Terms of Service & Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Welcome to TalentHacked ("Platform", "we", "us", "our"). These Terms of Service ("Terms") and integrated Privacy Policy govern your access to and use of our website, services, and applications (collectively, the "Services").

By accessing or using our Services, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you disagree with any part of the Terms, you may not access the Services.

2. Definitions

• "User" refers to any individual who creates an account or uses our Services, including "Clients".
• "Expert" refers to individuals who register on our Platform to provide consultation services.
• "Content" means all information, data, text, documents, or other materials that Users submit, upload, or post to the Services.

3. User Accounts & Responsibilities

3.1 Account Creation

You must provide accurate, current, and complete information during registration and keep your account information updated. You are responsible for all activities that occur under your account and for safeguarding your password.

3.2 User Responsibilities

You are solely responsible for:

• The accuracy, legality, and quality of all Content you provide.
• Ensuring your use of the Services complies with all applicable laws.
• The final review and submission of your visa application. You acknowledge that TalentHacked is a tool to assist you, not to complete the application for you.

4. Expert Marketplace

4.1 Platform as an Intermediary

TalentHacked operates as a marketplace to connect Users with Experts. Experts are independent contractors, not employees or agents of TalentHacked.

4.2 Roles & Responsibilities (Data Protection)

For consultations, TalentHacked acts as the controller of your account and platform data. Experts act as independent controllers of the personal data you provide directly to them during a consultation, and are responsible for their own compliance. TalentHacked does not control the advice Experts provide.

We make reasonable efforts to verify Expert credentials, but do not guarantee their qualifications or the quality of their services. Information provided by Experts does not constitute legal advice from TalentHacked.

5. Payments, Cancellations & Refunds

Payments for Expert services are processed through our Platform using secure third-party processors. Our cancellation and refund policies are as follows:

• Cancellations by Client: Full refund if cancelled more than 24 hours before the scheduled time; 50% refund if less than 24 hours; no refund for no-shows.
• Refund Requests: If you are dissatisfied with a consultation, you may request a refund within 48 hours. Requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and our decision is final.

6. Privacy Policy

6.1 Data Collection & Use

We collect personal and usage data to provide and improve our Services, process transactions, and communicate with you. This includes account information, profile data, support communications, technical and usage data, and documents you upload for analysis.

6.2 Data Sharing

We may share your data with: (a) Experts you choose to consult; (b) subprocessors that provide infrastructure, analytics, communications, or payment processing; and (c) authorities where required by law. We do not sell your personal data.

6.3 Data Security

We implement technical and organizational measures (e.g., encryption in transit and at rest, access controls, and monitoring) to protect your data. No system is 100% secure. We will notify affected users of a personal data breach where required by applicable law.

6.4 Your Rights (UK GDPR/GDPR)

Subject to conditions and exemptions, you may have the right to:

• Access your data and obtain a copy
• Rectify inaccurate or incomplete data
• Erase your data (“right to be forgotten”)
• Restrict or object to processing (including objections to direct marketing)
• Data portability
• Withdraw consent at any time where processing is based on consent (without affecting prior lawful processing)

To exercise these rights, contact us at legal@talenthacked.com. We may need to verify your identity before fulfilling your request.

6.5 Lawful Bases for Processing

We rely on the following lawful bases under UK GDPR/GDPR: (a) Contract (to provide the Services you request); (b) Legitimate Interests (e.g., to improve Services, prevent fraud, secure the platform, and communicate non-promotional updates); (c) Consent (e.g., for marketing communications and optional cookies where required); and (d) Legal Obligation (e.g., tax and accounting).

6.6 International Transfers

If we transfer your data outside the UK/EEA, we use appropriate safeguards such as UK Addendum/IDTA, EU Standard Contractual Clauses, or adequacy decisions. Copies of applicable transfer mechanisms can be provided upon request (subject to redactions).

6.7 Data Retention

We retain personal data only as long as necessary for the purposes described or as required by law. Typical retention periods: account data (while active and for up to 6 years after closure for compliance), support communications (up to 3 years), and uploaded documents (until deleted by you or after inactivity clean-up per our data lifecycle policy).

6.8 Cookies & Similar Technologies

We use essential cookies to operate the site and, subject to your consent where required, analytics/marketing cookies to measure usage and improve features. You can manage preferences via our cookie banner or your browser settings. For details, see our Cookie Policy.

6.9 Children’s Data

Our Services are not directed to children under 16, and we do not knowingly collect their data. If you believe a child has provided personal data, contact us to request deletion.

6.10 Automated Decision-Making & Profiling

Our tools may analyze content you upload to provide structured guidance. We do not make decisions producing legal or similarly significant effects solely by automated means. You can request human review of outputs and contest recommendations.

6.11 Data Controller, DPO/Privacy Contact & Representatives

Controller: TalentHacked

Privacy contact / DPO (if appointed): legal@talenthacked.com

If required, our UK/EU representatives’ details will be provided here or upon request.

6.12 Complaints

If you have concerns, contact us first. You also have the right to lodge a complaint with your local supervisory authority. In the UK, this is the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO): ico.org.uk.

7. Intellectual Property

7.1 Our Platform

The Services, including our website, branding, and platform content and materials, are the exclusive property of TalentHacked and its licensors.

7.2 Your Content

You retain ownership of your personal data and documents. By using our Services, you grant TalentHacked a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use and process your Content solely for the purpose of providing and improving the Services for you.

8. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless TalentHacked and its officers, directors, employees, and agents from and against any and all claims, liabilities, damages, losses, and expenses, including reasonable legal and accounting fees, arising out of or in any way connected with (i) your access to or use of the Services, (ii) your violation of these Terms, or (iii) your infringement of any third-party right, including any intellectual property right.

9. Limitation of Liability

OUR TOTAL LIABILITY TO YOU FOR ANY CLAIMS ARISING FROM THESE TERMS OR THE SERVICES IS LIMITED TO THE AMOUNT YOU PAID US, IF ANY, IN THE SIX (6) MONTHS PRECEDING THE CLAIM.

10. Dispute Resolution

10.1 Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by the laws of the United Kingdom, without regard to its conflict of law provisions.

10.2 Arbitration

You and TalentHacked agree to resolve any disputes through final and binding arbitration conducted in London, United Kingdom, except for certain claims (like intellectual property infringement) that may be brought in court.

10.3 Class Action Waiver

You agree that you may only bring claims against TalentHacked in your individual capacity and not as a plaintiff or class member in any purported class or representative proceeding.

11. Termination

We may terminate or suspend your account and access to the Services immediately, without prior notice, for any reason, including a breach of these Terms. You may terminate your account at any time.

12. Changes to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. We will provide notice by posting the new Terms on our Platform. Your continued use of the Services after such changes constitutes your acceptance of the new Terms.

13. Contact Information

If you have any questions about these Terms or our Privacy Policy, please contact us at: