Privacy Policy

Last updated: January 15, 2026

AutoScout24 SafeTrade is committed to protecting your privacy and personal data. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, process, and protect your information in compliance with GDPR and applicable data protection laws.

1. Data Controller

AutoScout24 SafeTrade is the data controller responsible for your personal data.

  • Company: AutoScout24 SafeTrade SRL
  • Address: [Company Registered Address]
  • Email: privacy@autoscout24-safetrade.com
  • DPO: dpo@autoscout24-safetrade.com

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Account Information

  • Full name, email address, phone number
  • Password (encrypted)
  • User type (buyer/seller/dealer)

2.2 Identity Verification (KYC)

  • Government-issued ID documents
  • Proof of address
  • Date of birth, nationality

2.3 Vehicle Information

  • Vehicle details (make, model, year, VIN)
  • Photos and descriptions
  • Ownership documentation

2.4 Transaction Data

  • Bank account details for transfers
  • Payment confirmations
  • Invoice information
  • Communication between parties

2.5 Automatically Collected

  • IP address and device information
  • Browser type and operating system
  • Pages visited and time spent
  • Cookies and tracking technologies

3. How We Use Your Information

3.1 Service Provision

  • Create and manage your account
  • Process vehicle listings and transactions
  • Facilitate communication between buyers and sellers
  • Provide escrow and payment services
  • Generate invoices and receipts
  • Verify vehicle and user identities

3.2 Legal Compliance

  • Comply with KYC/AML regulations
  • Prevent fraud and illegal activities
  • Respond to legal requests
  • Maintain transaction records as required by law
  • Tax reporting and invoicing

3.3 Platform Improvement

  • Analyze usage patterns
  • Improve platform functionality
  • Develop new features
  • Personalize user experience

4. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)

  • Contract Performance: Processing necessary to fulfill our contract with you
  • Legal Obligation: Processing required by law (KYC/AML, tax reporting)
  • Legitimate Interest: Fraud prevention, security, platform improvement
  • Consent: Marketing communications, optional features

5. Data Sharing and Disclosure

5.1 Between Users

Necessary contact information is shared between buyer and seller to facilitate transactions.

5.2 Service Providers

  • KYC/Identity verification services
  • VIN check and vehicle history providers
  • Payment processing partners
  • Cloud hosting providers
  • Email and SMS notification services

5.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose information to law enforcement, tax authorities, and regulatory bodies when required by law.

6. Data Retention

  • Account Data: While account is active + 1 year after deletion
  • Transaction Records: 7 years (legal requirement)
  • KYC Documents: 5 years after account closure
  • Communications: 2 years
  • Marketing Data: Deleted immediately upon withdrawal of consent

7. Your Rights Under GDPR

Right to Access

Request a copy of all personal data we hold about you

Right to Rectification

Correct inaccurate or incomplete personal data

Right to Erasure

Request deletion of your personal data (subject to legal obligations)

Right to Data Portability

Receive your data in machine-readable format

Right to Object

Object to processing based on legitimate interests

Right to Lodge a Complaint

File a complaint with your data protection authority

To exercise these rights, contact us at privacy@autoscout24-safetrade.com. We will respond within 30 days.

8. Data Security

  • Encryption: All data transmitted over HTTPS/TLS; sensitive data encrypted at rest
  • Access Controls: Role-based access with multi-factor authentication
  • Secure Storage: Data stored in secure, EU-based data centers
  • Regular Audits: Security audits and penetration testing
  • Incident Response: 24/7 monitoring and breach response procedures

In case of data breach, we will notify you and authorities within 72 hours as required by GDPR.

9. Cookies and Tracking

  • Essential Cookies: Required for platform functionality
  • Performance Cookies: Analyze usage and improve performance
  • Functionality Cookies: Remember preferences
  • Marketing Cookies: Deliver relevant ads (requires consent)

Manage cookie preferences through our Cookie Settings or browser settings.

10. Children's Privacy

Our platform is not intended for users under 18. We do not knowingly collect children's data.

11. Contact Us

  • Email: privacy@autoscout24-safetrade.com
  • DPO: dpo@autoscout24-safetrade.com
  • Phone: +40 21 XXX XXXX

12. Supervisory Authority

Romanian Data Protection Authority (ANSPDCP)
Website: www.dataprotection.ro
Email: anspdcp@dataprotection.ro