Advertising Privacy Policy

Platforms Links Classsified Ads Listings

This policy applies to the use of Google Classified Ads and all related services, features, tools, and functionalities offered through or in connection with the platform, whether accessed via desktop, mobile, or any other device or medium.

It governs your interaction with:

• Listings posted on Google Classified Ads

• Communications facilitated through the platform

• Services integrated with or powered by Google (such as Google Maps, Google Ads, or Google Search)”

• Definition of Personal Data “Personal data” (also referred to as “personal information”) means any information that identifies or can be used to identify a natural person, whether directly or indirectly.

This includes, but is not limited to:

• Full name

• Contact information (e.g., phone number, email address, physical address)

This strategy subtleties how information about you is utilized when you access our sites and administrations, including through our versatile applications (together, “CL”) or associate with us. In the event that we update it, we will modify the date, put sees on CL assuming changes are material, and additionally acquire your assent as legally necessary.

Types of Data Collected on Classified Ads

When users access or use a classified ads platform (such as Google Classified Ads or similar services), the following types of data may be collected, either directly from the user or automatically through platform technologies:

Contact Information

Collected during account creation, ad posting, or communication with other users:

• Full name

• Email address

• Phone number

• Postal address (if provided)

• Business name (for business users)

Location Data

Used to show local listings or tailor search results:

• Device GPS location (if location services are enabled)

• Manually entered location (e.g., city or suburb when posting an ad)

Ad Content and Transaction Data

Collected when posting or responding to listings:

• Ad titles and descriptions

• Uploaded images

• Price, category, and keywords

• Communication history with other users

• Transaction or engagement data (e.g., views, favorites, replies)

Browsing and Usage Data

Collected to improve performance and personalize user experience:

• Pages viewed, time spent on each page

• Search queries and filter selections

• Clicks and interactions (e.g., ad views, contact button clicks)

• Referring website or link

Device and Technical Information

Collected automatically when users access the platform:

• Device type (e.g., phone, tablet, desktop)

• Operating system and version

• Browser type and version

• IP address

• Mobile carrier (if applicable)

• Device identifiers (e.g., advertising ID, cookie ID)

Why This Data Is Collected

The data may be used to:

• Display relevant ads based on location and interest

• Facilitate communication between buyers and sellers

• Prevent fraud and enforce platform rules

• Improve platform functionality and user experience

• Serve personalized advertising (subject to user consent)

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Used to track sessions and personalize services:

• Session cookies (for logged-in state)

• Preference cookies (e.g., region or language settings)

• Analytics cookies (to understand usage patterns)

• Ad tracking pixels or tags (used by services like Google Ads)

How Data Is Collected on Classified Ads Platforms

Your personal and usage data may be collected through the following methods:

User Input (Direct Data Collection)

This includes all data that you actively and knowingly provide when using the platform, such as:

• Creating an account (e.g., name, email, phone number)

• Posting a classified ad (e.g., ad title, description, photos, location)

• Contacting a seller or responding to an ad

• Filling out forms or sending messages through the platform

Automated Tracking Technologies

Some data is collected automatically when you browse or use the platform. This is done using technologies such as:

(a) Cookies & Local Storage

• Track sessions, preferences, and login states

• Remember location or filter settings

• Support analytics and advertising

(b) Web Beacons / Pixels

• Measure ad impressions and click-throughs

• Monitor email engagement (e.g., open rates)

(c) Log Files

• Record access time, IP address, browser type, and visited URLs

• Help diagnose technical problems and prevent abuse

(d) Device & App Data

• Detect device type, operating system, app version, and screen size

• Improve platform performance and responsiveness

• Users can manage cookie preferences through their browser or device settings.

Third-Party Sources

In some cases, we may collect or supplement data from external partners or services, including:

• Google services (e.g., Google Maps, Ads, Analytics)

• Social media platforms (if you sign in using social accounts)

• Payment processors (if you make purchases or pay for ads)

• Anti-fraud and verification services

Examples:

• Location confirmation via Google Maps API

• Advertising performance data from Google Ads

• Profile images or contact info via social login (e.g., Google, Facebook)

•  Data from third parties is subject to their own privacy policies and user agreements.

Internal Use: How Data Is Used Within Google for Google Classified Ads

Google uses the data collected through Google Classified Ads and related services to support platform functionality, ensure user safety, comply with legal obligations, and improve product experiences. Below is a detailed breakdown of how data is internally used:

1. Service Delivery and Functionality

Data is used to ensure that the Google Classified Ads platform works as expected for both buyers and sellers.

Includes:

• Displaying ads relevant to user searches and location

• Enabling communication between users (e.g., messaging or contact forms)

• Facilitating account creation, login, and authentication

• Saving user preferences, ad filters, and search history

2.  Personalization and User Experience

Google uses personal and behavioral data to personalize the content shown to each user.

Includes:

• Recommending similar or nearby ads based on browsing activity or interests

• Auto-filling user information in forms

• Showing previously viewed or saved listings

• Providing localized experiences based on location data

3. Search and Ad Optimization

Data improves the relevance and efficiency of search results and advertisements within Google Classified Ads.

Includes:

• Keyword matching for classified search queries

• Re-ranking listings based on user engagement patterns

• Delivering targeted ads (e.g., Google Ads) alongside listings

• Preventing ad redundancy or duplication

4. Fraud Prevention and Platform Integrity

Data is processed internally to detect and prevent misuse of the platform.

Includes:

• Identifying suspicious behavior, bots, or spam patterns

• Verifying identity or location of users (e.g., via IP, device ID)

• Blocking or flagging harmful content or prohibited listings

• Enforcing posting limits or category restrictions

5. Analytics and Product Improvement

Google uses aggregate and anonymized data to improve platform performance and guide future feature development.

Includes:

• Measuring user engagement and session duration

• Testing new layout or feature changes (e.g., A/B testing)

• Tracking ad conversion rates

• Analyzing geographic demand for different listing categories

6. Legal Compliance and Regulatory Obligations

Personal data may be used to meet legal and compliance requirements.

Includes:

• Responding to valid legal requests or court orders

• Retaining records as required by law

• Applying content takedown mechanisms (e.g POPIA, ARB)

7. Integration Across Google Services

User data may be shared securely across Google services to provide a unified experience, subject to Google’s privacy policies and user settings.

Includes:

• Sign-in via Google Account

• Ad targeting through Google Ads

• Location services via Google Maps

• Behavior tracking via Google Analytics (on web or app)

• Note: All internal data use complies with Google’s Privacy Policy, internal data governance protocols, and relevant laws such as the POPIA, ARB.

Data Sharing with Third Parties

We may share your data with third parties only where necessary to provide, improve, and protect our services, or where legally required. Below is a breakdown of how and when data may be shared:

1. With Advertising and Marketing Partners

We may share limited user data with third-party advertising partners, including Google Ads and other networks, to display relevant ads and measure campaign effectiveness.

Examples include:

• Sharing cookie IDs or device identifiers for remarketing

• Providing location data to serve nearby ads

• Aggregated engagement metrics (e.g., ad views, clicks)

•  No personally identifying information (e.g., name or phone number) is shared unless explicitly authorized.

2. With Service Providers and Vendors

We work with trusted third-party service providers who perform functions on our behalf under confidentiality agreements.

These services may include:

• Payment processing

• Data storage and hosting

• Email and SMS delivery

• Customer support tools

• Security and fraud detection systems

• These providers are given access only to the data necessary to perform their services and are not permitted to use it for any other purpose.

3. With Analytics and Performance Tools

To help us understand how the platform is used and to improve user experience, we may share data with third-party analytics providers such as Google Analytics or similar platforms.

Examples of shared data:

• IP addresses

• Device/browser type

• Pages viewed and session duration

• Referring websites or search terms

• This data is generally anonymized or aggregated before sharing.

4. For Legal and Compliance Purposes

We may disclose personal information when required to do so by law, or in response to valid legal requests from regulatory authorities or courts.

Includes situations such as:

• Compliance with subpoenas or legal processes

• Enforcing our Terms of Use or investigating violations

• Protecting the rights, safety, or property of users or the platform

5. In Business Transfers or Mergers

If the platform is involved in a merger, acquisition, asset sale, or corporate restructuring, user data may be transferred to the new owner or legal entity.

