Last Updated: 2025.12.10
Welcome to SEARCHMATES!
Searchmates ("we", "us", or "our") values your privacy, and this Privacy Policy has been compiled to better serve those who are concerned with how their 'Personal Data' is being used online. Please read our privacy policy carefully to get a clear understanding of how we collect, use, protect, or otherwise handle your Personal Data in accordance with our website.
By using our website, you consent to the data practices described in this statement.
What personal information do we collect from the people that visit our website?
- Information you provide voluntarily:
When registering on or contacting us through our site, as appropriate, you may be asked to enter your name, email address, or other details to help you with your experience. This information is not required in order to browse our site and will only be asked for on a voluntary basis (e.g., when contacting us with questions or feedback).
- Information collected automatically:
When you visit our website, we automatically collect certain information about your device and your behavior on our site using cookies and third-party tracking technologies (detailed below). This includes IP addresses, browser type, referring/exit pages, and operating system.
When do we collect information?
We collect information from you when you:
- Register on our site (if applicable).
- Fill out a form (e.g., Contact Us).
- Browse the website (via Cookies, Google Analytics).
- Click on advertisements or links on our site.
How do we use your information?
We may use the information we collect from you in the following ways:
- To personalize your experience and deliver content and product offerings in which you are most interested.
- To improve our website in order to better serve you.
- To analyze site traffic and user behavior to optimize our services.
- To report ad data to our advertising partners.
- To follow up with you after correspondence (email or website-initiated inquiries).
How do we protect your information?
We adhere to strict security standards. We only provide articles and information. We never require sensitive private information like credit card numbers in order to browse our site. We implement a variety of security measures to maintain the safety of your personal information.
Do we use 'cookies' and Third-Party Tracking?
Yes. Cookies are small files that a site or its service provider transfers to your computer's hard drive through your Web browser (if you allow) that enables the site's or service provider's systems to recognize your browser and capture and remember certain information.
You can choose to have your computer warn you each time a cookie is being sent, or you can choose to turn off all cookies through your browser settings.
Compliance with Hong Kong Laws (PDPO)
We are committed to complying with the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance (Cap. 486) of the Laws of Hong Kong.
According to the PDPO, we agree to the following:
- Data Collection: We only collect personal data that is necessary for our business purposes and in a lawful and fair manner.
- Data Use: Personal data will only be used for the purposes for which it was collected (as described in this policy) or for a directly related purpose.
- Data Security: We take all practicable steps to ensure that personal data is protected against unauthorized or accidental access, processing, erasure, loss, or use.
- Access and Correction: Users have the right to request access to and correction of their personal data held by us. If you wish to make such a request, please contact us using the information provided at the bottom of this policy.
Third-Party Links and Advertising Disclaimer
Crucial Notice regarding Third-Party Content:
Our website contains links to third-party websites.
- Redirects: When you click on an advertisement or a third-party link, you will be directed away from our site to an external website.
- No Responsibility: These third-party sites have separate and independent privacy policies and terms of service. We have no control over, and therefore have no responsibility or liability for, the content, activities, privacy practices, or safety of these linked sites.
- User Risk: Any interaction you have with third-party ads or websites is strictly between you and the third party. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any site you visit.
COPPA (Children Online Privacy Protection Act)
When it comes to the collection of personal information from children under the age of 13 years old, the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) puts parents in control.
We do not specifically market to children under the age of 13 years old.
Third-party disclosure
We do not sell, trade, or otherwise transfer to outside parties your Personally Identifiable Information unless we provide users with advance notice. This does not include website hosting partners and other parties who assist us in operating our website, conducting our business, or serving our users (such as Google Analytics for data analysis purposes), so long as those parties agree to keep this information confidential. We may also release information when its release is appropriate to comply with the law, enforce our site policies, or protect ours or others' rights, property, or safety.
However, non-personally identifiable visitor information (such as click data and traffic statistics) may be provided to other parties for marketing, advertising, or other uses.