Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy explains how TrustedContractor Network collects, uses, and protects your personal information.

1. Information We Collect

Account Information: When you register, we collect your name, email address, username, password (stored hashed), and role (GC or Subcontractor).

Profile Information: Subcontractors may provide company name, contact details, trade category, location, license number, insurance documentation, and business description. This information is displayed publicly on your profile.

Usage Data: We collect information about how you use the platform including pages visited, searches performed, bids submitted, and messages sent.

Uploaded Documents: Insurance certificates, license documents, and other compliance files you upload are stored securely on our servers.

Communications: Messages sent through the platform are stored to provide the messaging service.

2. How We Use Your Information

• Provide, maintain, and improve the platform
• Verify contractor credentials and compliance documents
• Enable GCs to find and connect with subcontractors
• Send transactional emails (bid notifications, password resets, compliance reminders)
• Enforce our Terms of Service and protect platform integrity
• Analyze platform usage to improve user experience
• Respond to support requests and inquiries

3. Information Sharing

We do not sell your personal information. We share information only:

• With other users: Verified subcontractor profiles (including company name, trade, location, license status, and compliance badges) are visible to GCs on the platform
• With service providers: We may share data with hosting, email delivery, and other service providers who help us operate the platform, under appropriate data processing agreements
• For legal compliance: We may disclose information when required by law, court order, or to protect the safety of users or the public
• Business transfers: If we merge with or are acquired by another company, user data may be transferred as part of that transaction

4. CSLB License Verification

To verify contractor licenses, we query the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) public database using license numbers provided by subcontractors. The CSLB is a public agency and this information is publicly available. We store CSLB verification results including license status, classification, and expiry dates.

5. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These include:

• Passwords are hashed using bcrypt — we never store plain-text passwords
• Password reset tokens expire after 2 hours
• Uploaded documents are stored in a non-public server directory
• HTTPS encryption for all data in transit

No method of internet transmission or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your data, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

6. Your Rights and Choices

You have the right to:

• Access: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you
• Correction: Update or correct inaccurate information through your profile settings
• Deletion: Request deletion of your account and associated data
• Opt-out: Unsubscribe from non-transactional email communications

To exercise these rights, contact us at our contact page.

7. Cookies

We use session cookies to keep you logged in while using the platform. These are essential cookies required for the platform to function. We do not use tracking or advertising cookies. You can disable cookies in your browser settings, but this will prevent you from logging in.

8. Data Retention

We retain your account information as long as your account is active. If you delete your account, we will delete your personal data within 30 days, except where we are required to retain it for legal or compliance purposes. Bid history and reviews may be retained in anonymized form.

9. Children's Privacy

TrustedContractor Network is intended for professional use by individuals 18 years or older. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18. If you believe we have collected information from a minor, please contact us immediately.

10. California Privacy Rights (CCPA)

California residents have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), including the right to know what personal data we collect, the right to delete your data, and the right to opt out of the sale of personal information. We do not sell personal information. To exercise your CCPA rights, contact us using the information below.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. We will notify registered users of material changes via email or a prominent notice on the platform. Your continued use of the platform after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

12. Contact Us

For privacy-related questions or to exercise your rights, contact us at: