Privacy policy.

Effective Date: 01/06/2025

This Privacy Policy explains how HIWACORP LTD ("we", "our", or "us") collects, uses, and protects your personal data when you visit the AI-FORGE website or use any of our services. We are committed to protecting your privacy and complying with UK data protection laws, including the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

1. Who We Are

HIWACORP LTD is a limited company registered in England and Wales. Our product, AI-FORGE, is a professional digital platform that connects clients with AI-skilled freelancers. We act as the data controller for the personal information you provide.

If you have any questions about this policy, contact:

📩 Email: info@hiwacorp.com
📍 Registered Office: [Insert Company Address]

2. What Data We Collect

We may collect and process the following types of personal data:

  • Identity data: Name, job title, company name

  • Contact data: Email address, telephone number

  • Payment data: Processed securely via Stripe (we do not store card details)

  • Profile data: Biography, skill tags, portfolio, badges, user ratings

  • Usage data: IP address, browser type, device, and page interactions

  • Marketing preferences: Your preferences for receiving marketing communications

We do not knowingly collect personal data from anyone under the age of 18.

3. How We Use Your Data

We use your data for the following purposes:

  • To provide access to the AI-FORGE platform and services

  • To process and manage payments and subscriptions

  • To communicate with you regarding your account or support requests

  • To send onboarding or product updates (where consented)

  • To personalise your experience on the platform

  • To comply with legal and regulatory obligations

4. Legal Basis for Processing

We rely on the following legal bases:

  • Performance of a contract: To deliver the services you signed up for

  • Legitimate interests: To operate and improve our platform

  • Consent: For email marketing and promotional communications

  • Legal obligation: For tax, anti-fraud, and compliance purposes

5. Data Sharing

We may share your data with trusted third parties only where necessary:

  • Payment processor: Stripe, to process transactions securely

  • Platform infrastructure providers: To deliver digital services

  • Marketing/email platforms: For communication and onboarding

  • Professional advisors: Such as legal, tax, or auditors

  • Legal authorities: When required by law

Your data will never be sold or rented to third parties.

6. International Transfers

If your data is transferred outside the UK or EEA, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, such as Standard Contractual Clauses approved by the UK ICO or adequacy decisions.

7. Data Retention

We retain your personal data only as long as necessary:

  • For active accounts: as long as you use the platform

  • For closed or inactive accounts: up to 6 years for financial/legal compliance

  • For marketing preferences: until you withdraw consent

8. Your Rights

Under UK GDPR, you have the right to:

  • Access your personal data

  • Correct inaccurate or incomplete data

  • Request deletion (the “right to be forgotten”)

  • Object to processing or restrict it in certain circumstances

  • Withdraw consent at any time for marketing

  • Request portability of your data

  • Lodge a complaint with the UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)

You can exercise these rights by contacting: info@hiwacorp.com

9. Cookies

We may use essential and optional cookies to improve your experience, monitor traffic, and personalise content.

You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings or opt-out banner where applicable. A full cookie policy will be provided separately.

10. Marketing and Communication

If you opt in to receive marketing communications, we may send emails about platform updates, features, events, or offers. You may unsubscribe at any time via the link in any marketing email or by contacting us.

11. Security

We implement appropriate technical and organisational security measures to protect your data. However, no internet-based platform can be 100% secure. You are responsible for keeping your login details confidential.

12. Policy Updates

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date. We recommend checking this page regularly.

By using the AI-FORGE website or services, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy.