What this policy covers

This policy explains how we collect, use, share, and protect the personal data of visitors and business owners using lokali.ch. It applies under the Swiss nLPD and, where relevant, the EU/EEA GDPR.

Data we collect

We collect browsing data such as IP address, device, operating system, browser, pages viewed, referrer, timestamps, approximate location (city or region), and cookies or identifiers. For business owners, we collect account and listing information including name, email, role, business details (name, address, phone, website, social links, category), photos, descriptions, and opening hours. We also collect data from interactions such as searches, favorites, and messages sent via contact forms, as well as the content of support messages and tickets. If payments apply, we process billing name, address, and partial card information through our payment processor (we do not store full card numbers). We also record consents and preferences, such as cookie choices and marketing opt-ins.

Purposes & legal bases

We use data to provide our services, create and manage listings, show results, and secure the platform, based on contract or legitimate interest. Analytics and product improvement are based on consent where required, for example through analytics cookies. Communications related to services and support rely on contract or legitimate interest. Marketing emails, if any, are sent only with your consent and can be unsubscribed from at any time. Data may also be processed to prevent fraud, ensure compliance, and fulfill payment and invoicing obligations under legal or contractual bases.

Sharing of data

We share data only with trusted service providers such as hosting, analytics, email, payment, and moderation partners, under strict contracts and data-processing terms. We may also share data with authorities when required by law or in the case of a business transfer, such as a merger or acquisition, with prior notice where appropriate. We do not sell personal data.

International transfers

Data may be processed in Switzerland, the EEA, and, if necessary, outside your country. When data is transferred outside Switzerland or the EEA, we rely on adequacy decisions or Standard Contractual Clauses and apply additional safeguards to protect your information.

Retention

Account and listing data are kept as long as your account is active and then deleted or anonymized within twelve months unless the law requires a longer retention. Support messages are kept for up to twenty-four months, analytics data for fourteen to twenty-six months depending on provider settings, and cookie consents for up to twelve months. Minimal technical logs are retained to prevent abuse and ensure security.

Your rights

Depending on your location under the nLPD or GDPR, you have the right to access, correct, erase, or restrict the processing of your data, request data portability, and withdraw consent at any time without affecting prior processing. You may also lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority, such as the Swiss Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner (FDPIC) or your local Data Protection Authority in the EU/EEA. To exercise your rights, contact hi@lokali.ch.

Cookies & similar technologies

We use necessary cookies to operate the site and, with your consent, analytics, functional, and marketing cookies. Please refer to our Cookie Policy for more information and to manage your preferences.

Children

lokali.ch is not intended for children under the age of thirteen or the local legal equivalent, and we do not knowingly collect data from children.

Security

We implement reasonable technical and organizational measures such as HTTPS, access controls, and backups to protect your data. However, no system can be guaranteed to be completely secure.

Third-party links

Our website may contain links to external websites. We are not responsible for their privacy practices and recommend reviewing their policies.

Changes

We may update this policy periodically. The updated version will be posted with a new “Last updated” date, and if significant changes are made, we will provide notice.

Contact

For any privacy questions or requests, you can reach us at hi@lokali.ch.