1. Introduction
pawatips ("we", "our", or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our platform. Please read this policy carefully to understand our practices regarding your personal data.
2. Information We Collect
We collect information that you provide directly to us:
- Account Information: Phone number, username, email address (optional), and password
- Profile Information: Your role (tipster or buyer), profile preferences
- Transaction Data: Purchase history, payment information, M-Pesa transaction details
- Tipster Data: Tips created, predictions, performance statistics
- Communication Data: Messages you send to us or through the platform
We also automatically collect certain information:
- Device Information: Browser type, operating system, device identifiers
- Usage Data: Pages visited, features used, time spent on the platform
- Log Data: IP address, access times, referring URLs
3. How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect to:
- Provide, maintain, and improve our services
- Process transactions and send related information
- Create and manage your account
- Calculate tipster rankings and performance metrics
- Send you technical notices and support messages
- Detect, prevent, and address fraud and security issues
- Comply with legal obligations
- Analyze usage patterns to improve user experience
4. Information Sharing
We may share your information in the following circumstances:
- Public Profile: Tipster usernames, ratings, and performance stats are publicly visible
- Payment Processors: We share transaction data with M-Pesa to process payments
- Legal Requirements: When required by law or to protect our rights
- Business Transfers: In connection with any merger or acquisition
We do not sell your personal information to third parties.
5. Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. This includes:
- Encryption of sensitive data in transit and at rest
- Secure password hashing
- Regular security assessments
- Access controls and authentication
- Audit logging for sensitive operations
6. Data Retention
We retain your personal information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide you services. We may also retain and use your information to comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements. Transaction records are kept for a minimum of 7 years for accounting and legal purposes.
7. Your Rights
You have the following rights regarding your personal data:
- Access: Request a copy of your personal data
- Correction: Request correction of inaccurate data
- Deletion: Request deletion of your account and data
- Portability: Request your data in a portable format
- Objection: Object to certain types of processing
To exercise these rights, please contact us through our Contact Page.
8. Cookies and Tracking
We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to track activity on our platform and hold certain information. Cookies are used to maintain your session, remember your preferences, and analyze how you use our platform. You can instruct your browser to refuse all cookies, but some features may not function properly.
9. Children's Privacy
Our platform is not intended for anyone under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately.
10. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page and updating the "Last updated" date. You are advised to review this Privacy Policy periodically for any changes.
11. Contact Us
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us through our Contact Page.