Privacy Policy

Last updated: March 9, 2026

1. Introduction

Hamio Market ("we," "our," or "us") operates the Hamio Market mobile application and website (collectively, the "Service"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our Service.

By using Hamio Market, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy. If you do not agree, please do not use the Service.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

  • Phone Number: Required for account registration and WhatsApp OTP verification.
  • Profile Information: Name, profile photo, and bio that you choose to provide.
  • Chat Messages: Text messages, images, and voice memos sent through the in-app chat.
  • Voice Memos: Audio recordings you create and send via the chat feature.
  • Product Listings: Photos, descriptions, prices, and categories of items you list.
  • Community Posts: Content you share in neighborhood community feeds.

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

  • Location Data: Approximate location to show nearby listings and verify your neighborhood.
  • Device Information: Device type, operating system, and unique device identifiers.
  • Usage Data: App interactions, features used, and access times.

2.3 Third-Party Authentication

If you sign in using Google, Facebook, or Apple, we receive your name, email address, and profile picture from those services. We do not receive your password.

3. How We Use Your Information

  • Provide, operate, and maintain the Service
  • Verify your identity and phone number
  • Display relevant local listings and community content
  • Facilitate communication between buyers and sellers
  • Send service-related notifications (e.g., chat messages, listing updates)
  • Improve and personalize the user experience
  • Detect and prevent fraud, abuse, and security threats
  • Comply with legal obligations under Nepalese law

4. Information Sharing

We do not sell your personal information. We may share information in the following cases:

  • Other Users: Your profile, listings, and community posts are visible to other users.
  • Service Providers: Third parties that help us operate the Service (e.g., cloud hosting, analytics).
  • Legal Requirements: When required by law, regulation, or legal process under Nepalese jurisdiction.
  • Safety: To protect the rights, safety, or property of our users or the public.

5. Data Retention

  • Account Data: Retained while your account is active. Deleted within 30 days of account deletion.
  • Chat Messages: Stored for the duration of the conversation. Users may delete individual messages.
  • Voice Memos: Stored on our servers for the duration of the conversation.
  • Product Listings: Removed when marked as sold or deleted by the user.
  • Usage Logs: Retained for up to 12 months for security and analytics purposes.

6. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your information, including encryption in transit (TLS) and at rest. However, no method of transmission over the Internet is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

7. Your Rights

You have the right to:

  • Access and download your personal data
  • Correct inaccurate information
  • Delete your account and associated data
  • Opt out of non-essential notifications
  • Withdraw consent for location data collection

To exercise these rights, contact us at support@hamiomarket.com.

8. Children's Privacy

Hamio Market is not intended for children under 16 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we discover that a child under 16 has provided personal information, we will delete it promptly.

9. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes through the app or by other means. Continued use of the Service after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

10. Governing Law

This Privacy Policy is governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Nepal, including the Individual Privacy Act, 2018 (2075 BS). Any disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts in Kathmandu, Nepal.

11. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, contact us at:

  • Email: support@hamiomarket.com
  • Address: Kathmandu, Nepal