In such cases, users will be notified as required by law.

Data Security Measures

We take the protection of your personal information seriously. A combination of technical, administrative, and physical safeguards are in place to protect your data from unauthorized access, loss, misuse, or disclosure.

1. Encryption

• HTTPS (SSL/TLS): All data transmitted between your browser and our servers is protected using industry-standard encryption protocols (HTTPS).

• Data at Rest: Sensitive user data is encrypted when stored on our servers, including passwords and certain personal information.

2. Access Controls

• Role-Based Access: Only authorized employees or service providers have access to user data—and only to the extent required for their specific role.

• Authentication: Systems are protected by secure authentication mechanisms including multi-factor authentication (MFA) for internal access.

• Audit Logs: We maintain logs of data access to detect any unauthorized or abnormal activity.

3. Secure Data Storage

• Data is stored in secure data centers with physical access controls, firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and 24/7 monitoring.

• Regular backups are performed to reduce the risk of permanent data loss.

4. Monitoring and Threat Detection

• Systems are continuously monitored for suspicious activity, anomalies, or potential breaches.

• Automated tools are used to detect malware, spam, and unauthorized login attempts.

5. User Account Protection

• Passwords are stored in a hashed and salted format; we never store plain-text passwords.

• Users are encouraged to use strong passwords and are notified of any suspicious account activity.

 6. Security Testing and Updates

• We conduct regular security audits, vulnerability scans, and penetration testing.

• Platform software and third-party dependencies are kept up to date with the latest security patches.

7. Third-Party Security Standards

• All third-party service providers (e.g., hosting, analytics, payment processors) are required to comply with strict data security standards, including ARB, POPIA, and other applicable laws.

• Data shared with them is encrypted and limited to the minimum necessary.

8. Incident Response Plan

• In the event of a data breach or security incident, we have a dedicated response protocol to:

  • Contain the breach

  • Notify affected users (if required by law)

  • Work with authorities and regulators

  • Prevent future occurrences

Encryption and Security Protocols

We use industry-standard encryption and security protocols to protect your personal data and ensure a secure experience on our platform.

1. Transport Layer Security (TLS / HTTPS)

• All data transmitted between your device and our servers is encrypted using TLS (Transport Layer Security).

• The platform is accessible only over HTTPS, ensuring that communications such as login credentials, messages, and ad submissions are protected from interception or tampering.

2. Encryption of Data at Rest

• Sensitive information (such as passwords and account identifiers) is encrypted at rest using secure algorithms.

• Passwords are stored using cryptographic hashing algorithms (e.g., bcrypt or SHA-256 with salting), ensuring they cannot be retrieved in plain text.

3. Secure Authentication

• User authentication systems are protected by secure protocols, and additional measures such as multi-factor authentication (MFA) may be implemented for enhanced account security.

4. Firewall and Intrusion Detection Systems

• Our infrastructure is protected by firewalls and intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS) that monitor and block suspicious activity.

5. Regular Security Updates and Patching

• All systems and services used by the platform are regularly updated with the latest security patches to address vulnerabilities.

6. Secure Data Centers

• Data is hosted in secure, access-controlled data centers that comply with international security standards (such as ISO/IEC 27001).

Your Rights: Accessing, Correcting, and Deleting Your Personal Data

We respect your right to control your personal information. You may access, update, or delete your personal data held on our platform at any time, subject to applicable laws.

1. Access Your Personal Data

You have the right to request:

• A copy of the personal data we hold about you

• Details of how your data is being used and with whom it is shared

How to access your data:

• Log in to your account and visit your Account Settings or Profile

• Request your data by contacting us at: adsprivacy@platformslinks.com

 2. Correct or Update Your Information

You can update your personal details (e.g., name, contact information, ad content) at any time to ensure they are accurate and current.

How to update:

• Log in and go to Your Profile or Your Ads

• Edit the information directly in the relevant fields

• For assistance, email: support@platformslinks.com 

3. Delete Your Personal Data

You have the right to request the deletion of your personal data and/or your account.

