Privacy policy

At MELICA, we prioritize the protection of personal data as an opportunity to create value for our users. By responsibly managing personal information, we not only safeguard the privacy of those who entrust us with their data but also enable them to navigate our platform with confidence and security.

Your privacy is very important to us, and we are committed to protecting it.

MELICA, in order to provide its services, collects, processes, and in certain cases, discloses information about individuals who, like you, use or visit our website (referred to as the "Platform" and the "Services," respectively). This Privacy and Information Confidentiality Statement (the "Privacy Statement") outlines the information MELICA collects and processes about you and how it is used.

This Privacy Statement forms an integral part of MELICA’s General Terms and Conditions. Providing your voluntary, express, and informed consent to this Privacy Statement is a fundamental requirement for engaging in any type of relationship with MELICA, as determined by applicable legislation in the respective jurisdiction.

1. Application of this Privacy Statement

When you register on our platform, you create a user account that enables you to access our services.

This Privacy Statement applies to all services and data processing activities conducted by MELICA, including those of its subsidiaries or affiliates, whether current or future.

MELICA’s services and platform are intended for users located in countries where MELICA operates. The platform may be accessible through region-specific websites tailored to those countries.

2. Responsibility for Processing Personal Information

MELICA is responsible for processing the data of users and visitors on its Platform through its subsidiary or affiliate companies.

A data controller determines how personal data is processed, including its intended purposes and the methods used for processing.

3. Collection of Personal Information

MELICA collects personal information to deliver and improve its services.

In some cases, you provide information directly when registering or interacting with our platform. In others, we collect data automatically during your browsing sessions or from reliable external sources.

Although providing personal information is voluntary, certain data is essential to establish a relationship with MELICA or to access our services. Refusal to provide necessary information may prevent the provision of services or result in limited functionality.

Inaccurate or false information may lead to service suspension or termination. Additionally, users who violate this Privacy Statement may face suspension or permanent account deactivation.

3.1 Information Provided Directly

  • Username or pseudonym for platform operation.
  • Full name and personal image (photo or scanned ID).
  • Valid identification document or number.
  • Contact details (e.g., phone number, address, email).
  • Bank account details.
  • Payment information.
  • Biometric data (e.g., facial biometric analysis for identity verification).

3.2 Information Collected Automatically

  • Device and browser details, including operating system and settings.
  • IP address used during platform access.
  • Transactional data from platform activities (e.g., purchases, payments, returns, claims).
  • Behavioral data such as visited pages, search activity, and user interactions.
  • Geolocation data for personalized services and offers.

3.3 Information From Other Sources

  • Fraud prevention data from regulatory and risk management sources.
  • Credit history and financial information from credit bureaus and other lawful databases.
  • Identity verification data from secure external sources.

Some of this data may be classified as sensitive under applicable laws. When required, MELICA will seek explicit consent for processing such information.

4. Processing of Personal Information

The collection and processing of personal data enable us to provide efficient and secure services tailored to user needs. Unless restricted by law, MELICA may use your information for:

  • Delivering products and services available on the platform.
  • Contacting and identifying users.
  • Account registration and maintenance.
  • Verifying identity and complying with legal requirements.
  • Managing transactions and providing updates.
  • Addressing complaints, queries, and support requests.
  • Fraud detection and prevention.
  • Conducting statistical and behavioral analysis to enhance services.
  • Sending promotional materials and updates about platform features.

5. Safeguarding Personal Information

MELICA is committed to the security of your data. We do not sell or trade personal information. Your data is shared only as outlined below:

  • Service Providers: Third parties contracted to support platform operations (e.g., payment processors, logistics providers, IT services).
  • Business Partners: Companies with promotional or collaborative agreements to offer tailored services or benefits.
  • Corporate Group: MELICA subsidiaries and affiliates for regulatory compliance and fraud prevention.
  • Public Authorities: Administrative or judicial bodies requesting information under applicable laws.
  • Dispute Participants: Entities involved in conflict resolution arising from platform interactions.

6. International Data Transfers

MELICA’s infrastructure, including servers and cloud services, may be located outside your country of residence. When data is transferred to regions with varying legal protections, MELICA ensures safeguards such as contractual clauses or binding corporate policies to uphold data security.

7. Storage of Personal Information

Personal information is retained only as long as necessary to fulfill its intended purpose, comply with legal obligations, or address potential liabilities. Once this period concludes, data is securely deleted or anonymized to prevent identification.

By continuing to use MELICA’s services, you acknowledge and accept the practices described in this Privacy Statement.

8. Automated Decisions and Profiling

At Melica, we are committed to offering services that enhance and simplify your life.

To achieve this, we use tools based on artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data analytics ("Big Data"). These technologies help us improve our services in areas such as fraud prevention, economic capacity analysis, personalized experiences and advertising, automated cybersecurity mechanisms, and identity validation through image recognition.

Automated decisions are those made solely through algorithms and computer programs without human intervention in the decision-making process.

Profiling involves evaluating personal aspects such as interests, preferences, behaviors, or location through the automated processing of personal information using statistical methods. As a result of this processing, we may send you personalized communications or display content on our platforms that we believe will interest you.

9. Confidentiality of Personal Information and User Responsibility

We take all possible measures to protect the confidentiality of your personal information. However, users are responsible for all actions carried out using their username and password. We strongly recommend keeping this information secure and not sharing it with others.

10. Minors

Melica's services are available to minors only with the prior consent of their legal guardian. If you fall into this category and do not have such consent, you must not provide personal information.

11. Use of Personal Information by Other Users

Melica allows limited access to certain data (such as name, email address, and contact details) between users to facilitate interactions related to our platform. Under no circumstances may users share your personal information with third parties without your explicit consent or that of Melica.

When a seller receives buyer information, they become responsible for processing that data and must comply with legal obligations, ensuring the information is not used for purposes other than those related to the transaction that originated its collection.

At Melica, we do not tolerate behaviors such as "spamming" or the mass sending of unsolicited messages. Additionally, we do not store or monitor communications outside our platforms, and therefore, we are not responsible for negotiations or damages resulting from such interactions.

12. Exercising Your Rights Over Your Information

Applicable regulations grant you certain rights over your personal information, including:

  • Access
  • Rectification
  • Updating
  • Deletion
  • Withdrawal of consent
  • Objection to receiving personalized advertising

You can make any inquiries or requests related to these rights through the contact channels provided in this Privacy Policy.

In some cases, we may retain your information for a limited time, even after a deletion request, in compliance with applicable laws.

13. Use of Cookies and Similar Technologies

You acknowledge and agree that Melica uses cookies and other tracking technologies to improve the user experience, personalize content, display relevant advertisements, and analyze browsing behavior.

You can manage the use of cookies through your browser settings, but disabling them may limit some functionalities on our platforms.

14. Security and Storage of Personal Information

At Melica, we implement security measures in line with industry standards to protect your personal information. However, we cannot be held responsible for unauthorized access or breaches of our systems beyond our control.

15. Changes to This Privacy Policy

Melica will update this Privacy Policy as needed to reflect changes in our services. We will notify you of significant updates through our usual communication channels, and where necessary, we will request your consent.

16. Applicable Law and Jurisdiction

This Privacy Policy is governed by the laws of Canada. Any disputes related to its interpretation or enforcement will be resolved by the competent courts in the relevant region.

17. Data Controller

The entity responsible for processing your personal data is Melica, headquartered in Canada, as detailed in this policy.

18. Personal Information We Collect and Process

For the purposes outlined in this policy, we may collect personal data in the following categories:

  • Identification
  • Contact information
  • Financial details
  • Preferences and interests

19. Processing of Information

Your personal data will only be collected and processed for the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy.

If you do not wish for your personal data to be used for secondary purposes, you may deny consent at any time by contacting us through the channels provided. Your refusal will not affect the primary purposes of this Privacy Policy.

20. Transfer of Personal Data

Your personal data may be transferred, without requiring your explicit consent, to the individuals or entities indicated in this document when permitted by applicable law.

If your explicit consent is required, we will obtain it before transferring any personal data. You may withdraw your consent for such transfers at any time through the contact details provided.

21. Exercise of Your ARCO Rights

You can make inquiries and/or exercise your rights of access, rectification, cancellation, and opposition to the processing of your Personal Information, as well as revoke your consent, in accordance with applicable regulations, by submitting a request to our Personal Data Department through the contact form on our website or by using any other means provided by Melica for this purpose.

Your inquiry must include your name and address to communicate the response. If you wish to exercise any right, your request must include:

  • Your name, address, or another way to contact you.
  • Documents proving your identity or, if applicable, the legal representation you have granted.
  • A clear and precise description of the personal data related to the rights you wish to exercise.
  • Any other element or document that can help us locate your personal data.

We will respond to your request within 20 (twenty) business days from the date of receipt. If your request is valid, we will implement it within 15 (fifteen) business days after notifying you of the response. If your request is incomplete or incorrect, we will ask you to correct it, and you will have 10 (ten) business days to do so. We may respond to your request electronically unless you specify a different method of communication in your request.

You may receive the requested information or personal data in simple copies, electronic documents in standard formats (Word, PDF, etc.), or through any other legitimate means that ensure and prove the effective exercise of the requested right.

Please note that the right to cancellation is not absolute. We must retain certain information to comply with legal or regulatory obligations, or during the legal retention period for potential legal or contractual liabilities. In these cases, personal data may be shared with other entities or organizations, and you may need to request cancellation from the entity that received the data.

22. Limitation on the Use or Disclosure of Your Personal Information

You can limit the use or disclosure of your personal data as follows: (i) For our emails with advertising, promotional, or marketing purposes, you can unsubscribe by following the instructions provided in the communications, and (ii) you can modify your preferences, as well as access, rectify, and delete registration information by managing your account in the "privacy" and "personal data" sections. For more information, contact our Personal Data Department.

23. Applicable Law and Jurisdiction

This Privacy Policy and the applicable Canadian annex will be governed by the laws of Canada. In the event of any dispute or disagreement regarding the interpretation, validity, or compliance with these terms, you and Melica agree to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the competent authorities of Canada.