Privacy policy

1. What we collect

Account details (name, email, phone, address, postcode), login credentials (stored hashed), listing and booking information, messages sent through the platform, reviews, payment records for rentals, and verification data including photo ID images.

2. Why we use it

• To run the marketplace (accounts, listings, bookings, chat)
• To build trust: verify email, phone, address, and photo ID before listings go live or before we connect borrowers and listers
• To process payments for bookings made on the platform
• To handle handovers, damage reports, and reviews
• To keep the platform safe and prevent fraud

3. Photo ID

Photo ID is stored securely and used only for identity checks. We never show your ID document to other users. Other people only see a public “Photo ID checked” badge. You can ask us about deletion subject to legal retention needs (for example, dispute records).

4. What other users can see

Profiles may show your first name (or display name), member-since date, number of rentals, reviews, response rate, and verification badges. Exact street address and ID images are not shown publicly. Rough location (such as postcode area) may appear on listings.

5. Messages

Order chat stays inside BorrowLocal. Messages are stored so both parties can arrange handovers and so we can review them if there is a safety or payment dispute.

6. Sharing

We do not sell your personal data. We may share data with payment providers, hosting providers, or if required by law. In this MVP, data stays on the local application environment.

7. Retention & security

We keep data only as long as needed for the purposes above, including legal and accounting needs. We use access controls for sensitive files such as ID uploads.

8. Your rights

Under UK GDPR you may have rights to access, correct, delete, or restrict processing of your data, and to object or complain to the ICO. Contact us via the platform to exercise these rights.

9. Cookies

We use essential cookies/session storage to keep you signed in and make the site work. See our Cookie Policy for details.

10. Changes

We may update this policy. See also our Terms & conditions and Contact page.