Privacy Policy

Scope and Relationship to the Terms

• -This policy applies to alestool.com and the Alestool Auctions app on iOS and Android.
• -The Alestool Auctions platform is fully owned by Maqsourat Al-Nojoom. The mobile app is delivered in collaboration with Elmam Technology LLC.
• -This policy complements the User Policy & Terms page and does not replace it. For auction and deposit contractual matters, the Terms & Conditions prevail.

Data We Collect

1. 1-Mobile phone number: for OTP sign-in, identity verification, and account management.
2. 2-Name (first and last name): when creating or updating your profile.
3. 3-Email address: during registration or profile updates, for account and service communications.
4. 4-Account and profile data: such as user type, account identifiers, and activity related to wallet, auctions, and listings.
5. 5-Device push token (FCM Token): to send push notifications via Firebase when you allow notifications in the app.
6. 6-Session data and cookies: to keep you signed in, store language/theme preferences, and secure your session.
7. 7-Map location data: if you grant location permission via the browser or OS while using the property map, approximate location may be used to improve map search. The native app currently does not request location permission; any location prompt would come from web content if enabled.
8. 8-Payment data via the electronic payment gateway (Amwal): when topping up the wallet or paying auction deposits through the platform, payment details are processed by the payment gateway. We do not store full card numbers on our servers; we typically receive transaction status, amounts, and references needed to update wallet balances and records, consistent with the payment methods described in the Terms.
9. 9-Technical device/app data: such as device type, OS, identifiers needed for notifications, and limited technical logs to run the service securely.
10. 10-Content you interact with: favorites, auction participation, listings, and donations/newsletters when you use those services.

Data Storage and Monitoring

By registering on the platform, you authorize us to store the data you provide on company servers and grant us the right to review and monitor your activities, consistent with the Platform Liability provisions in the User Policy & Terms.

How We Use Your Data

• -Create and manage accounts, verify users via OTP, and operate auctions, property listings, and wallet services.
• -Collect auction entry deposits via available payment methods (electronic payment gateway or direct transfer), credit them to the participant’s wallet, and process refund requests under the Terms.
• -Transfer deposit or purchase amounts to the seller when applicable, acting as a service provider under brokerage rules and the Deposit Authorization clause.
• -Send notifications about auctions, properties, and general content based on your in-app preferences.
• -Improve security, prevent fraud or misuse, and comply with applicable laws in the Sultanate of Oman.
• -Respond to reports of harm through official contact channels and take action according to the case type, without additional liability beyond what is stated in the Terms.

Sharing of Data

• -Essential service providers: such as Firebase for notifications, the Amwal payment gateway, and hosting/infrastructure providers.
• -The seller or transaction counterparties: when an auction is awarded or deposits/purchase amounts are transferred under the Deposit Authorization and delivery procedures in the Terms.
• -Competent authorities when legally required or upon a lawful request.
• -We do not sell your personal data to third parties for independent marketing.

Notifications and Preferences

You can manage notification preferences inside the app via the More menu. Declining notifications or disabling certain types may limit auction/content alerts without blocking core platform features where available.

Retention and Account Deletion

• -We retain data while your account is active or as needed to provide the service, comply with law, handle disputes, and meet accounting requirements.
• -You can request account deletion from your Profile page in the app or website, via https://alestool.com/delete-account, or by contacting us through Contact Us / [email protected] with your registered phone number.
• -After you confirm the deletion request you are signed out, and the request is scheduled for 30 days. When you sign in again, you will see an alert with the date and details, and can choose to reactivate the account or keep the request.
• -Reactivating cancels the deletion request. Keeping the request keeps the sign-in alert visible.
• -The account and its data are not permanently erased automatically after the period ends; they remain recoverable by signing in and reactivating.
• -Some financial records (such as deposits and payments) may be retained for legitimate legal or accounting reasons.
• -The platform may close accounts or deny access without prior notice or compensation if false information or policy violations are detected, as stated in the User Policy & Terms.

Security and Technical Disclaimer

We apply appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your data, including encrypted connections (HTTPS) where applicable. However, bidders remain fully responsible for stable internet connectivity and functional devices. The platform is not liable for internet, device, browser, app, ISP, payment-channel, third-party, or force-majeure failures, as stated in the Platform Liability section of the Terms.

Your Rights

1. 1-Request access to or correction of your personal data.
2. 2-Request deletion of your account and associated data under this policy.
3. 3-Manage notification, language, and appearance preferences in the app.
4. 4-Withdraw optional consent (such as notifications) without affecting processing required to perform the contract or meet legal obligations.

Age and Children’s Privacy

Participants must be at least 18 years old, as stated in the Terms of Use & Disclaimer. We do not knowingly collect data from children under this age. If we learn that a minor’s data was collected, we will take appropriate steps to delete it.

External Links and Services

The app or website may link to external services (such as WhatsApp, partner sites, or the payment gateway). The company, through its platform, acts as a service provider for payment and transfer flows under the Terms. External parties’ policies are independent of ours; please review them separately.

Changes to This Policy

The platform may update this Privacy Policy at any time. Continued use after changes are published constitutes acceptance where permitted by law. Please review this page and the User Policy & Terms periodically.

Contact

• -Official website: https://alestool.com
• -User Policy & Terms: https://alestool.com/terms
• -Contact Us: https://alestool.com/contact-us
• -Email: [email protected]
• -App developer (Elmam Technology): https://elmam.om