Privacy Policy

1. Information We Collect

Account information: When you register we collect your name, email address, phone number, country, and password (stored as a secure hash).

Identity verification (KYC): To enable bidding we collect a scan or photograph of your government-issued ID. This data is used solely for identity verification and fraud prevention.

Transaction data: We record bids placed, lots purchased, payment amounts, and communications with our team.

Usage data: We automatically collect IP address, browser type, pages visited, and session duration via server logs and first-party analytics. We do not use third-party advertising trackers.

Reviews: If you leave a review we collect the name and profile picture associated with your Google account, along with your review content and rating. Reviews are stored independently of your AuBid account.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

• Create and manage your account
• Verify your identity and prevent fraud
• Process bids and facilitate vehicle transactions
• Send transactional emails (bid confirmation, outbid notifications, payment receipts)
• Respond to support inquiries
• Improve platform performance and user experience
• Comply with legal obligations

We do not sell your personal data to third parties. We do not send marketing emails without your explicit consent.

3. Identity Documents (KYC)

ID documents submitted for verification are stored with AES-256 encryption. Access is restricted to authorised AuBid staff on a need-to-know basis. Documents are retained for a minimum of 5 years as required by applicable financial regulations, then securely deleted.

4. Cookies & Local Storage

We use strictly necessary cookies to maintain your authenticated session. We do not use advertising cookies or cross-site tracking. Browser local storage may be used to preserve UI preferences. You may disable cookies in your browser settings, but this will prevent you from signing in.

5. Third-Party Services

We share data only with the following categories of processors, each operating under a data processing agreement:

• Google OAuth / Identity Services — optional sign-in for reviews
• SMTP email provider — transactional notifications only
• CRM provider — internal lead management (name and email only)
• Cloud hosting — infrastructure on which the platform runs

We do not integrate Meta Pixel, Google Ads, or any third-party advertising networks.

6. Data Retention

Account data is retained for as long as your account is active. If you request deletion, we will remove your personal data within 30 days, except where retention is required by law (e.g. transaction records, KYC documents). Anonymised, aggregated analytics data may be retained indefinitely.

7. Security

All data is transmitted over HTTPS/TLS. Passwords are hashed using bcrypt and never stored in plaintext. Our infrastructure is regularly reviewed for security vulnerabilities. Despite these measures, no system is completely secure; we encourage you to use a strong, unique password.

8. Your Rights

Depending on your location you may have the right to:

• Access the personal data we hold about you
• Correct inaccurate information
• Request deletion of your account and associated data
• Object to or restrict certain processing
• Receive a portable copy of your data

To exercise any of these rights email us at office@aubid.com. We will respond within 30 days.

9. Children's Privacy

AuBid is not directed at children under 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from minors. If you believe a minor has provided us with data, please contact us and we will delete it promptly.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Material changes will be communicated by email or prominent notice on the platform. The "Effective date" at the top of this page indicates when the current version took effect.

11. Contact

Privacy-related questions or requests: