Privacy Policy

WhitstoneVerified.com ("we", "us", "our") is committed to protecting the privacy of visitors to our website and suppliers who interact with our verification platform. This policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and your rights in relation to it.

1. Information We Collect

From visitors: We collect standard server log data (IP address, browser type, pages visited, timestamps) for security and analytics purposes. We do not use tracking cookies for advertising.

From applicants: When you submit a verification application, we collect your name, company name, email address, phone number, trade references, and supporting documentation. This information is necessary to conduct our independent verification process.

From buyers making enquiries: When you submit a business request to a supplier, we collect your name, email address, company name, phone number, and message content in order to forward your enquiry to the relevant supplier.

From contact form submissions: We collect your name, email address, and message content to respond to your enquiry.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Process and evaluate verification applications
• Communicate with applicants and verified suppliers about their status
• Forward business enquiries to the appropriate verified supplier
• Respond to contact form submissions
• Monitor platform analytics to improve our service
• Detect and prevent fraud or abuse

We do not sell, rent, or share your personal data with third parties for marketing purposes.

3. Data Sharing

Your data may be shared in the following limited circumstances:

• With suppliers: When you submit a business request, your contact details and message are forwarded to the relevant verified supplier so they can respond to you directly.
• With trade references: During verification, we may contact the trade references you provide to verify your standing.
• Legal requirements: We may disclose information if required by law, court order, or regulatory authority.

4. Data Retention

Application data is retained for a minimum of 36 months from the date of submission, regardless of outcome, for audit and reference purposes. Business enquiry data is retained for 12 months. Contact form data is retained for 6 months. Analytics data is retained for 24 months in aggregated form.

5. Cookies

We use only essential session cookies required for the operation of this website (e.g. to prevent duplicate analytics events in a single session). We do not use advertising, tracking, or third-party cookies. No cookie consent banner is required for essential cookies under applicable regulations.

6. Your Rights

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

• Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you
• Request correction of inaccurate data
• Request deletion of your data (subject to our retention obligations)
• Object to processing in certain circumstances

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at privacy@whitstoneverified.com. We will respond within 30 days.

7. Security

We use industry-standard technical measures to protect data stored on our platform, including encrypted connections (HTTPS), access controls, and regular security reviews. No method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure; we cannot guarantee absolute security but take reasonable precautions to protect your information.

8. Third-Party Links

Supplier profile pages may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those websites and encourage you to review their policies independently.

9. Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy from time to time. The date at the top of this page reflects the most recent revision. Continued use of the platform after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

10. Contact

For any questions about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your data: