Information We Collect
To provide HelpLink's services, we may collect:

• Email address
• Profile picture
• Exact device location (GPS coordinates)
• Phone number (if voluntarily provided)
• Account information you choose to provide
• Posts, volunteer requests, event participation and messages
• Basic technical information required for security and platform operation

Why We Collect Your Information
We only collect information necessary to operate HelpLink, including:

• Matching users with nearby volunteers using location.
• Creating and managing user accounts.
• Displaying profile information to other users.
• Facilitating volunteer requests and community events.
• Maintaining platform security and preventing abuse.
• Improving the quality and reliability of HelpLink.

Location Data
HelpLink uses your exact location to connect you with nearby volunteers and opportunities. Location access is optional, but certain features may not function correctly without it.

Advertising
HelpLink does not display advertisements and does not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to advertisers, data brokers, or third parties.

Data Sharing
We only share information when necessary to provide the service, comply with applicable law, protect users, or maintain platform security. We never sell your personal data.

Data Security
We implement reasonable technical and organizational security measures to protect your information. However, no online service can guarantee absolute security, and users acknowledge that transmission of information over the Internet carries inherent risks.

Children Under 13
HelpLink may be used by individuals under the age of 13 only with the consent and supervision of a parent or legal guardian. Parents and guardians are responsible for monitoring the child's use of the platform and ensuring that any information shared is appropriate. If we become aware that personal information has been collected from a child without the necessary parental consent where required, we may suspend or remove the account.

Your Rights
You may request access to, correction of, or deletion of your account and personal information where applicable. You may also discontinue use of the platform at any time.

Changes to this Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Continued use of HelpLink after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

Acceptance of Terms
By creating an account or using HelpLink, you agree to these Terms and Conditions. If you do not agree, you must discontinue use of the platform.

Purpose of HelpLink
HelpLink is a community platform that connects individuals, volunteers, NGOs, and organizations. HelpLink facilitates connections only and is not a party to any agreement, commitment, or interaction between users.

User Responsibilities

• Provide accurate information.
• Respect other users.
• Do not impersonate others.
• Do not post illegal, harmful, abusive, fraudulent or misleading content.
• Do not misuse the platform or interfere with its operation.

Volunteer Interactions
HelpLink does not conduct background checks on all users and cannot guarantee the identity, conduct, safety, quality, or reliability of volunteers or requesters. Users are responsible for exercising their own judgment when arranging meetings or providing assistance.

Organizations and NGOs
Organizations may be required to undergo verification before hosting public volunteering events. HelpLink reserves the right to refuse or revoke verification at its discretion.

Content Ownership
Users retain ownership of the content they upload. By posting content on HelpLink, you grant us a non-exclusive license to store, display and process that content solely for operating the platform.

Account Suspension
We reserve the right to suspend or terminate accounts that violate these Terms, misuse the platform, or endanger other users or the community.

Limitation of Liability
HelpLink is provided on an "as is" and "as available" basis. While we strive to provide a reliable platform, we make no guarantees regarding uninterrupted service, availability, accuracy, or successful volunteer matches. To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, HelpLink shall not be liable for losses, damages, injuries, disputes, or claims arising from interactions between users or from use of the platform.

Termination
Users may stop using HelpLink at any time. We reserve the right to remove accounts or content that violate these Terms or applicable laws.

Changes
These Terms may be updated from time to time. Continued use of HelpLink after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.