hiyrd Privacy Policy

Effective Date: 21/11/2025
Last Updated: 21/11/2025
Version: 2.0

1. Introduction

hiyrd Inc. ("hiyrd," "we," "us," or "our") operates the hiyrd professional networking platform (the "Services"), which includes our mobile application, website, and related services. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect information about you when you use our Services.

By using hiyrd, you agree to this Privacy Policy and our Terms of Service. If you do not agree, do not use our Services.

Data Controller

The data controller responsible for your personal data is hiyrd Inc, a Delaware corporation.

hiyrd Inc is wholly owned by hiyrd Ltd, a company registered in England and Wales. Where required by UK or EU data protection law, hiyrd Ltd acts as the representative for users located in the United Kingdom and European Economic Area.

1.1 Our Commitment

As a professional networking platform for Gen-Z, we are committed to:

• Transparency about data collection and use
• Protecting your professional reputation
• Giving you control over your information
• Complying with all applicable privacy laws

1.2 Age Requirement

You must be at least 17 years old to use hiyrd. We do not knowingly collect information from anyone under 17. If we discover an account belongs to someone under 17, we will immediately delete it.

1.3 Data Minimization Principle

We follow the principle of data minimization - we only collect information that is necessary for the purposes described in this Privacy Policy. We do not collect excessive data, and we regularly review our data collection practices to ensure we're not collecting more than we need.

2. Information We Collect

We collect the following categories of data, some of which may be linked to your identity for the purpose of providing, securing, and improving the Services:

• Contact Information (email, phone)
• User Content (videos, posts, messages)
• Identifiers (user ID, device ID, IP address)
• Usage Data (interaction events, feature usage, viewing history)
• Diagnostics (crash logs, performance data)
• Location Data (approximate; precise only with permission)
• Professional Information (employment, education, credentials)

Data Linking Disclosure: Some of the data we collect is linked to your identity (such as contact information, identifiers, and user content), and some data is collected in a way that is not linked to you (such as aggregated analytics or de-identified technical data).

2.1 Information You Provide

Professional Profile Information (Public)

• Name (real name required - no pseudonyms)
• Professional headshot or logo
• Job title and company
• Education and credentials
• Skills and expertise
• Work experience and portfolio
• Location (city/state)
• Professional bio
• Contact information you choose to share

Biometric Data Disclosure: Although users may upload videos or images that include their likeness, we do not collect, generate, or store biometric identifiers or biometric templates, and we do not perform facial recognition analysis.

Account Information (Private)

• Email address
• Phone number
• Password (encrypted)
• Date of birth (to verify age)
• Account settings and preferences

Content You Create

• Videos, images, and text posts
• Comments and messages
• Job postings (for employers)
• Professional endorsements
• Reported content or safety concerns

2.2 Information We Collect Automatically

Usage Information

• How you interact with our Services
• Features you use and actions you take
• Time, frequency, and duration of activities
• Searches and viewing history
• Referral source

Device Information

• Device type and model
• Operating system and version
• Unique device identifiers
• Mobile network information
• IP address
• Browser type and version

Location Information

• Approximate location from IP address
• Precise location (only with your permission)
• Location-based job recommendations

Analytics Information

• App performance data
• Crash reports and error logs
• Feature usage statistics

2.3 Information from Third Parties

Google Play Sensitive Data Disclosure: Some of the information we collect is considered "sensitive personal data" under Google Play's policies (including professional background, user-generated videos, and workplace discussions). We collect and process this data only for purposes clearly described in this Privacy Policy.

Social Media (if you connect accounts)

• Basic profile information
• Professional information
• Connections (to suggest networking opportunities)

Other Users

• When users sync contacts (with permission)
• References or endorsements about you
• Content that includes you

Service Providers

• Identity verification services
• Payment processors (for premium features)
• Analytics providers

3. How We Use Your Information

3.1 To Provide Our Services

• Create and maintain your account
• Display your professional profile
• Connect you with job opportunities
• Facilitate networking and business relationships
• Process transactions
• Provide customer support

3.2 To Improve and Personalize

• Recommend relevant jobs and connections
• Customize content based on your interests
• Develop new features
• Improve our algorithms
• Conduct research and analytics

3.3 To Communicate

• Service-related announcements
• Job opportunities matching your profile
• Networking suggestions
• Security alerts
• Marketing (with your consent)

3.4 For Safety and Security

• Verify accounts and prevent fraud
• Detect and prevent spam
• Investigate violations of our Terms
• Enforce our Community Guidelines
• Protect against illegal activities
• Comply with legal obligations

3.5 For Legal Compliance

• Respond to legal requests
• Comply with applicable laws
• Protect our rights and property
• Prevent harm to users or the public

4. How We Share Your Information

4.1 Our Data Sharing Commitment

We never sell, rent, or trade your personal information. We only share your information in the specific circumstances described below.

We Do Not Sell or Share Data: We do not sell or share personal information as defined under California, Virginia, Colorado, Connecticut, or Utah privacy laws. We have never sold personal information and have no plans to do so.

4.2 Your Public Profile

Your professional profile is public and can be:

• Viewed by all hiyrd users
• Found through search engines
• Shared by other users
• Accessed at hiyrd.com/[username]

4.3 With Your Consent

• When you apply to jobs
• When you connect with other professionals
• When you authorize third-party access

4.4 With Employers and Recruiters

When you apply for opportunities, we share:

• Your public profile
• Application materials
• Contact information (if you consent)

4.5 Service Providers

We share information with vendors who help us:

• Host and maintain our platform
• Analyze usage and improve services
• Send communications
• Process payments
• Provide customer support

All service providers must:

• Protect your information
• Use it only for specified purposes
• Comply with this Privacy Policy

4.6 Legal and Safety Reasons

We may disclose information to:

• Comply with legal obligations
• Respond to lawful requests
• Protect safety of users
• Investigate fraud or security issues
• Enforce our Terms and Guidelines
• Protect our rights and property

4.7 Business Transfers

If hiyrd is involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred. We will notify you before any transfer that results in a change to this Privacy Policy.

4.8 Aggregated Information

We may share aggregated, non-identifying information about our users for business purposes.

5. Your Rights and Choices

5.1 Access and Portability

You can:

• Access your personal information
• Download your data
• Request a copy of your information

5.2 Correction and Deletion

Account Deletion (Apple Required Disclosure):

You may delete your account at any time from within the app by navigating to Settings → Account → Delete Account.

Google Play Account Deletion: You can request deletion of your account and all associated data directly within the app at any time.

When you initiate deletion:

• Your profile becomes inaccessible immediately
• Most data is permanently deleted within 30 days
• Backups are removed within 90 days
• Content that other users have reshared may remain until they delete it
• We may retain information where required for legal, safety, or fraud-prevention purposes

Deletion Appeal: If you believe your account or data was deleted in error, you may request a review by contacting privacy@hiyrd.com.

You can also:

• Update your profile anytime
• Correct inaccurate information
• Delete your account
• Request removal of specific content

5.3 Communication Preferences

You can control:

• Email notifications
• Push notifications
• Marketing communications
• Job alerts

5.4 Privacy Settings

You can manage:

• Profile visibility
• Who can contact you
• What information is public
• Connected accounts

5.5 California Privacy Rights (CCPA)

California residents have additional rights:

• Right to know what information we collect
• Right to delete personal information
• Right to opt-out of "sales" (we don't sell data)
• Right to non-discrimination

No Sale or Sharing Disclosure: We do not sell or share personal information as defined under California, Virginia, Colorado, Connecticut, or Utah privacy laws.

To exercise these rights: privacy@hiyrd.com

5.6 European Privacy Rights (GDPR)

If GDPR applies, you also have:

• Right to object to processing
• Right to restrict processing
• Right to data portability
• Right to lodge a complaint

5.7 State Privacy Rights

Residents of Virginia, Colorado, Connecticut, and Utah have similar rights under state laws.

6. Data Retention

We retain your information for as long as:

• Your account is active
• Necessary to provide Services
• Required for legitimate business purposes
• Required by law

After account deletion:

• Profile removed within 30 days
• Backups deleted within 90 days
• Some information retained for legal/safety reasons

7. Data Security

7.1 Our Security Measures

• Encryption in transit and at rest
• Secure servers and infrastructure
• Regular security audits
• Access controls and authentication
• Employee training and confidentiality
• Incident response procedures

7.2 Your Responsibilities

• Use a strong, unique password
• Keep login credentials confidential
• Enable two-factor authentication
• Report security concerns immediately
• Use secure networks when possible

7.3 No Guarantee

While we use industry-standard security measures, no system is 100% secure. You use our Services at your own risk.

8. Children's Privacy

Our Services are not for anyone under 17. We do not knowingly collect information from anyone under 17. If you believe someone under 17 has provided us information, contact us immediately at privacy@hiyrd.com.

Parents/guardians who believe their child has provided information should contact us to request deletion.

9. International Data Transfers

hiyrd is based in the United States. Your information will be:

• Processed in the United States
• Subject to US laws
• Potentially transferred internationally

By using hiyrd, you consent to these transfers. We use appropriate safeguards for international transfers.

10. Third-Party Services and Links

10.1 Third-Party Services We Use

• Analytics: Google Analytics, Firebase
• Infrastructure: AWS, Google Cloud
• Communications: SendGrid, Twilio
• Payments: Stripe (for premium features)
• Support: Zendesk

10.2 Third-Party Links

Our Services may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for their privacy practices. Review their policies before providing information.

10.3 Social Media Features

If you connect social media accounts:

• We access only professional information
• You can disconnect anytime
• Their privacy policies also apply

10.4 Third-Party SDK Disclosure

Some third-party SDKs (such as analytics, crash reporting, and communications providers) may collect data directly from your device as part of their service integration. These providers process data in accordance with their own privacy policies.

11. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

11.1 What We Use

• Essential Cookies: Required for functionality
• Analytics Cookies: Understand usage
• Preference Cookies: Remember settings
• Marketing Cookies: Measure ad effectiveness

11.2 Your Cookie Choices

• Browser settings to block cookies
• Opt-out of analytics
• Do Not Track signals (honored where required)
• Mobile ad identifiers settings

11.3 Consequences of Disabling

Some features may not work properly without cookies.

12. Marketing and Advertising

12.1 App Tracking Transparency (ATT)

We do not track your activity across third-party apps or websites for advertising purposes unless you explicitly grant permission through Apple's App Tracking Transparency (ATT) framework.

12.2 Our Marketing

• Job opportunities matching your profile
• Platform features and updates
• Professional development content
• Industry insights

You can opt-out of marketing emails anytime.

12.3 Advertising

We may show relevant professional ads within our platform based on:

• Your professional interests
• Job search activity within hiyrd
• Non-identifying information

Important:

• We don't share your personal information with advertisers
• We don't track you across other apps or websites
• All advertising is contained within the hiyrd platform
• You can opt-out of personalized ads in Settings

13. Specific Provisions

13.1 Professional Content Only

Consistent with our Terms and Community Guidelines:

• No dating or social content
• Professional networking only
• Real names required
• No entertainment content

13.2 Trust and Safety

We may review content and messages for:

• Scams and fraud (priority removal within 2 hours)
• Illegal content (removal within 4 hours)
• Harassment (review within 12 hours)
• Community Guidelines violations
• Child safety concerns

13.3 No Impersonation

You must use your real professional identity. False information violates our Terms and may result in account termination.

13.4 Employer Accounts

Employers and recruiters must:

• Provide accurate company information
• Post only legitimate opportunities
• Comply with employment laws
• Respect candidate privacy

14. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. We will notify you of material changes via:

• In-app notifications
• Email to your registered address
• Prominent notice on our website

Continue using hiyrd after changes means you accept the updated Policy.

15. Contact Information

15.1 Privacy Inquiries

Email: privacy@hiyrd.com
Support: support@hiyrd.com
Legal: legal@hiyrd.com

15.2 Mailing Address

hiyrd Inc.
5900 Balcones Drive #15608
Austin, TX 78731
USA

15.3 Data Protection Officer

For GDPR inquiries: dpo@hiyrd.com

15.4 California Privacy Rights

California residents: privacy@hiyrd.com

16. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)

If GDPR applies, we process your information based on:

• Contract: To provide our Services
• Legitimate Interests: Platform safety and improvement
• Legal Obligation: Compliance with laws
• Consent: Marketing and optional features
• Vital Interests: Protecting safety

17. Automated Decision Making

17.1 AI Content Moderation

We use automated systems to detect harmful or unprofessional content. These systems may flag or temporarily restrict content, but all enforcement decisions that materially affect an account are subject to human review. Users may appeal any moderation action.

17.2 Other Automated Systems

We use automated systems to:

• Match you with job opportunities
• Detect spam and fraud
• Recommend connections
• Personalize content

You can request human review of automated decisions that significantly affect you.

18. Additional Disclosures

18.1 Nevada Residents

Nevada residents may opt-out of sale of personal information (though we don't sell it): privacy@hiyrd.com

18.2 Brazilian Residents (LGPD)

If LGPD applies, you have similar rights to GDPR.

18.3 Industry-Specific Compliance

We comply with sector-specific requirements when applicable (HIPAA for healthcare professionals, etc.)