Privacy Policy

Information We Collect

We collect information you provide directly, and information collected automatically when you use our platform.

Information You Provide

• Account information: Name, email address, password (hashed), and optional phone number when you register.
• Ad listings: Title, description, price, category, location, and photos you upload.
• Messages: Content of messages sent through our messaging system between users.
• Contact form: Name, email, and message when you contact us.

Information Collected Automatically

• Log data: IP address, browser type, pages visited, and timestamps.
• Cookies: Session cookies for login state and preferences.
• Device information: Browser version, operating system, and screen resolution.

How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

• Provide, operate, and improve the OKZ.ca platform
• Create and manage your account
• Display your ads to potential buyers
• Send transactional emails (verification, password reset, ad notifications)
• Respond to your support requests
• Detect and prevent fraud, spam, and abuse
• Comply with legal obligations

Sharing Your Information

We may share your information with:

• Other users: Your publicly posted ad content (title, description, price, city, photos) is visible to all site visitors. Your email is never publicly displayed.
• Service providers: Third-party services that help us operate (email delivery via our SMTP provider). These providers are contractually bound to protect your data.
• Law enforcement: When required by law or to protect the safety of users or the public.

Cookies & Tracking

OKZ.ca uses session cookies to keep you logged in and remember your preferences. We do not use third-party advertising cookies or cross-site tracking technologies.

You can disable cookies in your browser settings, but some features (such as staying logged in) may not function correctly.

Data Security

We take reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information, including:

• HTTPS encryption for all data in transit
• Passwords stored using strong one-way hashing (bcrypt)
• Access to user data restricted to authorized personnel only
• Regular security reviews

No method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide you with the Service. You may request deletion of your account and associated data at any time. Expired ads are removed from public view but may be retained in our database for 90 days for fraud prevention.

Your Rights

Under PIPEDA, you have the right to:

• Access the personal information we hold about you
• Correct inaccurate information
• Delete your account and personal data
• Withdraw consent for non-essential data processing
• File a complaint with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at privacy@okz.ca.

Children's Privacy

OKZ.ca is not directed at children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us and we will delete it promptly.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we make significant changes, we will notify you by email or by posting a notice on our site. Continued use of OKZ.ca after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the revised policy.

Contact Us

For privacy-related questions or to exercise your rights, contact our Privacy Officer at privacy@okz.ca or through our contact page.

You may also contact the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada:
www.priv.gc.ca  ·  Toll-free: 1-800-282-1376