Privacy Policy

Last Updated: January 2024

At Souq-I, we are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our mobile application and services (collectively, the "Service").

By using Souq-I, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with our policies and practices, please do not use our Service.

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Information You Provide to Us

We collect information that you provide directly to us, including:

• Account Information: Name, email address, phone number, password, and profile picture when you create an account
• Profile Information: Bio, location, preferences, and other information you choose to include in your profile
• Product Listings: Product descriptions, images, prices, categories, condition, specifications, and location information
• Business Verification: Business name, type, category, contact information, website, business documents, and verification materials
• Communications: Messages, comments, reviews, and other content you post or send through the Service
• Payment Information: Payment method details (processed securely through third-party payment processors)
• Support Requests: Information you provide when contacting our support team

1.2 Information Automatically Collected

When you use Souq-I, we automatically collect certain information, including:

• Device Information: Device type, operating system, unique device identifiers, mobile network information
• Usage Data: How you interact with the Service, pages viewed, features used, search queries, time spent on the app
• Location Data: Precise or approximate location information when you enable location services (used to show nearby listings and help buyers find items in your area)
• Log Data: IP address, browser type, access times, pages visited, referring website addresses
• Cookies and Tracking Technologies: Information collected through cookies, web beacons, and similar technologies

1.3 Information from Third Parties

We may receive information about you from third-party services, including:

• Social media platforms if you choose to connect your account
• Payment processors for transaction information
• Analytics providers for usage statistics
• Advertising partners for marketing purposes

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for various purposes, including:

• To Provide and Maintain the Service: Create and manage your account, process transactions, display product listings, facilitate communication between buyers and sellers
• To Improve the Service: Analyze usage patterns, identify trends, develop new features, and enhance user experience
• To Communicate with You: Send you notifications, updates, marketing communications (with your consent), and respond to your inquiries
• To Ensure Security: Detect, prevent, and address fraud, security breaches, and other harmful activities
• To Enforce Policies: Review content, moderate listings, enforce our Terms of Service, and protect user safety
• To Personalize Your Experience: Show you relevant listings, recommendations, and content based on your preferences and location
• To Process Business Verifications: Review and verify business accounts and documentation
• To Comply with Legal Obligations: Meet legal requirements, respond to legal requests, and protect our rights

3. How We Share Your Information

We may share your information in the following circumstances:

3.1 Public Information

Certain information is publicly visible on Souq-I, including:

• Your public profile information (name, profile picture, location)
• Product listings you post (including images, descriptions, prices, location)
• Public reviews and ratings
• Comments and content you post publicly

3.2 With Other Users

We share information with other users as necessary to facilitate transactions and communications:

• Contact information when you initiate a conversation or transaction
• Product listing information to potential buyers
• Your location (if enabled) to show nearby listings

3.3 With Service Providers

We may share information with third-party service providers who perform services on our behalf, including:

• Cloud storage and hosting providers
• Payment processors
• Analytics and advertising partners
• Customer support services
• Email and messaging services

These service providers are contractually obligated to protect your information and use it only for the purposes we specify.

3.4 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required by law or in response to:

• Legal processes, such as subpoenas, court orders, or government requests
• Enforcement of our Terms of Service or other agreements
• Protection of our rights, property, or safety, or that of our users or others
• Investigation of fraud, security breaches, or other illegal activities

3.5 Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, reorganization, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction.

4. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your information, including:

• Encryption of data in transit and at rest
• Secure authentication and access controls
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Firewall and intrusion detection systems
• Employee training on data protection

However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

5. Your Privacy Rights and Choices

5.1 Access and Update Your Information

You can access, update, or delete your account information at any time through the app settings or by contacting us.

5.2 Location Information

You can control location sharing through your device settings. Disabling location services may limit certain features, such as showing nearby listings.

5.3 Marketing Communications

You can opt-out of marketing emails by following the unsubscribe instructions in the emails or by adjusting your notification preferences in the app settings.

5.4 Account Deletion

You can delete your account at any time through the app settings. When you delete your account, we will:

• Remove your personal information from active use
• Retain certain information as required by law or for legitimate business purposes
• Remove or anonymize your public content where possible

5.5 Data Portability

You may request a copy of your personal information in a structured, machine-readable format by contacting us.

6. Children's Privacy

Souq-I is not intended for children 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, and we will delete such information.

7. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. These countries may have different data protection laws. By using Souq-I, you consent to the transfer of your information to these countries.

8. Data Retention

We retain your information for as long as necessary to:

• Provide the Service to you
• Comply with legal obligations
• Resolve disputes and enforce agreements
• Protect our rights and prevent fraud

When information is no longer needed, we will securely delete or anonymize it in accordance with our data retention policies.

9. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to:

• Remember your preferences and settings
• Analyze how you use the Service
• Provide personalized content and advertisements
• Improve the Service's functionality

You can control cookies through your device or browser settings, though this may affect certain features of the Service.

10. Third-Party Links and Services

Souq-I may contain links to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these third parties. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party services you access.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or for legal, operational, or regulatory reasons. We will notify you of material changes by:

• Posting the updated Privacy Policy in the app
• Sending you a notification
• Updating the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy

Your continued use of Souq-I after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

12. Your Consent

By using Souq-I, you consent to:

• The collection, use, and disclosure of your information as described in this Privacy Policy
• The processing of your information in countries where we operate
• The use of cookies and tracking technologies as described

13. Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

14. Data Protection Officer

For inquiries regarding data protection and privacy rights, you may contact our Data Protection Officer at dpo@souq-i.com.

By using Souq-I, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy and agree to the collection, use, and disclosure of your information as described herein.