Who we are
Badal (“Badal”, “we”, “us”) operates the website badal.app and the Badal mobile application for smart bartering between people (H2H) and between businesses (B2B). Badal is based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. You can reach us at hello@badal.app.
This policy explains what information we collect, why we collect it, how we use and share it, and the choices you have. It applies to the website, the waitlist and contact forms, and the Badal app.
Information we collect
Information you give us
- Waitlist and contact forms: your email address and, if you write to us, your name, company, topic and message.
- Account details: name, email address, mobile number and a verification code. Business accounts also provide the company name, trade licence, industry, company size and team members.
- Listings and needs: photos, videos, titles, descriptions, condition, availability, location area and the items or services you are looking for.
- Messages: what you write in Badal’s in-app chat and offers.
- Badal Courier: pickup and delivery addresses, contact details and handover photos when you book a courier.
- Ratings and reports: ratings you give and receive, and anything you report to us.
Information collected automatically
- Device and usage data: device type, operating system, app version, language, approximate location derived from your IP address or, with your permission, your device location to show nearby listings.
- Diagnostics: crash reports and performance data that help us keep the app working.
The website itself sets no tracking cookies. It stores only your theme preference (light or dark) in your browser, and this never leaves your device.
How we use information
- To create and verify your account and keep it secure.
- To run the matching service: our AI compares your haves and needs with those of other users to propose two-way matches and trade chains. It does not assign prices or values to items.
- To enable chat, offers, bundles, deal rooms and ratings between users.
- To provide Badal Courier when you choose it, including sharing addresses with the courier handling your exchange.
- To send service messages such as match alerts, delivery updates and security notices, and, if you joined the waitlist, one launch email.
- To answer your messages and enquiries.
- To prevent fraud, enforce our Terms of Use and protect users.
- To improve the app and the website using aggregated, de-identified usage data.
Legal bases
Where the law requires a legal basis, we rely on: performance of our contract with you (running the service); your consent (device location, marketing emails); our legitimate interests (security, fraud prevention, improving the service); and legal obligations. We comply with applicable data protection laws, including the UAE Personal Data Protection Law where it applies.
What other users see
Your public profile shows your first name or business name, your rating and your listings. Your phone number and email are never shown to other users. Chat messages are visible only to the people in that conversation. Courier addresses are shared only with the courier, never with the other party.
Sharing
We share information only as needed to run Badal:
- Service providers that host our systems, deliver verification codes, process form submissions, send emails and provide analytics, under contracts that protect your data.
- Courier partners, limited to the information needed to complete a pickup and delivery you booked.
- Legal reasons, when required by law or to protect the rights and safety of users and Badal.
- Business transfers, if Badal is involved in a merger or acquisition, with notice to you.
We do not sell your personal information.
International transfers
Some providers process data outside the country you live in. Where that happens we use appropriate safeguards and choose providers that meet recognised security standards.
Retention
We keep your information while your account is active and for as long as needed to provide the service, comply with the law, resolve disputes and enforce our agreements. You can delete your account in the app or by emailing us; we then delete or de-identify your information within a reasonable period, except where we must keep it by law.
Security
We use encryption in transit, access controls and monitoring to protect your information. No system is completely secure, so please use a strong password and keep your verification codes private.
Your rights
Depending on where you live, you may have the right to access, correct or delete your information, object to or restrict certain processing, withdraw consent, and receive a copy of your data. To exercise any of these rights, email hello@badal.app. We respond within the time required by law.
Children
Badal is for adults. You must be 18 or older to create an account. We do not knowingly collect information from children.
Changes
We may update this policy from time to time. We will post the new version here with a new date and, for significant changes, notify you in the app or by email.