Privacy Policy

Effective Date: August 1, 2024

Welcome to Marketplace Naija. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, disclose, and protect your personal information when you use our website and services. We are committed to safeguarding your privacy and ensuring transparency about how your data is handled.

By accessing or using www.marketplace.ng ("our platform", "Marketplace Naija", "we", "our", or "us"), you agree to the practices described in this policy.

1. Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of information:

a. Personal Information

Information you provide directly when using our platform, such as:

• Full Name
• Email Address
• Phone Number
• Location (City, State)
• Password
• Bank details (for sellers using Buy Direct feature)
• Identity verification (e.g., ID documents, BVN – if required for secure transactions)

b. Usage Information

Automatically collected when you interact with our platform:

• IP address
• Device type and browser
• Pages visited, time spent, and clicks
• Search history and preferences
• Location data (if you enable location services)

c. Communication Data

• Customer support interactions
• Chat messages between buyers and sellers
• Emails or messages sent to us or between users

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your data to:

• Provide, improve, and personalize our services
• Facilitate secure transactions through Buy Direct
• Enable communication between buyers and sellers
• Process payments and withdrawals
• Verify accounts and prevent fraud or illegal activities
• Send updates, promotional offers, and service announcements
• Provide customer support and resolve disputes
• Comply with legal obligations

3. Buy Direct: Secure Transaction Handling

Our Buy Direct feature protects both buyers and sellers through a secure payment system:

• The buyer pays through our platform.
• Funds are held securely until the item is delivered and confirmed by the buyer.
• Payment is released to the seller only after confirmation.

All data related to these transactions (payment details, delivery info, dispute resolution logs) is handled securely and used strictly for transaction management and fraud prevention.

4. Who We Share Your Information With

We do not sell your data. We may share your data with:

• Trusted service providers (e.g., payment processors, delivery/logistics partners)
• Law enforcement or regulatory bodies, when legally required
• Internal staff or technical partners to maintain the platform
• Business partners, for delivery or order fulfillment in Buy Direct transactions

All third parties are required to comply with strict confidentiality and data protection standards.

5. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to:

• Remember your preferences and login state
• Analyze user behavior and improve performance
• Deliver targeted advertisements or offers

You can manage your cookie preferences in your browser settings.

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal data:

• As long as your account is active
• As required to comply with legal, tax, or regulatory requirements
• Until you request deletion of your account and data, subject to compliance requirements

7. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your data:

• Encrypted communications (HTTPS)
• Secure password storage (hashing)
• Two-factor authentication (optional)
• Internal access control and monitoring

However, no system is 100% secure. Users are advised to protect their login credentials and report suspicious activity.

8. Your Rights

As a Nigerian user, you have the right to:

• Access and review your personal data
• Correct inaccurate or incomplete data
• Request deletion of your data ("right to be forgotten")
• Withdraw consent at any time
• File a complaint with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC)

To exercise any of your rights, contact us at [email protected].

9. Children's Privacy

Our platform is not intended for use by individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect data from minors. If you believe a child's data has been submitted, please contact us for immediate removal.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. If changes are significant, we will notify you via email or through a notice on the website. Continued use of the platform means you accept the updated policy.

11. Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or data-related requests, please contact: