-
YouEmerge Privacy Policy
Effective Date: [To be established]
YouEmerge LLC
Part 1 — Scope and Information We Collect
1. About This Privacy Policy
This Privacy Policy explains how YouEmerge LLC (“YouEmerge,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) collects, uses, discloses, retains, and protects personal information when you access or use YouEmerge.com and the websites, features, services, accounts, communications, and marketplace functionality provided through YouEmerge.
This Privacy Policy applies to visitors to YouEmerge, registered Members, Buyers, Sellers, PRO Members, and other persons who interact with YouEmerge.
This Privacy Policy should be read together with the YouEmerge Terms of Service and any additional privacy notice that may apply to a particular feature or service.
Capitalized terms not defined in this Privacy Policy have the meanings given to them in the YouEmerge Terms of Service.
2. Personal Information
For purposes of this Privacy Policy, “personal information” means information that identifies, relates to, describes, is reasonably capable of being associated with, or could reasonably be linked to an identified or identifiable person.
Personal information does not include information that has been aggregated or deidentified so that it cannot reasonably be associated with an individual.
The meaning of personal information may vary under applicable privacy laws. Where applicable law provides a broader definition or additional protections, YouEmerge will apply that law as required.
3. Information You Provide to YouEmerge
We may collect personal information that you provide directly to YouEmerge, including information provided when you create or maintain an account, complete a profile, subscribe to YouEmerge PRO, communicate with us or another Member, make a purchase, offer Content, Products, or Services for sale, request support, or otherwise use YouEmerge.
Depending on the features you use, this information may include:
(a) your name, username, profile name, email address, and other account or contact information;
(b) information you choose to include in your profile, biography, business information, location information, images, or other public or non-public profile fields;
(c) Content, listings, descriptions, comments, messages, reviews, and other material you submit through YouEmerge;
(d) information relating to a purchase, sale, subscription, refund, dispute, fulfillment, delivery, or other Transaction;
(e) shipping, delivery, or contact information reasonably necessary to complete a Transaction involving a physical Product or Service;
(f) information you provide when communicating with YouEmerge for customer service, account support, legal matters, reports, complaints, or other inquiries; and
(g) information reasonably required to establish or maintain Seller eligibility, payment functionality, tax compliance, identity verification, or other marketplace functionality.
You are not required to provide personal information that is unnecessary for a feature you choose not to use. However, certain information may be required to create an account, complete a Transaction, operate as a Seller, or use particular YouEmerge services.
4. Profile and Public Information
YouEmerge is designed in part to allow Members to create profiles, publish Content, present businesses or creative work, interact with others, and offer Content, Products, or Services.
Information that you choose to make public through your profile, listings, posts, Content, comments, or other public features may be visible to other Members, visitors, search engines, and others who access YouEmerge.
You should not include information in a public profile, listing, post, or other public area that you do not want publicly available.
The fact that information is publicly visible through YouEmerge does not authorize others to use that information unlawfully or in violation of the YouEmerge Terms of Service.
Where YouEmerge provides privacy or visibility controls, the availability and effect of those controls may depend on the particular feature being used.
5. Transaction and Payment Information
When you make or receive a payment through YouEmerge, we may collect or receive information relating to the Transaction, including the identity of the Buyer and Seller, the item or Service purchased, amount, applicable fees, transaction status, date and time, refunds, reversals, disputes, chargebacks, and related records.
Payment-card numbers, bank-account credentials, and similar financial information may be collected and processed directly by third-party payment providers rather than stored directly by YouEmerge.
YouEmerge may receive payment-related information from those providers, such as transaction identifiers, payment status, limited payment-method information, verification status, payout information, or information reasonably necessary to administer a Transaction.
Payment providers may collect and process personal information according to their own privacy notices and legal obligations.
6. Information Shared With Sellers to Complete Transactions
When you purchase Content, a Product, or a Service from an independent Seller, YouEmerge may provide the Seller with personal information reasonably necessary to process, fulfill, deliver, support, or communicate with you concerning that Transaction.
Depending on the type of Transaction, this may include your name, contact information, shipping or delivery information, the item or Service purchased, and other information reasonably necessary for fulfillment.
A purchase through YouEmerge does not by itself give a Seller unrestricted permission to use your personal information for unrelated marketing.
Under the YouEmerge Terms of Service, Sellers are required to use personal information obtained through YouEmerge for purposes reasonably related to the Transaction, for another purpose you have authorized, or as otherwise permitted by applicable law. Sellers are also prohibited from selling Buyer information obtained through YouEmerge or using it for unrelated spam, harassment, profiling, or marketing inconsistent with those requirements.
Once information has been appropriately provided to an independent Seller for fulfillment, that Seller may have separate legal responsibilities for its handling and protection of the information.
