Clique Privacy Policy

Last Updated: 05/11/2026

Welcome to Clique

At Clique ("we," "us," or "our"), we connect companies with exceptional talent through the recruiters who know them best. We take your privacy seriously and are committed to protecting your personal information.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, share, and protect your information when you use our platform at theclique.co (the "Service").

By using Clique, you agree to this Privacy Policy. If you don't agree, please don't use our Service.

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Information You Provide to Us

Account Information:

  • Name, email address, phone number

  • Company name and role

  • LinkedIn profile (optional)

  • Password (encrypted)

Profile Information:

For Recruiters:

  • Professional background and experience

  • Areas of specialization

  • Candidate submissions (names, resumes, contact information)

  • Commission and payment information

For Clients (Companies):

  • Hiring needs and role descriptions

  • Team member information

  • Company size and industry

For Candidates:

  • Resume and work history

  • Skills and experience

  • Salary expectations

  • Availability and preferences

  • Contact information (provided by your recruiter)

Payment Information:

  • Bank account details for payouts (recruiters)

  • Credit card or payment method information (clients)

  • Billing address

  • Tax information (W-9 forms, EIN, SSN as required)

Communications:

  • Messages between recruiters, clients, and candidates

  • Support requests and correspondence

  • Feedback and survey responses

1.2 Information We Collect Automatically

Usage Information:

  • Pages visited, features used, time spent

  • Search queries and filters

  • Clicks, scrolling, and interactions

  • Device type, browser, operating system

  • IP address and general location

Cookies and Tracking:

  • We use cookies and similar technologies to improve your experience, remember your preferences, and analyze usage patterns

  • You can control cookies through your browser settings

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

2.1 Provide Our Service

  • Create and manage your account

  • Facilitate introductions between recruiters, candidates, and clients

  • Process payments and commissions

  • Enable communication on our platform

  • Provide customer support

2.2 Improve Our Service

  • Analyze usage patterns and trends

  • Develop new features

  • Fix bugs and technical issues

  • Conduct research and analytics

2.3 Communicate With You

  • Send transactional emails (confirmations, notifications)

  • Share platform updates and new features

  • Request feedback

  • Provide customer support

  • Send marketing communications (you can opt out anytime)

2.4 Ensure Safety and Security

  • Prevent fraud and abuse

  • Enforce our Terms of Service

  • Comply with legal obligations

  • Protect our rights and property

2.5 Process Payments

  • Facilitate transactions between parties

  • Calculate and distribute recruiter commissions

  • Maintain financial records

  • Comply with tax regulations

3. Payment Processing and Financial Information

3.1 How We Handle Payments

For Clients:

  • We use secure third-party payment processors (Stripe, PayPal, or similar)

  • Your payment information is encrypted and stored by our payment processor, not directly by us

  • We store only the last 4 digits of your card and expiration date for reference

  • All transactions are processed over secure SSL connections

For Recruiters:

  • We collect bank account information to process commission payouts

  • Payment details are encrypted and securely stored

  • We process payouts according to your tier schedule (monthly, bi-weekly, or weekly)

  • We maintain records of all transactions for tax and accounting purposes

3.2 Tax Information

We collect tax information as legally required:

  • W-9 forms for U.S.-based recruiters

  • Tax ID numbers (SSN or EIN)

  • This information is used solely for tax reporting and compliance

  • We issue 1099 forms to recruiters earning $600+ annually

  • Tax data is stored securely and accessed only by authorized personnel

3.3 Financial Data Security

  • All financial data is encrypted at rest and in transit

  • We use industry-standard security protocols (AES-256 encryption)

  • Access to financial information is restricted to essential personnel

  • We undergo regular security audits

  • We comply with PCI DSS standards for payment card data

3.4 Payment Records Retention

  • Transaction records are retained for 7 years for tax and legal compliance

  • You can request a copy of your payment history at any time

  • After retention period, financial records are securely deleted

4. How We Share Your Information

We share your information only in specific circumstances:

