Privacy Policy

1. Who we are

ASCAX Inc. is a Canadian corporation incorporated in British Columbia. We operate the hiring platform HireChats. For the purposes of applicable privacy law — including Canada's PIPEDA, provincial privacy statutes, and, where users are in other jurisdictions, equivalent frameworks — ASCAX Inc. is the data controller for the personal data described in this policy.

2. What we collect

We only collect data that the product actually needs to function. Depending on how you use HireChats, that is:

• Account data — your email address, a password hash or the identity provided when you sign in with Google, your display name, and your chosen interface language.
• Profile & résumé data — the online résumé you choose to build, your work authorisation/status if you provide it, and your job expectations (desired roles, industries, locations). These are optional; you can use parts of the platform without them.
• Application & messaging data — when you apply to a role or message an employer, we record that application and the contents of the conversation so both sides can see its status.
• Job-subscription data — search filters you save so we can tell you when new matching openings appear.
• Location data — approximate location used for "nearby" results, but only if you grant your browser or device permission. We do not track precise location continuously and you can decline without losing core functionality.
• Uploaded files — documents or images you attach (for example a résumé file or a feedback screenshot).
• Technical & usage data — session cookies, basic device/browser information, and product analytics used to understand how features are used.

We do not collect payment card numbers, and we do not knowingly collect personal data from children under 13 (or under the age required in your jurisdiction).

3. Why we collect it and our legal basis

Each category is collected for a specific, disclosed purpose:

• To provide the service — account, profile, application and messaging data exist so you can search, apply and talk to employers. Basis: performance of our contract with you and your consent.
• To keep listings honest — job data is processed to verify that a posting is real and still open at its source before it is shown to you. Basis: our legitimate interest in data quality.
• To notify you of matching openings — job subscriptions, only where you asked for them. Basis: consent.
• To show nearby roles — location, only with your permission. Basis: consent.
• To secure the platform — uploaded files are malware-scanned; session data helps us prevent abuse. Basis: legitimate interest in security.
• To improve the product — aggregated analytics. Basis: legitimate interest, subject to your cookie choices.

4. How we use third-party services

We rely on a small number of processors that help us operate the platform: cloud hosting and managed database services, email delivery for notifications, sign-in providers (Google) when you choose that option, and product analytics (Google Analytics). These providers process data on our instructions under appropriate agreements and do not use it for their own unrelated purposes. We do not sell, rent or trade your personal data to advertisers.

5. Information you share with employers

When you apply for a role or start a conversation, the résumé and profile information you have chosen to make available is shared with that specific employer so they can evaluate your application. That exchange is between you and the employer; once shared, the employer's own handling of your data is governed by their policies, not this one. You control what is on your public profile and can remove it.

6. Where your data is stored and transfers

HireChats is operated by a Canadian company and our primary hosting is in Canada. Because we serve candidates and employers in Canada, the United States and Mexico, some data may be processed or transmitted outside Canada. Where we transfer personal data across borders, we take reasonable steps — contractual and technical safeguards — to protect it in line with this policy and applicable law.

7. How long we keep it

We keep account and profile data for as long as your account is active, and application/messaging records for as long as needed to maintain the integrity of the hiring process and to meet legal obligations. If you delete your account, we delete or anonymise your personal data within a reasonable period, except where we must retain specific records for legitimate legal reasons. Job listings themselves are public market data and are retained to keep search results current.

8. Your rights

Subject to applicable law, you can ask to:

• Access the personal data we hold about you;
• Correct inaccurate data;
• Export a copy of your résumé, applications and messages;
• Delete your account and personal data; and
• Withdraw consent (for example, for location or analytics) at any time without affecting data already processed.

To exercise any of these, email admin@ascax.com from the address tied to your account. We may need to verify your identity before fulfilling a request, and we respond within the timeframes required by law.

9. Security

We protect your data with measures appropriate to its sensitivity: encrypted transport over HTTPS, hashed credentials, HttpOnly session cookies, malware scanning of uploaded attachments, and access controls that limit who in our organisation can reach personal data. No method of transmission or storage is perfectly secure, but we work to safeguard your information and to respond promptly if anything goes wrong.

10. Cookies and analytics

We use essential cookies to keep you signed in and to make the product work. With your consent we also use analytics cookies (such as Google Analytics) to understand feature usage. You can control non-essential cookies through your browser or the consent choices presented in the product, and through your device's advertising/tracking settings on mobile.

11. Changes to this policy

If we make material changes to how we handle personal data, we will update this page and, where appropriate, notify you in the product. The "last updated" date above reflects the current version.

12. Contact

Questions about this policy or about your personal data: admin@ascax.com. ASCAX Inc., British Columbia, Canada. Corporate details are on our company page.