Updated and Effective as of 01 Jun 2024 Please submit all requests through our Legal Access Request Portal.

At Shopuze, we deeply respect the privacy and rights of our users. These guidelines outline the procedures and policies we adhere to when receiving, scrutinizing, and responding to legal requests for user information.

Should you be a law enforcement authority or a government regulator aiming to report a store for illicit activities or for breaches of our Usage Policy, kindly utilize our Legal Access Request Portal. Submit your takedown notice through the designated form and ensure to furnish comprehensive supportive details.

Introduction

These guidelines depict Shopuze's commitment to striking a harmonious balance between our legal duties, the necessities of the inquiring party, and the priorities of our Merchants, Customers when processing legal information requests.

Here's a brief understanding:

Merchants/Sellers: These are businesses that harness the capabilities of the Shopuze platform or services for any aspect of their store operations.

Customers: These individuals either visit or engage in purchasing from a Merchant's store facilitated by Shopuze's platform or services.

Scope

These guidelines are applicable to:

1. Law enforcement agencies.
2. Governmental bodies.
3. Any third party with a valid legal basis.

Types of user data Shopuze may hold include, but are not limited to, personal identification data, transaction records, service usage logs, and communication records.

Our Principles

In the realm of legal requests for information, our actions are steered by the following foundational principles:

1. Protecting Identifiable Non-public Information:

   We uphold the confidentiality of specific non-public information, such as personal or financial data of a Merchant. Absent a legitimate and enforceable legal mandate, we will refrain from revealing this data. We are also committed to providing the bare minimum information necessary to comply with such mandates. If a request is incorrectly directed, either to the wrong Shopuze entity or address, or comes from an authority without appropriate jurisdiction over the relevant Shopuze entity, we'll typically reject the disclosure of non-public data. When contesting a request, we clarify our objections and provide potential resolutions to the requesting party.

2. Prior Notification:

   We believe in transparency. Thus, before releasing any information, we aim to inform the concerned individuals or entities, unless legally barred from doing so.

3. Relevance and Precision:

   We prioritize relevance in our responses. Only the information pertinent to the specific activity detailed in the legal request will be provided. It's imperative for legal demands and court orders to precisely pinpoint the information they seek.

4. Merchant's Customer Data:

   If a third party seeks details about a Merchant's customers, our first step is to direct the inquirer to the Merchant—the primary holder of that information. We'll only provide customer data if:

   1. The Merchant is involved in a criminal investigation, which might be compromised if they are made aware of the request.
   2. The Merchant, having ended their association with Shopuze, explicitly asks us to forward their data to a third party.
   3. Shopuze has terminated the Merchant's account due to fraudulent practices or other breaches of our Terms of Service, restricting their account access.
   4. The inquiring party has extensively tried but failed to obtain the data from the Merchant. In such cases, we, at our discretion, weigh the public interest against potential risks before releasing the information.

5. Verification and Scrutiny

   All requests will be subject to strict verification to:

   1. Confirm the authenticity of the request.
   2. Ensure it complies with applicable laws and regulations.
   3. Assess the validity and relevance of the reason given for the request.

6. Costs and Fees

   Where applicable, and especially for voluminous or recurring requests, Shopuze may charge a fee to cover administrative and other associated costs.

7. Submission of Requests

   Legal requests for information must be submitted online through our Legal Access Request Portal.

   When submitting legal requests for information, it's essential that the inquiring party adheres to a structured and transparent process to ensure timely and accurate responses. Below are the steps and best practices for submitting such requests:

   • Clarity and Specificity:

     The request should be clear about what information is being sought. Ambiguities can lead to delays. Ensure the request clearly mentions names, dates, and other relevant specifics.

   • Official Documentation:

     All requests must be accompanied by official legal documentation, such as subpoenas, court orders, or search warrants. This ensures the legitimacy of the request.

   • Contact Information:

     Provide detailed contact information, including an email address, phone number, and mailing address. This ensures Shopuze can reach out for any clarifications or updates.

   • Proof of Authority:

     If you're representing a merchant, customer, or other entity, provide verifiable proof of your authority to request information on their behalf.

   • Use of Secure Channels:

     For the safety and privacy of the information, always use secure channels for communications. Shopuze may have encrypted portals or specific email systems for such exchanges.

   • Time Frame:

     If there's a specific deadline by which the information is required, please mention it. While Shopuze strives to respond promptly, knowing your constraints helps prioritize and streamline the process.

   • Explain the Necessity:

     It aids the process if the request also briefly explains why the information is crucial. This doesn't need to be detailed but should give context to the urgency or importance of the request.

   • Privacy Considerations:

     Be conscious of data privacy regulations and rights when making your request. It's advisable to only ask for what is strictly necessary.

   • Updates and Status:

     Post submission, you can request updates or check on the status of your request after a reasonable amount of time has passed. Remember, the smoother the request process, the quicker Shopuze can assist. Being thorough and clear benefits both parties, ensuring that sensitive information is handled appropriately and efficiently.

Disclaimer

The content provided in these Guidelines for Legal Requests for Information is intended solely for informational purposes. Shopuze makes every effort to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information, but it does not guarantee that the information is up-to-date or free from errors or omissions.

This document does not constitute legal advice or opinion. It's important for individuals or entities to consult with their own legal counsel to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or question.

Shopuze reserves the right to update, modify, or revise these guidelines without prior notice, in response to changing legal, technical, or business developments. Users are advised to regularly review these guidelines to ensure they are aware of any changes.

All decisions related to the disclosure of information in response to a legal request will be made by Shopuze in its sole discretion, subject to applicable laws and regulations. Decisions may vary based on the specific facts and circumstances of each request.

By accessing or using these guidelines, users agree to be bound by the terms outlined and acknowledge that any reliance upon the content of this document is at their own risk. Shopuze shall not be liable for any consequences arising from the use of, or reliance on, these guidelines or any related information.