1. Introduction

Friends Store (hereinafter referred to as “we” or “the Company”)

respects the privacy of individuals who use our website, mobile applications, participate in Friends Store activities, or register for our services and online content, including but not limited to products and services provided by our business partners (collectively referred to as the “Services”).

We ensure that all personal data collected, transmitted, stored, and used is handled in accordance with the provisions of the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance (Cap. 486) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (“the Ordinance”). By providing your personal data to us, you are deemed to have agreed to the terms set out in this Privacy Policy.

The term “personal data” carries the same meaning as defined under the Ordinance.

2. Purpose and Use of Personal Data Collection

You may browse or use our website and/or mobile applications without providing any personal data. However, when participating in Friends Store activities or registering for our services or online content, we may request personal data in order to provide such services. You may choose not to provide the information, but we may not be able to offer the services requested.

The personal data collected may be used for purposes including but not limited to:

1. Verifying your identity and/or accounts;
2. Providing and maintaining our Services;
3. Identity verification and/or credit checks;
4. Determining eligibility for discounts or promotions;
5. Applying for, updating, or managing products and services from our business partners (including insurance and financial products), and handling related claims;
6. Processing payments and collecting outstanding debts;
7. Securely storing your data to avoid re-entry;
8. Processing orders, invoicing, and delivery;
9. Direct marketing;​
10. Market research, statistical and behavioral analysis;
11. Customer data and shopping preference analysis;
12. Enabling interactive functions (e.g., identifying friends and sharing shopping experiences);
13. Recommending products/services from us or our partners;
14. Customizing website content and layout based on your preferences;
15. Providing customer support and handling inquiries or complaints;
16. Fraud prevention and detection;
17. Audit and internal compliance;
18. Disclosures required by law or regulation;
19. Other purposes directly related to the original purpose of collection.

3. Types of Personal Data Collected

We may collect the following types of personal data:

1. Identity and contact details: name, gender, date of birth, ID number, phone number, social media links, email, residential/mailing/billing address;
2. Business information: company name and job title (if applicable);
3. Account information: first 6 and last 4 digits of credit card number, Friends Store account details;
4. Transaction data: payment details related to transactions with Friends Store and its merchants;
5. Demographic and interest data: household income, personal interests;
6. Technical and device data: IP address, real-time location, browser settings, browsing history, and other online records;
7. Interactive service data: phonebook contacts and emails (only collected when using relevant features and with prior consent).

Biometric data stored on your device (e.g., fingerprint or facial recognition) may be accessed for identity verification, but we do not collect or store such sensitive data.

4. Confidentiality, Disclosure, and Security of Personal Data

We keep your personal data confidential. However, we may disclose such data to relevant parties in Hong Kong or overseas in the following circumstances to fulfill legal obligations or the original purpose of collection:

• Courts, law enforcement agencies, or other authorities with legal jurisdiction;
• Our affiliates, partners, sellers, contractors, agents, or service providers;
• Our business partners (e.g., insurance or financial institutions) for handling applications, claims, or inquiries;
• Professional advisors under confidentiality obligations (e.g., IT consultants, data processors, auditors, accountants, or lawyers);
• Banks, financial institutions, credit card companies, or debt collection agencies.

We may also share non-personally identifiable data (e.g., sales statistics, traffic data) in aggregated or anonymized form with partners, investors, or researchers.

We have implemented reasonable technical and administrative safeguards to protect personal data in our possession. However, data transmission over the Internet cannot be guaranteed as 100% secure. We are unable to ensure absolute security during data transmission.

5. Transfer of Personal Data Outside Hong Kong

Where operationally necessary, your personal data may be transferred outside the Hong Kong SAR for processing purposes directly related to the original purpose of collection. All data transfers will comply with the Ordinance and applicable regulations.

6. Data Retention

Unless otherwise required by law, we retain personal data only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purpose for which it was collected. If you use your mobile number as a login credential, please update your account promptly in the event of number change or deactivation to maintain account security.

7. Direct Marketing

With your explicit consent, we may use your personal data (including name, email, phone number, contact address, social media links, service usage data, transaction patterns, browsing history, and interests) to send promotional information via email, app notifications, SMS, phone, or post regarding Friends Store or our business partners (including merchants on the Friends Store platform). Promotions may cover, but are not limited to:

• Food, beverages, groceries, and household items
• Personal care and health supplements
• Electronics, appliances, furniture, and lifestyle goods
• Baby and pet supplies
• Toys and books

If you no longer wish to receive such communications, you may update your preferences through your account settings or use the unsubscribe link provided in our messages. We will process your request free of charge.

8. Use of Cookies

When you visit our website and/or mobile apps, we may store small text files (cookies) on your device to:

• Recognize your identity and remember your preferences;
• Analyze browsing behavior, activity, and cart contents to enhance the shopping experience;
• Conduct research and analytics to improve services and advertising;
• Strengthen security measures.

Cookie data generally does not contain personally identifiable information. However, if such data is combined with personal data, it will be treated as personal data. You may disable cookies in your browser settings, though some features may not function properly as a result.

9. Links to Third-Party Websites

This Privacy Policy applies only to Friends Store’s website and mobile applications. If you access third-party sites (including advertisers or partners) through our platform, you are leaving our website. Any personal data you provide there is not governed by this policy, and you do so at your own risk.

10. Access and Correction of Personal Data

If you have any questions regarding this Privacy Policy, or would like to access or correct your personal data, please contact us in writing at:

Privacy Officer

Friends Store

Room 20, 1/F, Block B, Proficient Industrial Centre, 6 Wang Kwun Road, Kowloon Bay, Hong Kong

Email：friendstore@gmail.com

We may charge a reasonable fee for processing access requests in accordance with the Ordinance.

11. Policy Updates

This Privacy Policy is reviewed periodically and updated on our website when necessary. In the event of any discrepancies between the Chinese and English versions, the English version shall prevail.