Privacy Policy — EthioSearch.com

Effective date: Feb 3, 2026
Last updated: Feb 3, 2026

EthioSearch.com (“EthioSearch,” “we,” “us,” “our”) respects your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect personal information when you visit our website, create an account, list a business, publish events, or use any related features (the “Services”).

This policy is intended to comply with applicable Canadian privacy laws, including the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA).

1) Who We Are (Contact)

If you have questions, requests, or complaints about privacy, contact:

Email: privacy at ethiosearch.com

2) Information We Collect

We collect information in three main ways: information you provide, information collected automatically, and information from third parties.

A) Information you provide

Depending on how you use EthioSearch, you may provide:

• Account information: name, username, email, password (stored securely), profile details

• Listing information (business/service): business name, description, categories, location, phone number, email, website, social links, photos, hours, services, and other details you submit

• Event information: event title, location, dates/times, description, images, ticket links, organizer details

• Messages and inquiries: content you submit through contact forms, reviews, support requests, or messages to businesses

• Payment-related information (if applicable): billing name, billing address, and transaction details (note: payment card details are typically handled by our payment processor, not stored by EthioSearch)

B) Information collected automatically

When you visit our site, we may automatically collect:

• Device and browser data: IP address, device type, browser type, operating system

• Usage data: pages viewed, clicks, referrals, time on pages, search terms on the site

• Cookies and similar technologies: for login sessions, preferences, analytics, and security

C) Information from third parties

We may receive information from:

• Payment processors (confirmation of payment status and limited billing details)

• Analytics providers (aggregated usage insights)

• Embedded services and social platforms when you interact with embedded maps, videos, or social content

3) How We Use Your Information

We use personal information to:

• Provide and operate the Services (accounts, listings, events, search, and directory features)

• Verify users, prevent fraud, and protect site security

• Communicate with you (support, service messages, policy updates)

• Process payments and manage subscriptions (if applicable)

• Moderate content and enforce our terms (reviews, listings, events)

• Improve and personalize the Services (analytics and performance)

• Comply with legal requirements and respond to lawful requests

We only use your information for purposes that a reasonable person would consider appropriate in the circumstances.

4) Legal Bases / Consent (Canada)

In Canada, we generally rely on consent (express or implied) to collect, use, and disclose personal information, unless otherwise permitted or required by law. You may withdraw consent, subject to legal and contractual restrictions, by contacting us.

5) How We Share Information

We do not sell your personal information.

We may share information in the following situations:

A) Public content you choose to publish

If you create a listing, event, or public profile, some information is publicly visible, including business name, description, photos, approximate location, contact details you choose to display, and event details.

B) Service providers

We may share information with trusted vendors who help us operate, such as:

• website hosting and storage

• email delivery services

• analytics tools

• payment processors

• security and anti-spam providers

They are only permitted to use the information to provide services to us.

C) Legal, safety, and rights

We may disclose information if we believe it is necessary to:

• comply with laws, regulations, or legal processes

• protect the rights, safety, and security of users, EthioSearch, or the public

• investigate fraud, abuse, or violations of our terms

D) Business changes

If we are involved in a merger, acquisition, financing, reorganization, or sale of assets, information may be transferred as part of that transaction, subject to appropriate safeguards.

6) Cookies and Analytics

We use cookies and similar technologies to:

• keep you logged in and maintain sessions

• remember preferences

• understand site traffic and performance

• protect against abuse and malicious activity

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Blocking certain cookies may affect how the Services function.

7) Email & Marketing Communications

You may receive emails from us related to your account, listings, events, and important service updates.

If we send promotional emails, you can unsubscribe at any time using the link in the email. Some non-promotional messages (like security or billing notices) may still be sent when necessary.

8) User Content, Reviews, and Community Features

If you post reviews, comments, images, listings, or events, you are responsible for what you choose to share. Please do not post sensitive personal information in public areas.

We may remove content that violates our terms, community guidelines, or applicable law.

9) Data Retention

We keep personal information only as long as necessary for the purposes described in this policy, including legal, accounting, and security needs. Retention periods vary depending on the type of data and how it is used.

10) Security Safeguards

We use reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect personal information (such as access controls, encryption where appropriate, and monitoring). However, no system can be 100% secure.

11) International Transfers

Our service providers may store or process information outside Canada (for example, in the United States). When this happens, information may be subject to the laws of those countries. We take steps to require appropriate protection through contractual and organizational measures.

12) Children’s Privacy

EthioSearch is not intended for children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child has provided personal information, contact us so we can take appropriate action.

13) Your Rights and Choices (Canada)

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

• request access to your personal information

• request corrections/updates

• withdraw consent (where applicable)

• request deletion of certain information (subject to legal and operational limits)

To make a request, contact us at privacy at ethiosearch.com. We may need to verify your identity before responding.

14) Third-Party Links

EthioSearch may contain links to third-party websites (including ticketing links, business websites, and embedded maps/media). We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those third parties. Please review their policies.

15) Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this policy from time to time. When we do, we will revise the “Last updated” date above. If changes are significant, we may provide additional notice on the website or by email.

16) Contact and Complaints

If you have concerns about our privacy practices, contact us first so we can help.

If you are not satisfied with our response, you may also contact the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada.