform, that provider may act as an independent data controller.
TheUrbanNet is not responsible for how independent service providers collect, use, store, or process personal data outside the platform.
Data Retention
We retain personal data only for as long as necessary to provide the platform and its features, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our Terms.
Retention periods may vary depending on the type of data and the purpose for which it is used. Where personal data is no longer required, we may delete or anonymise it.
International Data Transfers
In some cases, personal data may be transferred to or processed in countries outside the United Kingdom.
Where this occurs, we ensure that appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your data in accordance with applicable law. These safeguards may include adequacy decisions, standard contractual clauses, or other recognised legal mechanisms.
Data Security
We take appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect personal data against unauthorised access, loss, misuse, or alteration.
These measures include the use of secure systems, access controls, and encryption where appropriate. However, no system can be completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
Your Rights
Under UK data protection law, you have a number of rights in relation to your personal data. Depending on the circumstances, these may include the right to:
- Access the personal data we hold about you
- Request correction of inaccurate information
- Request deletion of your personal data
- Restrict certain types of processing
- Object to certain types of processing
- Request data portability where this right applies
You can exercise these rights by contacting us. You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office if you believe your personal data has been handled unlawfully.
Third-Party Links
TheUrbanNet may contain links to third-party websites, platforms, or services.
We are not responsible for the privacy practices, content, or security of third-party services. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing personal data.
Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, platform features, technology, or legal requirements.
Where appropriate, we will publish the updated version on the platform, update the effective date, and notify users where required.