Privacy in Communication: What Data Is Shared and How to Control It on markto.ch
markto.ch keeps user privacy relatively high by design — it is a minimal local classifieds platform with no built-in chat, no payment processing, and no extensive user profiling. Below is a clear overview of what data is actually shared during communication and how you can control / minimize it.
What Data Is Shared (and With Whom)
| Situation | Data Shared | Shared With | Visible Publicly? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Browsing ads (no login) | None (only IP for basic analytics, not linked to you) | markto.ch servers only | No |
| Viewing an ad | Your IP address (standard web logging) | markto.ch | No |
| Sending a message via form | Your entered name, email, phone (if provided), message text | Seller (via forwarded email) + markto.ch | No (only seller sees) |
| Phone number in your ad | Full phone number (if you choose to display it) | Anyone viewing your ad | Yes (if enabled) |
| WhatsApp link in ad or messages | Your WhatsApp number (masked until chat accepted) | People who click the link | Only if you add it |
| Email replies | Your email address | The other party | No |
| Meeting coordination (WhatsApp) | Location pins, photos you send, voice notes | The other party only | No |
| Account registration | Email + optional name / phone (not required for basic use) | markto.ch | No |
| Payment details | None — markto.ch never sees cash, TWINT, bank info | Never shared with platform | No |
Important notes:
- markto.ch does not collect or share full names, addresses, ID documents, bank details, or payment info unless you voluntarily include them in messages.
- No persistent chat history is stored on markto.ch servers — messages live only in your email or WhatsApp.
- No tracking cookies or ads that follow you across the web (platform is very lightweight).
How to Control & Minimize Your Data Exposure
- Hide your phone number completely
When creating/editing an ad → uncheck “Telefonnummer anzeigen” or leave the field blank.
→ Buyers must use the message form or WhatsApp link first → you decide when/if to share your number. - Use WhatsApp links instead of raw phone numbers
Add a wa.me/yournumber link in the ad description.
→ People message you without seeing your number until you accept the chat. - Use a secondary / burner number
Get a cheap prepaid SIM (CHF 10–20 from Aldi, Lidl, Salt, Yallo) or WhatsApp Business with a separate number just for markto.ch.
→ Keeps your main personal number private. - Limit what you enter in message forms
Use only a first name (or nickname), a throwaway email if you want, and avoid including address or ID details until trust is built. - Never share sensitive info
Do not send: full home address, bank IBAN, ID photos, passwords, exact workplace, or family details — even after chatting for days. - Control location sharing
Only send WhatsApp location pins 10–15 min before meeting (and only after agreeing on public spot).
Never send your live location for long periods. - Delete/archive chats after deals
In WhatsApp: Archive or delete conversations once completed.
In email: Archive threads or create a “markto Deals” folder. - Use incognito/private browsing
When browsing ads without logging in — prevents cookies from linking sessions. - Report privacy issues
If someone misuses shared info (harassment, spam after deal), block them + report via footer “Kontaktieren Sie uns”.
Quick Privacy Checklist
- Phone hidden in ad? → Yes
- Using WhatsApp link or secondary number? → Yes
- Only first name & generic email in messages? → Yes
- Location pins only right before meetup? → Yes
- No bank/ID/home details shared? → Yes
- Chats archived/deleted after deal? → Yes
markto.ch gives you strong control because it avoids storing or processing personal data beyond the absolute minimum. Stay minimal in what you share, use secondary contacts, and always meet in public — and your privacy stays very well protected.
Stay private and trade safely! 🔒