7. Information Collected Automatically
When you access or use YouEmerge, certain technical and usage information may be collected automatically by YouEmerge or by service providers that support operation of the platform.
Depending on the technology and services in use, this information may include:
(a) Internet Protocol (IP) address;
(b) browser type and version;
(c) device type, operating system, and similar technical information;
(d) date and time of access;
(e) pages, profiles, Content, listings, or features viewed or used;
(f) referring and exit pages or URLs;
(g) server logs, error logs, security logs, and diagnostic information;
(h) approximate geographic information derived from an IP address or similar technical information; and
(i) information concerning interactions with YouEmerge that is reasonably necessary to operate, secure, troubleshoot, measure, or improve the platform.
YouEmerge may use this information to operate the platform, maintain security, detect fraud or abuse, diagnose technical problems, understand platform usage, and improve YouEmerge.
YouEmerge does not represent that all categories listed above are collected from every user or during every interaction.
8. Cookies and Similar Technologies
YouEmerge and service providers supporting the platform may use cookies and similar technologies where necessary or appropriate to operate YouEmerge.
These technologies may be used to maintain login sessions and account functionality; remember preferences or settings; provide shopping-cart, marketplace, or Transaction functionality; maintain platform security and prevent fraud; understand how YouEmerge is used; diagnose errors and improve performance; or provide other functionality requested by the user.
Some cookies or similar technologies may be necessary for YouEmerge to function properly.
Your browser may allow you to block, limit, or delete cookies. Disabling certain cookies may prevent some YouEmerge features from functioning correctly.
If YouEmerge uses analytics, advertising, or other technologies that require additional notice, consent, or user choice under applicable law, YouEmerge will provide the notices or controls required by that law.
9. Information From Other Sources
YouEmerge may receive personal information from third parties when reasonably necessary to operate the platform or provide requested services.
Such sources may include payment processors and financial-service providers; hosting, security, communications, or technical service providers; identity, fraud-prevention, or verification providers; another Member involved in a Transaction or platform interaction; governmental, regulatory, or law-enforcement authorities where legally permitted; and publicly available sources where collection and use are permitted by applicable law.
Information received from third parties may be combined with information YouEmerge already possesses when reasonably necessary for the purposes described in this Privacy Policy.
Part 2 — How We Use Personal Information
10. Operating YouEmerge
YouEmerge may use personal information to provide, operate, maintain, and administer the platform and its features.
This may include using information to create and maintain accounts and profiles; authenticate Members and maintain account security; display profiles, Content, listings, and other information according to applicable settings; provide PRO membership and other subscription functionality; enable marketplace functionality; process and administer Transactions; provide access to purchased Digital Content; facilitate communications; provide customer service and technical support; and maintain records reasonably necessary to operate YouEmerge.
11. Transactions, Payments and Seller Payouts
YouEmerge may use personal information to process or administer purchases, subscriptions, Seller payments and payouts, refunds, chargebacks, reversals, payment disputes, and other financial activity.
This may include providing information to payment providers, receiving information from those providers, maintaining Transaction records, evaluating payment problems, preventing fraud, and complying with financial or tax obligations.
For marketplace Transactions, YouEmerge may also provide relevant Buyer information to the applicable Seller when reasonably necessary to fulfill or support the Transaction.
12. Security, Fraud Prevention and Enforcement
YouEmerge may use personal information to protect YouEmerge, its Members, Buyers, Sellers, service providers, and others.
This may include authenticating accounts and identifying unauthorized access; detecting, investigating, preventing, or responding to fraud, scams, payment abuse, spam, malware, automated abuse, security incidents, or other prohibited activity; enforcing the Terms of Service and applicable policies; investigating reports, complaints, disputes, or suspected violations; protecting rights, property, security, and safety; and preserving evidence or records where reasonably necessary.
13. Communications
YouEmerge may use contact information to send communications reasonably related to your relationship with YouEmerge, including account confirmations, security notices, password or authentication communications, Transaction receipts, purchase or sale communications, fulfillment or refund notices, subscription and PRO membership notices, policy changes, support responses, and administrative or legally required notices.
Certain operational or Transaction-related communications may be necessary to provide the service and may not be subject to ordinary marketing opt-out preferences.
14. Marketing and Promotional Communications
YouEmerge may send promotional or marketing communications where permitted by applicable law. Where consent is required, YouEmerge will obtain the required consent.
You may opt out of promotional email communications using the unsubscribe mechanism provided in the communication or another method made available by YouEmerge.
Opting out of promotional communications does not prevent YouEmerge from sending account, security, Transaction, legal, or other non-promotional communications reasonably necessary to operate the service or administer your relationship with YouEmerge.
A Seller’s independent marketing communications are the responsibility of that Seller and remain subject to the Seller obligations described in the Terms of Service and applicable law.
