16. Platform Status and Third-Party Services
16.1 Platform Role
16.1.1 The Chai Pe Charcha Websites operate solely as an online platform that enables businesses to create listings and users to discover and interact with those listings.
16.1.2 We do not provide, supply, or control any of the goods or services offered by businesses listed on the Platform.
16.1.3 We are not a party to any contract, agreement, or transaction between users and any third-party business.
16.2 No Agency or Partnership
16.2.1 Nothing in these Conditions creates or shall be deemed to create:
(a) any partnership, joint venture, or agency relationship between us and any user or business;
(b) any authority for us to act on behalf of any business listed on the Platform;
(c) any authority for any business to act on our behalf.
16.3 No Control Over Third-Party Services
16.3.1 We do not:
(a) control or supervise the services provided by third-party businesses;
(b) guarantee the performance, quality, legality, or safety of any goods or services;
(c) verify all information provided by businesses on the Platform.
16.4 User Responsibility
16.4.1 Any engagement, communication, or transaction with a business listed on the Platform is undertaken at your own risk.
16.4.2 You are solely responsible for:
(a) verifying the suitability and reliability of any business;
(b) agreeing terms directly with the relevant business;
(c) resolving any disputes arising from such interactions.
16.5 Limitation of Platform Liability
16.5.1 We shall not be liable for:
(a) any acts, omissions, or conduct of any third-party business;
(b) any goods or services provided by third parties;
(c) any loss, damage, or dispute arising from your interaction with any third party.
16.6 No Endorsement
16.6.1 The presence, visibility, or ranking of any business on the Platform does not constitute endorsement, approval, or recommendation by us.
17. Search Results and Ranking Transparency
17.1 Nature of Search Results
17.1.1 The Chai Pe Charcha Websites provide search and listing results to assist users in discovering businesses and services.
17.1.2 Search results are generated using automated processes and may vary depending on user input, location, and other factors.
17.2 Ranking Factors
17.2.1 The order in which listings appear on the Platform may be influenced by a combination of factors, which may include:
(a) relevance to the user’s search query;
(b) geographic location and proximity;
(c) completeness and accuracy of listing information;
(d) user engagement or activity;
(e) availability of content or media;
(f) paid features, promotions, or enhanced listings.
17.2.2 The weighting and application of these factors may change over time at our discretion.
17.3 No Guarantee of Quality or Suitability
17.3.1 The positioning or prominence of any listing does not constitute:
(a) a recommendation or endorsement;
(b) a guarantee of quality, reliability, or suitability;
(c) a representation that one listing is superior to another.
17.4 No Obligation to Display or Rank
17.4.1 We do not guarantee that any listing will appear in search results or maintain any particular position.
17.4.2 We reserve the right to determine the inclusion, exclusion, and positioning of listings on the Platform.
17.5 User Responsibility
17.5.1 Users are responsible for independently assessing the suitability of any business or service before engaging with it.
18. Account Suspension, Termination and Data Handling
18.1 Suspension and Termination
18.1.1 We may suspend or terminate your account, access to the Platform, or any associated services in accordance with these Conditions.
18.1.2 You may also choose to close your account at any time by contacting us or using available account settings (where applicable).
18.2 Effect on Listings and Content
18.2.1 Upon suspension or termination of your account:
(a) your access to the Platform and associated services may be restricted or removed;
(b) your business listings may be suspended, removed, or made inactive;
(c) we may retain and continue to display certain content, including reviews or publicly available information, where it forms part of the integrity of the Platform.
18.2.2 We reserve the right to determine, at our sole discretion, whether any content or listings remain visible following account termination.
18.3 Data Retention
18.3.1 We may retain your personal data and account-related information:
(a) for as long as necessary to comply with legal, regulatory, or tax obligations;
(b) to resolve disputes or enforce these Conditions;
(c) to maintain platform integrity and prevent fraud or abuse.
18.3.2 Data retention and processing will be carried out in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
18.4 Deletion of Data
18.4.1 Where applicable, you may request deletion of your personal data in accordance with your legal rights.
18.4.2 Certain data may be retained where required by law or where necessary for legitimate business purposes.
18.5 Outstanding Obligations
18.5.1 Termination or suspension of your account does not affect any accrued rights or obligations, including any outstanding payments owed to us.
19. Communications and Marketing
19.1 Service Communications
19.1.1 By creating an account or using the Chai Pe Charcha Websites, you agree that we may send you service-related communications necessary for the operation of the Platform.
19.1.2 Such communications may include:
(a) account notifications and security alerts;
(b) transaction confirmations and billing updates;
(c) service announcements, updates, or changes;
(d) responses to enquiries or support requests.
19.1.3 These communications are considered essential and cannot be opted out of while you continue to use the Platform.
19.2 Marketing Communications
19.2.1 We may send you marketing communications, including updates, promotions, and offers relating to our services, where permitted by applicable law.
19.2.2 Marketing communications will only be sent where:
(a) you have provided consent; or
(b) we are otherwise permitted to do so under applicable regulations.
19.3 Opt-Out and Preferences
19.3.1 You may opt out of receiving marketing communications at any time by:
(a) using the unsubscribe link included in such communications; or
(b) updating your communication preferences within your account (where available).
19.3.2 Opting out of marketing communications does not affect your ability to receive service-related communications.
19.4 Third-Party Communications
19.4.1 We do not sell your personal data to third parties for marketing purposes.
19.4.2 We may use third-party service providers to send communications on our behalf, subject to appropriate data protection safeguards.
19.5 Compliance
19.5.1 All communications will be handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy and applicable data protection and electronic communications laws.
20. Force Majeure
20.1 Events Beyond Our Control
20.1.1 We shall not be liable for any failure or delay in the performance of our obligations under these Conditions where such failure or delay results from events beyond our reasonable control (“Force Majeure Event”).
20.1.2 Force Majeure Events may include, but are not limited to:
(a) acts of God, natural disasters, or extreme weather conditions;
(b) fire, flood, earthquake, or other environmental events;
(c) war, threat of war, civil unrest, terrorism, or public disorder;
(d) strikes, industrial action, or labour disputes;
(e) interruption or failure of utilities, telecommunications networks, or internet services;
(f) cyberattacks, system failures, or technical disruptions beyond our control;
(g) acts or omissions of government or regulatory authorities;
(h) pandemics, epidemics, or public health emergencies.
20.2 Effect of Force Majeure
20.2.1 Where a Force Majeure Event occurs, we may suspend, limit, or delay the provision of the Platform or any associated services for the duration of the event.
20.2.2 We shall take reasonable steps to resume normal operations as soon as practicable following the end of the Force Majeure Event.
20.3 No Liability
20.3.1 We shall not be liable for any loss, damage, or disruption arising from a Force Majeure Event.