You may:

• Delete specific ads or messages through your account dashboard

• Request full account deletion by contacting: dataremoval@platformslinks.com
  or using the platform’s “Delete My Account” feature (if available)

• Note: Some data may be retained as required by law, to prevent fraud, or for legitimate business purposes (e.g., transaction records).

4. Response Time

We will respond to all verified access, correction, or deletion requests within a reasonable period, typically within 21 business days, as required by law.

5. Legal Basis

These rights are provided in accordance with:

• The Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), ARB – South Africa.

Your Choices: Opting Out and Withdrawing Consent

We are committed to giving you control over your personal data. You have the right to opt out of certain data collection practices and to withdraw your consent at any time, where consent was the legal basis for processing.

 1. Opt-Out of Marketing Communications

If you’ve signed up for promotional emails notifications, you can opt out at any time.

How to opt out:

• Contact us directly at: support@platformslinks.com

• You may still receive essential service-related messages (e.g., confirmations, alerts, or legal notices).

 2. Withdraw Consent for Data Collection

Where we rely on your consent to process certain types of personal data (e.g., location data, cookies, or ad personalization), you may withdraw that consent at any time.

Methods to withdraw consent:

• Cookies and Tracking:
  Manage cookie preferences via the cookie banner or by clearing cookies in your browser settings.
  You can also install browser plugins to block tracking tools.

• Location Data:
  Disable location services in your device or browser settings to prevent location-based targeting.

• Ad Personalization:
  Visit Google Ad Settings to opt out of interest-based ads if Google Ads are used.

3. Limit Data Sharing with Third Parties

You may also restrict how your data is shared with third parties such as analytics or advertising partners.

Options include:

• Turning off analytics tracking in your user settings (if available)

• Using private browsing modes to limit session-based data collection

• Emailing us at: adsprivacy@platformslinks.com to request restriction of specific data uses

4. Delete or Deactivate Your Account

If you no longer wish to use the platform or have your data processed, you can request account deletion or deactivation.

• Or send a request to: dataremoval@platformslinks.com 

Response Timeline

We will respond to opt-out and withdrawal requests within 21 business days, in line with POPIA, ARB and applicable privacy laws.

Contact Information for User Rights Inquiries

If you have questions or requests regarding your personal data or would like to exercise your rights—such as accessing, correcting, deleting, or restricting the use of your personal information—you can contact us through the following channels:

Email

Privacy & Data Protection Inquiries:
adsprivacy@platformslinks.com
(For questions about how your data is used, or to withdraw consent)

Account Deletion or Data Access Requests:
dataremoval@platformslinks.com

General Support or Complaints:
support@platformslinks.com

Postal Address

Platforms Links Classified Ads – Privacy Office
Company Name: Platforms Links
Street Address: Unit 2, 75 Rietfontein Rd, Boksburg West, 1459, South Africa

 Phone 

Customer Support Line:
+27 71 909 3451
Available Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM 

We are committed to responding to all verified data-related inquiries within 21 business days in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), ARB and other applicable laws.

Privacy Policy Updates

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, services, legal requirements, or for other operational reasons.

When we make material changes, we will:

• Post the updated policy on this page, and

• Update the “Last Updated” date at the top of the policy

In some cases, we may also notify you directly through email or via a notification on the platform.

Continued use of the platform after an update constitutes acceptance of the revised Privacy Policy.

We encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed about how we protect your personal information.

How We Notify You of Privacy Policy Changes

When we make updates to this Privacy Policy, we are committed to keeping you informed in a clear and timely manner.

Here’s how you will be notified of any changes:

 1. Posting on the Platform

• The most recent version of the Privacy Policy will always be available on our website.

• We will update the “Last Updated” date at the top of the policy so you can easily see when the changes were made.

2. Email Notification (Where Applicable)

• If the changes affect your rights or how we use your personal data, we may notify you by email using your registered address.

What You Should Do

We encourage you to review the Privacy Policy periodically. Continued use of the platform after the changes take effect will constitute your agreement to the updated terms.

If you have any concerns or wish to object to any changes, you may:

• Contact us at: adsprivacy@platformslinks.com or

• Choose to deactivate your account.