15. Improving and Developing YouEmerge
YouEmerge may use information reasonably necessary to understand, maintain, troubleshoot, develop, and improve the platform, including analyzing platform usage, identifying technical problems, evaluating feature performance, and understanding how Members interact with YouEmerge.
Where reasonably practicable, YouEmerge may use aggregated or deidentified information for analytics, research, planning, security, and platform improvement.
16. Legal and Compliance Purposes
YouEmerge may use personal information when reasonably necessary to comply with applicable law, regulation, legal process, court order, subpoena, or governmental request; establish, exercise, or defend legal claims; satisfy tax, accounting, recordkeeping, or reporting obligations; respond to lawful governmental or regulatory requests; investigate suspected unlawful activity; or protect legal rights and comply with applicable service-provider requirements.
Part 3 — How We Disclose Personal Information
17. Sellers and Buyers
YouEmerge may disclose personal information between Buyers and Sellers when reasonably necessary to complete, fulfill, support, or resolve a Transaction.
The information disclosed will depend on the type of Transaction. For example, a Seller of downloadable Digital Content may require less Buyer information than a Seller shipping a physical Product or performing a Service.
YouEmerge may limit the information made available to Sellers when reasonably appropriate for privacy, security, fraud prevention, or operational reasons.
18. Service Providers
YouEmerge may disclose personal information to companies and individuals that provide services on YouEmerge's behalf or assist in operating the platform.
These providers may include website and server hosting, cloud storage or content delivery, payment processing, communications and email services, security and fraud prevention, technical support, analytics, identity or account verification, and professional services reasonably necessary to operate YouEmerge.
Such providers may process personal information only as appropriate to provide the applicable service or as otherwise permitted by their agreements with YouEmerge and applicable law.
19. Payment Providers
YouEmerge may disclose personal information to payment providers when necessary to process Transactions, subscriptions, refunds, Seller payouts, chargebacks, verification, or other payment-related activity.
Payment providers may independently collect and process personal information under their own privacy policies and legal obligations.
20. Legal, Safety and Enforcement Disclosures
YouEmerge may disclose personal information when YouEmerge reasonably believes disclosure is necessary to comply with law, legal process, court orders, or governmental requirements; respond to lawful law-enforcement or regulatory requests; investigate or prevent fraud, unlawful activity, security incidents, or Terms violations; protect rights, property, safety, or security; enforce agreements and policies; or establish, exercise, or defend legal claims.
21. Business Transactions
If YouEmerge LLC is involved in a merger, acquisition, financing, reorganization, sale of assets, transfer of the YouEmerge platform or business, bankruptcy, or similar corporate transaction, personal information may be disclosed or transferred as part of that transaction, subject to applicable law.
Any successor that receives personal information through such a transaction will remain subject to applicable legal obligations concerning that information.
22. With Your Direction or Consent
YouEmerge may disclose personal information when you direct YouEmerge to do so or otherwise authorize the disclosure.
This may occur, for example, when you intentionally publish information publicly, request interaction with another Member, authorize a Seller or third party to receive information, or use a feature that necessarily involves disclosure to another person.
Part 4 — Retention, Security and Your Choices
23. Data Retention
YouEmerge retains personal information for as long as reasonably necessary for the purposes described in this Privacy Policy, including to provide services, maintain accounts, complete and document Transactions, support purchased Digital Content, satisfy accounting or tax obligations, resolve disputes, prevent fraud, enforce agreements, and comply with applicable law.
Retention periods may vary depending on the type of information, the feature involved, whether an account remains active, the existence of a Transaction or dispute, legal or contractual requirements, and legitimate security or operational needs.
Information may remain in backups or archival systems for a reasonable period after it is deleted from active systems. YouEmerge may also retain aggregated or deidentified information that no longer reasonably identifies an individual.
24. Security
YouEmerge uses reasonable administrative, technical, and organizational measures intended to protect personal information against unauthorized access, loss, misuse, alteration, or disclosure.
No Internet service, transmission method, or storage system can be guaranteed to be completely secure. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials and for promptly notifying YouEmerge if you believe your account has been compromised.
Where third-party providers process personal information for payment, hosting, communications, or other services, their security practices may also apply to information in their possession or control.
25. Account and Profile Choices
You may be able to review or update certain account, profile, privacy, notification, or visibility settings through functionality provided by YouEmerge.
Changing a profile or visibility setting generally affects future display or use of the affected information but may not remove information already shared with a Buyer, Seller, service provider, or other person where that disclosure was previously authorized or reasonably necessary for a Transaction.
Public information may also remain temporarily visible in search-engine caches or third-party copies outside YouEmerge's control.
