Privacy Policy

Last Updated: April 29, 2025

1. Introduction

Darscover ("We," "Our," or "Us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your personal data in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (EU 2016/679) ("GDPR") and the Malta Data Protection Act (Chapter 586 Laws of Malta).

This Privacy Policy applies when you use our website ("Website") and the Darscover platform ("Platform").

2. Data Controller

Darscover is the data controller responsible for your personal data. For all privacy-related inquiries, contact us at:

• Email: legal@darscover.com
• Phone: +356 9967 5698

3. Data We Collect

3.1 User Data

Personal Data refers to any information about an individual from which an individual can be identified. When you use Darscover's Platform and/or Website, we collect:

• Name, email address, and phone number
• Property preferences and search history
• Messages sent through our Platform
• Account credentials
• Payment transaction data (if applicable)
• IP address and device information

3.2 Property Inquiry Data

When you inquire about a property, registered or not, we collect:

• Name and email address provided in the inquiry form
• Property details inquired about
• Date and time of inquiry
• Message content
• Any additional contact information

This applies whether or not you create an account, accept cookies, or sign in.

3.3 Property Listing Data

For property listings, we collect:

• Property location and details
• Photos and videos
• Pricing information
• Availability status

3.4 Automated Data Collection

We automatically collect certain data through your interaction with our Website and Platform via analytics tools, cookies, and server logs, including:

• Browser type and version
• Operating system
• Access times and dates
• Pages viewed
• Technical error logs

4. Legal Basis for Processing

4.1 General Processing

• Necessary: To provide our property listing services (Article 6(1)(b) GDPR)
• Legitimate Interests: To improve our services, prevent fraud (Article 6(1)(f) GDPR)
• Legal Obligation: To comply with Maltese and EU laws (Article 6(1)(c) GDPR)
• Consent: For marketing communications with explicit consent (Article 6(1)(a) GDPR)

4.2 Property Inquiries

• Legitimate Interest: To facilitate communications between seekers and listers (Article 6(1)(f) GDPR)
• Necessary: To provide inquiry services and enable transactions (Article 6(1)(b) GDPR)

These bases apply regardless of account creation or cookies.

5. How We Use Your Data

We use your personal data for:

• Creating and managing your account
• Displaying and managing property listings
• Processing and storing inquiries
• Connecting seekers with listers
• Sending service notifications
• Operating and improving our Platform and Website
• Preventing fraudulent activities
• Complying with legal obligations

For non-registered users, we specifically use data to:

• Forward inquiries to relevant listers
• Enable communication about the inquired property
• Prevent spam and abuse
• Maintain records of property interest

We also employ automated processing on the Platform for:

• Recommendation systems based on user behaviour
• Lead generation analytics for agents
• Screening of uploaded images for content violations
• Processing saved searches and favourites
• Automated notifications when properties match saved criteria
• Tracking filter changes, searches, and interactions

No automated decisions or profiling produce legal effects without oversight.

6. Data Retention

We retain personal data only as long as necessary for its collection purpose and legal requirements.

6.1 Account Data

• Active accounts: As long as the account remains active
• Inactive accounts: 12 months after last activity (agency accounts retained while associated)

6.2 Property Data

• Sold, rented, or under offer: Retained indefinitely
• Pending, listed, or unlisted: Retained up to 6 months after status change
• Messages: 24 months from last interaction
• Financial records: 7 years (legal requirement)

Users may request manual removal at any time via account settings. Agency-linked listings persist regardless of individual account deletion.

6.3 Inquiry Data

• Property inquiries: Stored 12 months from date of inquiry
• Contact details from inquiries: 12 months unless an account is created
• Inquiry messages: 12 months from last interaction

7. Your Rights Under GDPR

You have the right to:

• Request access to your personal data (Article 15 GDPR)
• Request correction of inaccurate data (Article 16 GDPR)
• Request deletion of data in specific circumstances (Article 17 GDPR)
• Object to processing based on legitimate interests (Article 21 GDPR)
• Request data portability (Article 20 GDPR)
• Request restriction of processing in certain scenarios (Article 18 GDPR)
• Lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority

These rights apply to all users whose data we can identify.

To exercise your rights, contact us at legal@darscover.com.

8. Data Sharing

8.1 Third-Party Recipients

We may share data with:

• Property listers (for inquiry handling)
• Hosting and cloud service providers
• Email service providers
• Analytics services
• Payment providers
• Fraud prevention services

We require all third parties to treat your data securely and only as instructed.

8.2 International Transfers

We do not transfer data outside the EU/EEA. If transfers occur, we use EU-approved adequacy decisions or standard contractual clauses and implement appropriate safeguards.

9. Data Security

We implement technical and organizational measures, including:

• Encryption of personal data
• Regular security assessments
• Access controls and authentication
• Staff training on data protection
• Incident response procedures

Access is limited to those with a business need to know, under confidentiality obligations.

10. Cookies

We use cookies in accordance with our Cookie Policy: Cookie Policy.

11. Children's Privacy

Our services are not intended for users under 18. We do not knowingly collect data from minors.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy periodically. Significant changes will be notified via:

• Email (for registered users)
• Platform notifications
• Website postings

Please keep your personal data accurate and inform us of any changes.

13. Specific Rights for EU/Malta Residents

EU/Malta residents have additional rights:

• Transparency in processing
• Right to be forgotten
• Restrictions on processing
• Objection to automated decision-making

14. Data Protection Officer

While not required, privacy inquiries can be directed to: legal@darscover.com.

15. Complaints

If you have concerns about your data, you can:

• Contact us at legal@darscover.com to resolve the issue
• Lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority
• Contact the Malta Information and Data Protection Commissioner

16. Marketing Communications

We only send marketing communications with explicit consent. You can:

• Opt out at any time
• Choose communication preferences
• Unsubscribe from emails

17. Contact Information

For privacy-related matters please contact us on:

• Email: legal@darscover.com
• Phone: +356 9967 5698