Privacy Policy

Effective Date: October 5, 2025

TLCars.ge ("we," "us," or "our") operates the website tlcars.ge (the "Site"), an automotive marketplace platform that allows users to check Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) codes for Korean and USA cars, upload cars for sale, upload car parts for sale, and post automotive services. We are committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information responsibly. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our Site or use our services.

By accessing or using the Site, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, please do not use the Site.

1. Information We Collect

We collect information from you in the following ways:

a. Information You Provide Directly

• Account Information: When you create an account to upload cars, car parts, or services for sale, or to post listings, we may collect your name, email address, phone number, username, password, and location (e.g., city or region in Georgia or elsewhere).
• Listing and Service Information: When uploading cars for sale, car parts, or posting services, you may provide details such as vehicle descriptions, VIN codes, photos, prices, condition reports, and contact information for inquiries.
• VIN Check Requests: When using the VIN check feature for Korean or USA cars, we collect the VIN code you submit, along with any associated query details.
• Payment Information: If you make purchases (e.g., for premium listings, parts, or services), we collect payment details such as credit card numbers, billing address, and transaction history. Note: We use third-party payment processors and do not store full payment card details on our servers.
• Communications: If you contact us via email, support forms, or chat, we collect the content of your messages, including any attachments.
• Other Submissions: Any other information you voluntarily provide, such as feedback, reviews, or survey responses.

b. Information Collected Automatically

• Device and Usage Data: We collect data about your device and how you interact with the Site, including IP address, browser type, operating system, referral URLs, pages viewed, time spent on pages, clickstream data, and access times.
• Cookies and Similar Technologies: We use cookies, web beacons, and pixel tags to track user activity, store preferences, and improve Site functionality. This may include session cookies (temporary) and persistent cookies (long-term). You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings.
• Location Data: If you enable location services (e.g., for service postings or searches), we may collect approximate location data based on your IP address or device GPS.

c. Information from Third Parties

• We may receive information from third-party sources, such as social media platforms if you log in via those services, or from partners providing VIN history data (e.g., accident reports, service records).
• Analytics providers like Google Analytics help us understand Site usage.

We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 (or the applicable age in your jurisdiction). If we learn we have collected such information, we will delete it.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information for the following purposes:

• To provide and maintain the Site's core features, such as processing VIN checks, displaying listings for cars and parts, facilitating service postings, and enabling user interactions (e.g., inquiries or purchases).
• To personalize your experience, such as recommending parts or services based on your searches or location.
• To process transactions, including payments for listings, parts, or services.
• To communicate with you, including sending confirmations, updates, newsletters, or promotional offers (you can opt out at any time).
• To improve the Site, analyze usage trends, and develop new features.
• To ensure security, prevent fraud, and enforce our Terms of Service (e.g., detecting unauthorized uploads).
• To comply with legal obligations, such as responding to subpoenas or tax reporting.
• For marketing and advertising, including targeted ads based on your interests (with your consent where required).

3. Sharing Your Information

We may share your information in these circumstances:

• With Service Providers: We share data with third-party vendors who assist us, such as payment processors (e.g., Stripe), hosting services, analytics tools, or VIN data providers. These providers are contractually obligated to protect your data.
• With Buyers/Sellers: When you post listings or services, your contact information may be shared with interested users to facilitate transactions.
• In Business Transfers: If we merge, acquire, or sell assets, your information may be transferred as part of the deal.
• For Legal Reasons: We may disclose information to comply with laws, respond to government requests, protect our rights, or prevent harm.
• With Your Consent: For any other purpose with your explicit permission.

We do not sell your personal information to third parties for their marketing purposes.

4. Data Security

We implement reasonable security measures to protect your information from unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. This includes encryption for sensitive data (e.g., passwords), firewalls, and secure servers. However, no system is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security. You are responsible for keeping your account credentials confidential.

5. Your Rights and Choices

Depending on your location (e.g., if you're in the EU/EEA under GDPR or similar laws), you may have rights such as:

• Access: Request a copy of your personal data.
• Correction: Update inaccurate information.
• Deletion: Request removal of your data (subject to legal retention requirements).
• Objection/Restriction: Object to processing or restrict it in certain cases.
• Portability: Receive your data in a transferable format.
• Withdraw Consent: Revoke consent for processing where applicable.

To exercise these rights, contact us at privacy@tlcars.ge. We will respond within 30 days (or as required by law).

You can also:

• Opt out of marketing emails via the unsubscribe link.
• Manage cookies through your browser.
• Disable location services in your device settings.

6. International Data Transfers

Our servers may be located in Georgia or other countries. If you are accessing the Site from outside Georgia, your data may be transferred internationally. We ensure appropriate safeguards, such as standard contractual clauses, for transfers to countries without adequate data protection laws.

7. Data Retention

We retain your information as long as necessary for the purposes outlined in this Policy, or as required by law. For example:

• Account data is kept while your account is active and for 7 years afterward for tax/audit purposes.
• VIN check logs may be retained for 1 year for security.
• We delete inactive accounts after 2 years of inactivity.

8. Third-Party Links

The Site may contain links to third-party websites (e.g., payment gateways or partner sites). We are not responsible for their privacy practices. Review their policies before providing information.

9. Cookies and Tracking

We use cookies for essential functions, analytics, and advertising. Categories include:

• Essential Cookies: Required for Site operation (e.g., session management).
• Analytics Cookies: Track usage to improve the Site.
• Advertising Cookies: Enable personalized ads.

For more details, see our Cookie Policy [link if separate, or integrate here].

10. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date. Significant changes will be notified via email or Site notice. Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance.

11. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, contact us at:

• Email: privacy@tlcars.ge
• Address: [Insert company address in Georgia, e.g., TLCars.ge, Tbilisi, Georgia]