Privacy Policy

1. Overview

FactoryFollow operates the website https://factoryfollow.com (the "Platform") and provides services that connect international buyers with verified Chinese manufacturers (the "Services"). This Privacy Policy applies to all users of our Platform and Services.

We are committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information with transparency and care. This policy complies with international data protection standards, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA).

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide Directly

When you use our Services, we collect information you provide directly, including:

• Account Information: Name, email address, company name, phone number, and password when you create an account
• Profile Information: Business type, industry, location, and preferences
• Communication Data: Messages, inquiries, and feedback sent through our Platform
• Transaction Information: Sample requests, payment details (processed through secure third-party providers), and order history
• Business Information: Product specifications, manufacturing requirements, and business documentation

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

When you visit our Platform, we automatically collect certain information:

• Device Information: IP address, browser type, operating system, and device identifiers
• Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent on pages, click patterns, and search queries
• Location Data: General geographic location based on IP address (country/city level)
• Cookies and Tracking Technologies: Information collected through cookies, web beacons, and similar technologies

2.3 Information from Third Parties

We may receive information about you from other sources:

• Business partners and service providers
• Publicly available sources and business directories
• Social media platforms (when you connect your account)
• Payment processors and verification services

3. How We Use Your Information

4. How We Share Your Information

We may share your information in the following circumstances:

4.1 With Factories and Buyers

To facilitate connections between buyers and factories, we share necessary information between matched parties. This includes contact information, business details, and product specifications required for manufacturing.

4.2 With Service Providers

We engage third-party service providers to perform functions on our behalf:

• Payment processing (Stripe, PayPal)
• Cloud hosting and infrastructure
• Customer support and communication
• Analytics and performance monitoring
• Marketing and advertising services

4.3 Legal Requirements and Business Transfers

We may disclose your information:

• To comply with legal obligations, court orders, or governmental requests
• To protect the rights, property, or safety of FactoryFollow, our users, or others
• In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets

4.4 With Your Consent

We may share your information with third parties when you have given us explicit consent to do so.

5. Data Security

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

• Encryption of data in transit and at rest
• Regular security assessments and vulnerability testing
• Access controls and authentication mechanisms
• Secure development practices and employee training
• Incident response and disaster recovery plans

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law. Our retention periods are based on:

• The duration of our business relationship with you
• Legal obligations and regulatory requirements
• The nature of the information and sensitivity
• The potential risk of harm from unauthorized use or disclosure
• The purposes for which we process the information

When we no longer need to retain your personal information, we will securely delete or anonymize it.

7. Your Rights

Depending on your location and applicable laws, you may have the following rights regarding your personal information:

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided in Section 12. We may need to verify your identity before processing your request.

8. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to collect and use information about you. Cookies are small data files stored on your device that help us:

• Remember your preferences and settings
• Analyze how you use our Platform
• Deliver personalized content and advertisements
• Improve the functionality and performance of our Platform

You can control cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling cookies may limit your ability to use certain features of our Platform.

9. International Data Transfers

Your personal information may be transferred to, and processed in, countries other than the country in which you are resident. These countries may have data protection laws that are different from the laws of your country.

When we transfer personal information internationally, we implement appropriate safeguards, including standard contractual clauses approved by the European Commission, to ensure your information receives an adequate level of protection.

10. Children's Privacy

Our Platform and Services are not intended for individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18. If you become aware that a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately.

11. Third-Party Links

Our Platform may contain links to third-party websites, applications, or services. This Privacy Policy does not apply to those third-party sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. When we make changes, we will update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy.

We encourage you to periodically review this Privacy Policy to stay informed about how we are protecting your information. Material changes will be communicated through our Platform or via email.

13. Contact Us