Privacy Policy

The data controller for personal data is:

Empathy Connect may collect the following data:

• first and last name
• contact information (email, phone number)
• location (for local matching)
• profile information (description, availability, photo)
• reviews and ratings left on the platform
• technical data (IP address, browser type, connection logs)

The data is used to:

• facilitate connections between users
• ensure the security of the platform and prevent abuse
• improve the service and user experience
• communicate with users (notifications, support)
• comply with applicable legal obligations

Processing is based on:

• user consent (when creating an account)
• performance of the contract concluded via the Terms and Conditions
• legitimate interest of the platform (security, fraud prevention)
• compliance with legal obligations

The data is retained:

• for the entire duration of user account usage
• up to 12 months after account deletion, for security purposes and to manage any potential disputes
• beyond this period, only if legally required (accounting, record keeping, etc.)

Data may be shared with:

• other users, strictly for the purpose of connecting users
• our technical service providers (hosting, email sending, analytics), who are bound by confidentiality agreements
• the competent authorities, if required by law

If data is transferred outside of Switzerland or the European Union, Empathy Connect ensures that adequate safeguards are in place (standard contractual clauses, countries recognized as offering an adequate level of protection).

Empathy Connect implements reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect personal data against unauthorized access, modification, disclosure, or destruction.

The platform may use cookies and similar technologies to:

• ensure the website's operation (essential cookies)
• measure audience and improve the service (analytical cookies)

Users can configure or refuse non-essential cookies at any time via the consent banner or their browser settings.

In accordance with the nLPD and the GDPR, each user has the following rights:

• right of access to their data
• right to rectification
• right to erasure (“right to be forgotten”)
• right to restriction of processing
• right to data portability
• right to object to processing
• right to withdraw consent at any time

These rights can be exercised by contacting: contact@empathy-connect.ch.

Any user who believes their rights have not been respected may file a complaint with:

• The Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner (FDPIC) – Switzerland
• or the competent supervisory authority in their country of residence (EU).

Empathy Connect reserves the right to modify this privacy policy. Users will be notified of any substantial changes.