Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy explains how TheIslandsConnect.com (“TIC”, “we”, “us”, or “our”) collects, uses, stores, and protects personal information when you use our website and related services in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas and from abroad.

1. Data controller

TheIslandsConnect.com operates the platform and is responsible for personal data processed through the site, subject to applicable Bahamian law including the Data Protection (Privacy of Personal Information) Act, 2003 (“DPA”) and regulations made thereunder.

Privacy inquiries: privacy@theislandsconnect.com

2. Information we collect

• Account data: name, email address, WhatsApp/phone number, password (stored as a salted hash), account type (owner or agent/manager), and profile details you provide.
• Listing data: property descriptions, pricing, location, media URLs, contact preferences, and submission metadata.
• Inquiry data: messages you send about listings, contact details, and related correspondence.
• Usage data: IP address, browser type, device information, pages viewed, referral URLs, and approximate interaction logs collected through standard web server and analytics mechanisms.
• Payment and plan data: product selections, plan activation records, and payment references where applicable (we do not store full payment card numbers on our servers).
• AI assistant interactions: prompts and responses when you use Ask TIC or related assistant features.

3. How we use information

We process personal data to:

• create and manage user accounts and authenticate sessions;
• publish, review, moderate, and display property listings;
• route inquiries between users and listing owners or agents;
• operate subscription plans, limits, and platform features;
• improve search, trust signals, fraud prevention, and platform security;
• comply with legal obligations and respond to lawful requests;
• send service-related communications (not unsolicited marketing without consent).

4. Legal bases (Bahamas)

Under the DPA and related Bahamian law, we rely on one or more of: your consent; performance of a contract or steps prior to entering a contract; compliance with legal obligations; and legitimate interests (such as platform security, abuse prevention, and service improvement) where those interests are not overridden by your rights.

5. Sharing and processors

We may share personal data with:

• listing owners, agents, or managers when you submit an inquiry or request contact;
• cloud infrastructure providers (e.g., hosting on Amazon Web Services in the United States);
• AI, messaging, or analytics providers engaged to operate platform features;
• professional advisers, regulators, or law enforcement when required by law.

We require processors to protect data under contractual terms consistent with this Policy. Cross-border transfers may occur where infrastructure or support services are located outside The Bahamas; we implement appropriate safeguards proportionate to the sensitivity of the data.

6. Retention

We retain personal data for as long as necessary to provide services, resolve disputes, enforce agreements, and meet legal retention requirements. Listing and account data may be retained after closure for audit, fraud prevention, and regulatory compliance, then deleted or anonymised when no longer required.

7. Security

We use administrative, technical, and organisational measures including encrypted transport (HTTPS), hashed passwords, access controls, and server hardening. No method of transmission or storage is completely secure; you use the platform at your own risk and should protect your credentials.

8. Your rights

Subject to Bahamian law, you may request access to, correction of, or deletion of personal data we hold about you, and may object to or restrict certain processing. To exercise rights, contact privacy@theislandsconnect.com. We may require identity verification. You may also lodge a complaint with the relevant Bahamian data protection authority where applicable.

9. Children

The platform is not directed to persons under 18. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children. If you believe a child has provided data, contact us for deletion.

10. Cookies and similar technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies for authentication, security, and basic functionality. See our Cookie Policy for details.

11. Changes

We may update this Policy from time to time. Material changes will be posted on this page with an updated date. Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance where permitted by law.

12. Governing law

This Policy is governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. Courts in New Providence shall have non-exclusive jurisdiction unless mandatory law provides otherwise.