Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Rakata is a student-focused online marketplace platform that enables students to list, discover, and connect to buy or sell goods and services within their respective campuses. The platform is designed to make it easier for students to access affordable items, sell their products, and exchange services in a safe and convenient environment.

Rakata values and respects the privacy of its users. We are committed to protecting the personal information you share with us and ensuring transparency in how your data is collected, used, and safeguarded.

This Privacy Policy explains what information Rakata collects from users, how we use and protect that information, and the rights users have concerning their personal data. By using Rakata, you acknowledge and agree to the practices described in this Privacy Policy.

2. Information We Collect

To operate effectively as a student marketplace and provide you with the best experience, Rakata collects the following categories of information:

• Account Information: When you create an account on Rakata, we may collect details such as your full name, email address, phone number, campus affiliation, and password (if applicable). This information helps us verify your identity and personalize your experience on the Platform.
• Listing Information: When you post a product or service, we collect details such as product descriptions, images, prices, and related information you provide. This allows us to display your listings to potential buyers and promote them where necessary.
• Usage Data: When you interact with Rakata, we may automatically collect certain information such as your device type, IP address, browser type, operating system, and the pages or features you interact with on the Platform. This helps us improve our service and analyze usage patterns.
• Communication Data: Because communication between buyers and sellers may initially occur via WhatsApp, phone calls, or direct messages, Rakata may collect and store the contact details you choose to share on your listings. While Rakata does not monitor the content of private conversations, we may record metadata (e.g., contact details shared, transaction interests) for support and safety purposes.

3. How We Use Information

Rakata collects and processes user information solely for legitimate purposes in connection with the operation of the Platform. Specifically, we use the information we collect for the following purposes:

• Account Management: To register, authenticate, and manage user accounts, ensuring that only authorized users access the Platform.
• Marketplace Facilitation: To enable buyers and sellers to create listings, browse available products and services, and connect with one another for transactions.
• Communication Support: To facilitate smooth and direct communication between buyers and sellers through the contact details provided (e.g., WhatsApp, phone calls).
• Platform Improvement: To analyze user activity and preferences in order to improve features, enhance security, and provide a more user-friendly experience.
• Notifications: To send important updates, such as changes to policies, new features, or service announcements relevant to your account or the Platform.
• Fraud and Security: To detect, prevent, and address fraud, scams, abuse, unauthorized use, and violations of Rakata's Terms and Conditions.

Rakata will not use your personal information for purposes unrelated to the operation of the Platform without your explicit consent.

4. Sharing of Information

Rakata respects the privacy of its users and limits the sharing of personal information to circumstances necessary for the operation of the Platform. Specifically, information may be shared as follows:

• With Other Users: To facilitate transactions, sellers' contact details (such as phone number or WhatsApp) may be displayed on listings and made accessible to buyers. Buyers may also share certain contact details with sellers when initiating transactions. Rakata does not monitor or control the communication that occurs directly between users.
• With Service Providers: Rakata may engage trusted third-party service providers, such as hosting providers, analytics services, or technical support platforms, to help maintain and operate the Platform. These service providers are given limited access to user data strictly for performing their functions and are bound by confidentiality obligations.
• For Legal Reasons: Rakata may disclose user information if required to do so by law, regulation, legal process, court order, or government authority. This may also include situations where disclosure is necessary to protect the rights, safety, or property of Rakata, its users, or the public.
• No Sale of Data: Rakata does not sell, rent, or trade user personal information to advertisers, marketers, or any third parties for commercial purposes.

5. Data Security

• Rakata employs reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect personal information from unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures may include encryption, secure data storage, limited access controls, and routine monitoring of the Platform for potential vulnerabilities.
• While Rakata strives to use industry-standard security practices, users should understand that no method of transmitting or storing data is completely secure. Therefore, Rakata cannot guarantee absolute security of information, though every effort is made to minimize risks.
• Users are also responsible for safeguarding their login details and should notify Rakata immediately if they suspect unauthorized access to their account.

6. Data Retention

• Rakata retains user information for as long as the user account remains active or as long as it is necessary to provide services and fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy.
• Information related to listings, transactions, or communications may be stored for recordkeeping, dispute resolution, and legal compliance.
• If a user requests deletion of their account, Rakata will take reasonable steps to delete or anonymize personal information, except where retention is required by law, regulatory obligations, or for legitimate business interests (e.g., fraud prevention).

7. User Rights

Rakata is committed to giving users control over their personal information. Depending on applicable laws, users have the following rights:

• Access and Correction: Users may access and update their account details at any time through the Platform's account settings. Corrections to inaccurate or incomplete information can also be requested.
• Deletion of Data: Users may request that their account and associated personal information be deleted. Rakata will comply with such requests unless retention is required by law or for legitimate business purposes.
• Withdrawal of Consent: Where Rakata relies on user consent to process certain data (e.g., optional communications), users have the right to withdraw that consent at any time.
• Support for Rights: To exercise these rights, users can contact Rakata through the support channels provided in this Privacy Policy. Reasonable verification steps may be required to ensure requests are made by the rightful account owner.

8. Cookies and Tracking

• At the current MVP stage, Rakata makes limited use of cookies and similar technologies. These may be employed to remember user preferences, enhance browsing functionality, and collect aggregate data about how users interact with the Platform.
• Cookies may collect information such as session details, login status, and usage activity (e.g., pages viewed, time spent, and navigation paths). This data helps Rakata improve the user experience and optimize the Platform's performance.
• Users are notified when cookies are used and may choose to accept or reject them through their browser or device settings. However, rejecting cookies may limit access to certain features or functionality of the Platform.

9. Third-Party Links

• Rakata may provide links to third-party websites, resources, or applications for user convenience (e.g., external payment processors, information sources, or partner services).
• These external sites are not operated or controlled by Rakata, and Rakata is not responsible for their content, policies, or practices.
• Users are encouraged to review the privacy policies of any third-party websites they visit before providing personal information.

10. Children's Privacy

• Rakata is designed for students and users who meet the minimum age requirement of 16 years old (or 18 years old where required by applicable law).
• Rakata does not knowingly collect or process personal information from individuals under the age limit. If we become aware that a child below the minimum age has provided personal data, we will take prompt steps to delete such information and terminate the associated account.
• Parents or guardians who believe their child has used Rakata without consent should contact us immediately using the details provided in the Contact Information section.

11. Changes to this Privacy Policy

• Rakata may update or revise this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, services, legal requirements, or for other operational reasons.
• Any updates will be published on the Rakata website or application, with the "Last Updated" date revised accordingly.
• In cases of significant changes, Rakata may also notify users through email, in-app notifications, or announcements on the Platform.
• Users are encouraged to review this Privacy Policy periodically to stay informed about how their information is being collected, used, and protected. Continued use of the Platform after any changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

12. Contact Information

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or how Rakata handles your personal data, you may contact us through the following channels:

• Email: rakatang12@gmail.com
• Phone/WhatsApp: +234 912 719 0412

Rakata will make reasonable efforts to respond promptly to privacy-related inquiries and provide support in line with this Privacy Policy.