26. Access, Correction and Deletion Requests
You may contact YouEmerge to request access to, correction of, or deletion of personal information associated with you, subject to applicable law and reasonable identity verification.
YouEmerge may deny or limit a request where permitted or required by law, including when information must be retained to complete a Transaction, protect security, prevent fraud, maintain legally required records, resolve disputes, exercise or defend legal claims, or protect the rights of another person.
Closing an account does not necessarily require immediate deletion of all information associated with the account where continued retention is reasonably necessary for these purposes.
27. Communication Choices
You may unsubscribe from promotional email communications using an available unsubscribe mechanism or another method made available by YouEmerge.
You may continue to receive non-promotional communications concerning your account, security, Transactions, subscriptions, legal notices, or other matters reasonably necessary to provide the services you use.
Part 5 — Children, Teens and Age-Related Protections
28. Children Under 13
YouEmerge is not intended for children under 13, and children under 13 may not create a registered YouEmerge account.
YouEmerge does not knowingly seek to collect personal information from children under 13 through registered accounts. If YouEmerge becomes aware that personal information was collected from a child under 13 in circumstances requiring deletion, YouEmerge will take reasonable steps to delete or otherwise address that information as required by applicable law.
A parent or legal guardian who believes a child under 13 has provided personal information to YouEmerge may contact YouEmerge using the information provided in this Privacy Policy.
29. Members Ages 13 Through 17
YouEmerge permits registered membership beginning at age 13, subject to applicable law and the YouEmerge Terms of Service.
Members who have not reached the age of majority where they live should use appropriate care when deciding what information to make public and may be subject to parental or legal-guardian consent or supervision where required by law.
YouEmerge does not currently provide a parent or legal guardian program that allows minors to operate Seller accounts on their own behalf. Eligibility to sell through YouEmerge is governed by the Terms of Service.
Part 6 — Privacy Rights and Regional Disclosures
30. Privacy Rights Under Applicable Law
Depending on where you live, applicable privacy law may provide rights concerning your personal information. These rights may include the right to request access to information, correction of inaccurate information, deletion, portability, restriction or objection to certain processing, or information about categories of personal information collected, used, or disclosed.
Where applicable law provides such rights, YouEmerge will respond to verified requests as required by law. YouEmerge may request information reasonably necessary to verify identity and authority to make the request.
YouEmerge will not unlawfully discriminate against a person for exercising privacy rights provided by applicable law.
31. U.S. State Privacy Rights
Residents of certain U.S. states may have additional rights under state privacy laws, which may include rights to know or access personal information, correct inaccuracies, request deletion, obtain a portable copy, or opt out of certain uses or disclosures where those rights apply.
If applicable law treats a particular disclosure or use as a “sale,” “sharing,” targeted advertising, or profiling that gives rise to an opt-out right, YouEmerge will provide the notice and choice required by that law for the applicable activity.
You may submit a privacy request using the contact information in Section 35. YouEmerge may need to verify your identity before completing a request and may deny a request where permitted by law. Where applicable law provides a right to appeal a denied request, YouEmerge will provide an appropriate method to submit that appeal.
32. Sensitive Personal Information
Certain Seller, payment, identity-verification, tax, or account-security processes may involve information that applicable law treats as sensitive personal information.
YouEmerge will use or disclose such information only as reasonably necessary for the applicable service, Transaction, verification, security, legal, or compliance purpose, or as otherwise permitted by applicable law.
Where a third-party payment or verification provider collects sensitive information directly, that provider may process the information under its own privacy notice and legal obligations.
33. International Users and Transfers
YouEmerge is operated by YouEmerge LLC in the United States. If you access YouEmerge from another country, your personal information may be processed in the United States or in other countries where YouEmerge or its service providers operate.
Data-protection laws in those countries may differ from the laws where you live. Where applicable law requires safeguards for an international transfer of personal information, YouEmerge will use legally recognized mechanisms or other safeguards as required.
Part 7 — Changes and Contact Information
34. Changes to This Privacy Policy
YouEmerge may update this Privacy Policy from time to time as the platform, marketplace, technology, service providers, or applicable legal requirements change.
When YouEmerge makes material changes, YouEmerge will provide reasonable notice where required or appropriate, which may include notice through YouEmerge, by email, or another appropriate method.
The revised Privacy Policy will state its effective date. Continued use of YouEmerge after the revised policy becomes effective will be subject to the revised policy to the extent permitted by applicable law.
35. Contacting YouEmerge About Privacy
Questions, concerns, or requests concerning this Privacy Policy or personal information may be directed to:
YouEmerge LLC
Email: emerge@YouEmerge.com
YouEmerge may establish additional privacy-request methods, forms, or contact information from time to time. Where a particular law requires a specific request method or additional disclosure, YouEmerge will provide that method or disclosure as required.