Privacy Policy

Defa.lk ("we", "our" or "us") is operated by Defa Technologies (Pvt) Ltd, a company registered in Sri Lanka. We are committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains what data we collect, how we use it, and your rights in relation to it.

1. Information We Collect

Information you provide:

• Account information — name, email address, phone number and password when you register.
• Ad listings — title, description, photos, price, location and other details you enter when posting.
• Messages — content of messages exchanged between users through the platform.
• Payment records — when listing fees apply, we record transaction references (we do not store full card details).

Information collected automatically:

• Log data (IP address, browser type, pages visited, timestamps).
• Device information (device type, operating system).
• Cookies and similar tracking technologies for session management and analytics.

2. How We Use Your Information

• To create and manage your account and listings.
• To facilitate communication between buyers and sellers.
• To process listing fees and issue receipts where applicable.
• To detect and prevent fraud, spam, duplicate listings and abuse of the platform.
• To send service notifications, payment confirmations and important account updates.
• To improve our platform, features and user experience.
• To comply with legal obligations under Sri Lankan law.

3. Ad Authenticity & Fraud Prevention

We analyse listing activity to identify and remove duplicate ads, spam and fraudulent content. This includes comparing listing content, photos, pricing and posting patterns across accounts. Information collected for this purpose is used solely to maintain the integrity of the marketplace and is not shared with third parties for commercial purposes.

4. Sharing of Information

We do not sell your personal information. We may share it with:

• Other users — your ad details (name and contact info if you choose to display them) are visible to other users.
• Payment processors — trusted third-party payment gateways to process listing fees securely.
• Service providers — companies that help us operate the platform (hosting, email, analytics) under strict confidentiality agreements.
• Legal authorities — when required by Sri Lankan law or to protect the rights and safety of our users or the public.

5. Cookies

We use cookies to keep you signed in, remember your preferences, and understand how users interact with the site. You can disable cookies in your browser settings, but some features may not work correctly without them.

6. Data Retention

We retain your account data for as long as your account is active. Expired or deleted ads are removed from public view immediately but may be held in our systems for up to 90 days for fraud prevention and dispute resolution. You may request deletion of your personal data by contacting support@defa.lk.

7. Security

We use industry-standard security measures including HTTPS encryption, hashed passwords and access controls. However, no method of internet transmission is 100% secure. We encourage you to use a strong, unique password and keep your login details confidential.

8. Children's Privacy

Defa.lk is not directed at anyone under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from minors. If you believe a child has registered on our platform, please contact us at support@defa.lk and we will delete the account promptly.

9. Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Access the personal data we hold about you.
• Request correction of inaccurate information.
• Request deletion of your account and associated personal data.
• Opt out of optional marketing communications at any time.

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at info@defa.lk.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes by posting a notice on our website or by email. Continued use of Defa.lk after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

11. Contact

Defa Technologies (Pvt) Ltd
No. 45, Galle Road, Colombo 03, Sri Lanka
Email: info@defa.lk
Phone: +94 11 234 5678