Shapework.io – Privacy Policy

Effective Date: 01/06/2025

This Privacy Policy explains how Shapework.io (“we”, “us”, or “our”) collects, uses, shares, and protects personal information when you use our website and services. We are committed to safeguarding your privacy and handling your personal data transparently and in compliance with applicable laws, including the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Ghana Data Protection Act, 2012 (Act 843).

By using our Platform, you agree to the collection and use of your information in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

1. Who We Are

ShapeWork.io is operated by:

  • Shapeways.io, registered in the United Kingdom.
  • Shapeways.io, registered in the Republic of Ghana.

If you have any questions, contact us at: info@shapeways.io

2. Information We Collect

We collect the following categories of information:

  • Personal Information
  • Name
  • Email address
  • Phone number
  • Billing and payment details (via Stripe)
  • Country and city
  • Freelancer or Buyer profile information
  • Account & Transactional Data
  • Login credentials (encrypted)
  • Services posted, purchased, or completed
  • Communications with other users
  • Payout requests and history
  • Technical Information
  • IP address
  • Browser type and version
  • Device type
  • Operating system
  • Cookies and tracking technologies

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your data to:

  • Create and manage your account
  • Process payments securely via Stripe
  • Facilitate transactions between Freelancers and Buyers
  • Communicate with you about your account and services
  • Prevent fraud, enforce our Terms & Conditions, and resolve disputes
  • Improve our platform’s performance, user experience, and functionality
  • Comply with legal obligations in the UK and Ghana

4. Legal Bases for Processing (UK & Ghana)

We process your personal data under the following legal bases:

  • Performance of a contract: To deliver services you request or purchase.
  • Legitimate interests: To prevent fraud, ensure security, and improve our services.
  • Legal obligation: To comply with tax, financial, and regulatory requirements.
  • Consent: For marketing or cookies where applicable (you can withdraw consent at any time).

5. How We Share Your Information

We may share your information with:

  • Stripe for payment processing (see Stripe’s Privacy Policy: https://stripe.com/privacy)
  • Service providers who assist with website operations, hosting, and analytics
  • Government authorities if required by law in the UK or Ghana
  • In the event of a merger or acquisition

We do not sell or rent your personal data to third parties.

6. International Data Transfers

As a platform operating in both the UK and Ghana, and serving users globally:

  • Your data may be transferred and stored outside your country of residence.
  • We take appropriate safeguards to ensure an adequate level of data protection in line with UK GDPR and Ghana’s Data Protection Act.

7. How We Protect Your Data

We implement reasonable technical and organizational measures to:

  • Protect your data from unauthorized access, loss, or misuse
  • Encrypt sensitive information (e.g., passwords, Stripe tokens)
  • Restrict access to personal data to authorized staff only

However, no system is 100% secure. Use strong passwords and report any suspicious activity to us immediately.

8. Data Retention

We retain personal data:

  • As long as your account is active
  • As required to fulfill contractual or legal obligations
  • For up to 7 years for tax and financial compliance, unless a longer retention period is required by law

9. Your Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the right to:

  • Access the personal data we hold about you
  • Correct or update inaccurate information
  • Delete your data ("Right to be forgotten")
  • Restrict or object to certain data processing
  • Withdraw consent at any time (where processing is based on consent)
  • Lodge a complaint with a data protection authority (e.g., UK ICO or Ghana DPC)

To exercise these rights, please contact us at: info@shapeways.io

10. Cookies and Tracking

We use cookies and similar technologies to:

  • Enable platform functionality
  • Analyze user behavior
  • Personalize your experience

You can control cookies through your browser settings or opt out via cookie banners where required.

11. Children’s Privacy

ShapeWork.io is not intended for users under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children. If we discover that a user under 18 has provided personal data, we will delete it promptly.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The latest version will always be posted on our website. If material changes are made, we will notify you by email or prominent notice on the Platform.

13. Contact Us

For any privacy-related concerns, data access requests, or general questions:

ShapeWork.io
Email: info@shapeways.io
Ghana Office: Babona Engen Filling Station, Weija Junction

By using ShapeWork.io, you acknowledge that you have read and agreed to this Privacy Policy.