Privacy Policy

Introduction

We prioritize your privacy and are dedicated to safeguarding your personal information. This Privacy Policy details the methods by which we collect, utilize, process, and share your data when you engage with our platform. By accessing our services, you acknowledge and consent to the practices described in this policy.​Volunteer Network

Throughout this document, references to “Volunteer Network,” “we,” “our,” or “Platform” pertain to the Volunteer Network company, which acts as the Data Handler responsible for your information. Please note that this policy is exclusive to our services and does not extend to external sites or services outside our ownership

1. Information We Collect

We gather various types of information to operate and enhance our Platform. The data collected and its purpose depend on your role (traveler, host, or both) and how you use our services.

1.1 Information You Provide to Us

• For All Users Registering on Volunteer Network:
  • Account Information: This includes your first name, last name, email, date of birth, country of nationality, and preferred pronoun. This information is crucial for identification, communication, and delivering our services and support.
  • Preferences and Interests: Details such as your skills, travel motivations and interests, travel experience level, budget and support preferences, language proficiency, desired destinations and programs, and profile picture. This data is primarily used to tailor your experience on the platform and to enhance our advertising and marketing strategies.
  • Additional Profile Information: You may choose to add your educational and work history, previous travel experiences, social media links, a presentation video, personal description, and photos to your profile, which will be visible to other users. Hosts use this information to assess compatibility with the experiences they offer. Volunteer Network Academy certificates are automatically added to travelers’ profiles upon completion of the respective video classes.
• For Users Acting as Hosts:
  • Property Information: This encompasses the property name, full address, latitude and longitude, photos, phone number, online references, and documentation demonstrating your relationship with the project. This information is essential for project identification, conducting our Quality and Safety assessments, and facilitating communication, support, and the provision of Volunteer Network’ services.
  • Volunteer Position Information: Details regarding the activities, offerings, rules, and any other pertinent information that the project should make available to interested travelers.

1.2 Information We Collect Automatically

When you interact with our Platform, we automatically gather certain data to enhance your user experience and ensure the effective operation of our services.

• Usage Information: We collect details about your interactions with the Platform, such as the pages or content you view, your searches, bookings you have made, and other actions on the Platform.
• Log Data and Device Information: We automatically collect log data and device information when you access and use the Platform, even if you have not created an account or logged in. This information includes details about how you’ve used the Platform (including if you clicked on links to third-party applications), IP address, access dates and times, hardware and software information, device information, device event information, unique identifiers, crash data, cookie data, and the pages you’ve viewed or engaged with before or after using the Platform.
• Cookies and Similar Technologies: We use cookies and other similar technologies when you use our Platform, our mobile app, or engage with our online ads or emails. We collect certain information through these technologies, such as browser type, IP address, user behavior, and other diagnostic data to enhance and personalize your experience, perform analytics, and deliver advertising.
• Geolocation Information: When you use certain features of the Platform, we may collect information about your precise or approximate location as determined through data such as your IP address or mobile device’s GPS to offer you an improved user experience. Most mobile devices allow you to control or disable the use of location services for applications in the device’s settings.
• Payment Transaction Information: We collect information related to your payment transactions through the Platform, including the payment instrument used, date and time, payment amount, payment instrument expiration date, billing postcode, PayPal email address, IBAN information, your address, and other related transaction details. This information is necessary for the adequate performance of the contract between you and Volunteer Network for the provision of payment services.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for various purposes, all aimed at enhancing your experience, ensuring platform security, and providing seamless services.

• Providing and Improving Our Services:
  Your data allows us to facilitate connections between volunteers and hosts, improve platform functionalities, and tailor recommendations based on your interests and preferences.
• Communication and Support:
  We use your contact details to send notifications, respond to inquiries, and provide customer support regarding your account, applications, and interactions on the Platform.
• Personalization and Marketing:
  Your preferences and behavior help us customize content, suggest relevant experiences, and offer targeted advertisements. If you prefer not to receive marketing emails, you can opt out at any time through your account settings.
• Ensuring Trust and Safety:
  We monitor user activity to detect and prevent fraudulent behavior, unauthorized access, and security breaches. We may also analyze interactions to enhance user safety and maintain a respectful community environment.
• Legal and Compliance Requirements:
  We may process your information to comply with legal obligations, enforce our Terms of Service, or respond to legal requests from authorities.

3. Sharing Your Information

We value your privacy and do not sell or rent your personal data. However, we may share certain information with trusted third parties in the following circumstances:

• With Service Providers:
  We collaborate with third-party companies that assist in payment processing, platform maintenance, data analytics, and customer support. These service providers access only the necessary information required to perform their duties.
• With Other Users (Volunteers & Hosts):
  When you engage with the Platform, your profile information, including name, profile picture, skills, and experiences, may be visible to other users to facilitate connections between travelers and hosts. Hosts also display their listings and contact details for volunteers to apply.
• For Legal and Security Reasons:
  We may disclose your information if required by law, court orders, or government requests. This may also include cases where disclosure is necessary to prevent fraud, protect our rights, enforce policies, or investigate potential violations.
• With Social Media Platforms:
  If you connect your account to social media services, certain profile details may be shared with those platforms based on your settings.
• In Case of Business Transfers:
  If Volunteer Network undergoes a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred to the new entity. We will notify you if such a transfer affects your personal data.

4. Your Rights and Choices

We believe in giving you control over your personal information. You have several rights regarding how your data is handled:

• Access and Update:
  You can review, edit, and update your personal information through your account settings. Keeping your data accurate ensures a better experience on the Platform.
• Data Deletion:
  You may request the deletion of your account and associated personal information. However, we may retain certain data as required by law, for fraud prevention, or to resolve disputes.
• Marketing Preferences:
  If you no longer wish to receive promotional communications, you can opt out via your account settings or by following the unsubscribe link in our emails.
• Cookies and Tracking:
  You can manage your cookie preferences through your browser settings, limiting how we collect data using cookies.
• Restricting or Objecting to Processing:
  In certain circumstances, you have the right to restrict how your data is processed or to object to its use for specific purposes.

5. Security Measures

We implement strict security measures to protect your personal data from unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:

• Encryption & Secure Storage:
  Your data is encrypted and stored securely to prevent unauthorized access.
• Access Controls:
  Only authorized personnel can access certain types of personal data, ensuring limited exposure.
• Monitoring & Prevention:
  We continuously monitor our systems to detect and prevent security threats, fraudulent activities, and unauthorized access attempts.

While we take extensive precautions to safeguard your information, no system is entirely secure. You should also take precautions, such as using strong passwords and avoiding sharing sensitive information in public forums.

6. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your browsing experience, improve our services, and analyze user behavior.

• What Are Cookies?
  Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit our Platform. They help us recognize your preferences, remember login details, and optimize performance.
• Types of Cookies We Use:
  • Essential Cookies: Necessary for core platform functionality, such as logging in and secure browsing.
  • Analytical Cookies: Help us understand user behavior and improve our services.
  • Marketing Cookies: Used to display personalized ads based on your interests and browsing activity.
  • Functionality Cookies: Remember your settings, preferences, and past interactions with the Platform.
• Managing Cookies:
  You can control or disable cookies through your browser settings. However, restricting cookies may impact certain features and functionalities of the Platform.

7. Third-Party Links and Social Plugins

Our Platform may contain links to third-party websites and integrate with social media plugins. Please be aware of the following:

• Third-Party Websites:
  When you click on external links, you may be directed to other websites that have their own privacy policies. We are not responsible for their data practices or content.
• Social Media Plugins:
  Our Platform may offer social media integrations (such as Facebook, Google, or Instagram logins). If you use these features, the social media platforms may collect information about your activity on our site. The use of your data by these platforms is governed by their respective privacy policies.

To protect your privacy, we recommend reviewing the privacy policies of third-party websites and social media platforms before engaging with them.

8. Data Retention

We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, including legal, accounting, or reporting obligations.

• Account Information:
  If you deactivate your account, we may retain certain data for fraud prevention, dispute resolution, or compliance with legal obligations.
• Transaction and Communication Data:
  Information related to payments, bookings, and user communications may be retained for record-keeping and platform security.
• Legal and Compliance Requirements:
  In some cases, we may be required to retain specific data for regulatory or security purposes, even after account deletion.

Once the retention period expires, your data will be securely deleted or anonymized for analytical purposes.

9. International Data Transfers

As we operate globally, your personal information may be transferred to and processed in countries outside your residence. We take appropriate safeguards to ensure your data is protected, regardless of location.

• Legal Protections:
  We implement standard contractual clauses, data protection agreements, and other safeguards to comply with international data protection laws.
• Third-Party Service Providers:
  Some of our service providers, such as payment processors and cloud storage providers, may be located in different countries. We ensure they comply with data security and privacy regulations.

By using our Platform, you acknowledge that your information may be transferred to jurisdictions with different data protection standards than your home country.

10. Children’s Privacy

Our Platform is not intended for individuals under the age of 18.

• Age Restriction:
  We do not knowingly collect or process personal data from users under 18. If we become aware that a minor has provided personal information, we will take steps to delete it.
• Parental Guidance:
  If you believe a child has provided us with personal information without parental consent, please contact us so we can take appropriate action.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in legal requirements, our services, or how we handle your data.

• Notification of Changes:
  Significant updates will be communicated through notifications on our Platform or via email, depending on the nature of the change.
• Reviewing the Policy:
  We encourage you to periodically review this Privacy Policy to stay informed about how we protect your information. Your continued use of our services after updates signifies your acceptance of the revised policy.

12. Contact Information

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or how we handle your personal data, you can contact us through the following:

• Email:
• Support Page:

We will do our best to respond promptly and address your concerns in accordance with applicable privacy laws.