4.1 Within the Platform

Recruiters can see:

  • Client company names and hiring needs (when relevant)

  • Feedback on candidates they submitted

  • Commission information for their placements

Clients can see:

  • Candidate profiles submitted by recruiters

  • Recruiter names and background (for candidates they're interested in)

  • Communication history related to their hiring

Candidates can see:

  • Which companies are interested in them

  • Communication from clients and recruiters

  • Interview and hiring status

We do NOT share:

  • Client payment information with recruiters

  • Recruiter bank details with clients

  • Candidate information with clients until introduction is requested

  • Personal contact information unless necessary for the hiring process

4.2 Service Providers

We share information with trusted third-party service providers who help us operate:

  • Payment processors (Stripe, PayPal)

  • Cloud hosting (AWS, Google Cloud)

  • Email services (SendGrid, Mailchimp)

  • Analytics tools (Google Analytics)

  • Customer support tools

These providers are contractually obligated to protect your data and use it only for services they provide to us.

4.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose information when required by law:

  • In response to subpoenas, court orders, or legal processes

  • To comply with tax regulations and reporting requirements

  • To protect our rights, property, or safety

  • To investigate fraud or security issues

  • To enforce our Terms of Service

4.4 Business Transfers

If Clique is acquired, merged, or sells assets, your information may be transferred to the new owner. We'll notify you before your information becomes subject to a different privacy policy.

4.5 With Your Consent

We may share information in other ways with your explicit consent.

5. Your Privacy Rights and Choices

5.1 Access and Control

You have the right to:

  • Access: Request a copy of your personal information

  • Update: Correct inaccurate information through your account settings

  • Delete: Request deletion of your account and data

  • Export: Download your data in a portable format

  • Object: Opt out of certain data processing activities

5.2 Communication Preferences

You can control communications:

  • Marketing emails: Unsubscribe link in every marketing email

  • Transactional emails: Cannot be disabled (account notifications, payment confirmations)

  • Push notifications: Manage through your device settings

5.3 Cookie Controls

You can manage cookies through:

  • Your browser settings

  • Our cookie preference center (when available)

  • Third-party opt-out tools

Note: Disabling cookies may limit some platform functionality.

5.4 How to Exercise Your Rights

To exercise any of these rights:

  • Email us at privacy@clique.com

  • Log in and update your account settings

  • Contact our support team

We'll respond within 30 days of receiving your request.

6. Data Security

6.1 How We Protect Your Information

We implement industry-standard security measures:

  • Encryption: All data encrypted in transit (SSL/TLS) and at rest (AES-256)

  • Access Controls: Role-based access, multi-factor authentication for staff

  • Monitoring: 24/7 security monitoring and intrusion detection

  • Audits: Regular security assessments and penetration testing

  • Training: Staff trained on data protection best practices

6.2 Payment Security

  • PCI DSS Level 1 compliant payment processors

  • Tokenization of payment card data

  • We never store full credit card numbers

  • Bank account information encrypted with bank-level security

6.3 Your Responsibility

Help us protect your account:

  • Use a strong, unique password

  • Enable two-factor authentication (when available)

  • Don't share your login credentials

  • Log out on shared devices

  • Report suspicious activity immediately

6.4 Data Breaches

In the unlikely event of a data breach:

  • We'll notify affected users within 72 hours

  • We'll provide details about what information was affected

  • We'll explain steps we're taking to address the breach

  • We'll offer guidance on protecting yourself

7. Data Retention

7.1 How Long We Keep Your Data

Active Accounts:

  • We retain your information while your account is active

  • Data is kept to provide ongoing service

Closed Accounts:

  • Most data deleted within 90 days of account closure

  • Some information retained longer for legal compliance:

    • Financial records: 7 years (tax law requirement)

    • Communications: 3 years (legal defense)

    • Aggregated analytics: Indefinitely (anonymized)

Payment Data:

  • Transaction records: 7 years

  • Tax forms (1099s, W-9s): 7 years

  • Bank account info: Deleted within 90 days of last transaction

7.2 Requesting Deletion

To delete your account and data:

  1. Email deletion@clique.com

  2. We'll confirm your identity

  3. We'll delete all data not required for legal compliance

  4. You'll receive confirmation within 30 days

Note: We may retain some information if required by law or needed to resolve disputes.

8. Children's Privacy

Clique is not intended for users under 18. We don't knowingly collect information from children. If we learn we've collected a child's information, we'll delete it immediately. If you believe we have information about a child, contact us at privacy@clique.com.

9. International Users

9.1 Data Location

Clique operates in the United States. Your information is stored on servers located in the U.S.

9.2 International Transfers

If you access Clique from outside the U.S.:

  • Your information will be transferred to and processed in the U.S.

  • U.S. privacy laws may differ from your country's laws

  • By using Clique, you consent to this transfer

9.3 EU/UK Users (GDPR)

If you're in the EU or UK, you have additional rights under GDPR:

  • Right to data portability

  • Right to restrict processing

  • Right to object to automated decision-making

  • Right to lodge a complaint with supervisory authority

Contact our EU representative: [If applicable]

10. California Privacy Rights (CCPA)

If you're a California resident, you have additional rights:

10.1 Right to Know

  • What personal information we collect

  • Sources of that information

  • Business purpose for collection

  • Categories of third parties we share with

10.2 Right to Delete

Request deletion of your personal information (with exceptions for legal compliance).

10.3 Right to Opt-Out

We don't sell personal information. If this changes, we'll provide an opt-out mechanism.

10.4 Right to Non-Discrimination

We won't discriminate against you for exercising your privacy rights.

10.5 Authorized Agent

You may designate an authorized agent to make requests on your behalf.

To exercise California rights: Email privacy@clique.com with "California Privacy Rights" in the subject line.

11. Nevada Privacy Rights

Nevada residents can opt out of the sale of personal information. We don't sell personal information, but if you'd like to submit an opt-out request: privacy@clique.com.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. When we do:

  • We'll post the updated policy on this page

  • We'll update the "Last Updated" date

  • For material changes, we'll notify you by email or platform notification

  • Continued use after changes means you accept the new policy

13. Contact Us

Questions about this Privacy Policy or your personal information?

Email: team@clique.com
Mail: Clique, [Your Address]
Support: [Support portal link]

For specific requests:

  • Data access requests

  • Data deletion requests

  • Security concerns:

  • Payment questions:
    Reach out to team@clique.com

Response time: We aim to respond within 5 business days.

14. Additional Information

14.1 Third-Party Links

Our platform may contain links to third-party websites. This Privacy Policy doesn't apply to those sites. Review their privacy policies before providing information.

14.2 Aggregated Data

We may create anonymized, aggregated data from user information:

  • This data doesn't identify individuals

  • Used for analytics, research, and business purposes

  • May be shared publicly or with partners

  • Not subject to this Privacy Policy

14.3 Recording and Monitoring

For quality and training purposes, we may:

  • Record customer support calls (with notice)

  • Monitor platform usage for security

  • Review communications to prevent abuse

Summary (TL;DR)

We collect:

  • Info you provide (name, email, payment details)

  • Info from your use of the platform

  • Candidate information submitted by recruiters

We use it to:

  • Provide our service

  • Process payments securely

  • Improve our platform

  • Communicate with you

We share it with:

  • Other platform users (as necessary for hiring)

  • Service providers (payment processors, hosting)

  • Law enforcement (when legally required)

Your rights:

  • Access, update, or delete your information

  • Control marketing communications

  • Request data export

Security:

  • Bank-level encryption

  • Secure payment processing

  • Regular security audits

Questions? team@clique.com

By using Clique, you acknowledge that you've read and understood this Privacy Policy.