🔒 Privacy Policy

Last Updated: June 22, 2026

At ShopLink NG, we take your privacy seriously. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our platform. Please read this policy carefully.

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Information You Provide

When you register or use ShopLink NG, we collect the following information:

• Account Information: Username, email address, phone number
• Business Information: Business name, store name, business description (for sellers)
• Location Information: State, Local Government Area, School/Institution, address (optional)
• Verification Documents: For sellers who request verification - ID photos, selfie video (securely stored)
• Profile Information: Store logo, store description, contact details
• Communication: Messages and inquiries sent through our platform

1.2 Information Automatically Collected

When you visit our platform, we automatically collect:

• Device Information: IP address, browser type, operating system, device type
• Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent, search queries, interactions
• Cookies: We use cookies to enhance your experience and remember your preferences
• Location Data: If you enable location services, we collect your approximate location

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your information for the following purposes:

• Service Delivery: To create and manage your account, list products, and facilitate connections between buyers and sellers
• Communication: To send you notifications, updates, and respond to your inquiries
• Verification: To verify seller identities and maintain platform trust
• Improvement: To analyze usage patterns and improve our platform
• Security: To detect and prevent fraud, abuse, and security threats
• Compliance: To comply with legal obligations and regulatory requirements

3. How We Share Your Information

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information in the following limited circumstances:

3.1 With Other Users

• Buyers: Your store name, business name, location, and product listings are visible to buyers
• Sellers: Your username, location, and order inquiries are visible to sellers

3.2 With Service Providers

• We may share information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating our platform (hosting, email delivery, analytics)
• These providers are contractually obligated to keep your information confidential and secure

3.3 Legal Requirements

• We may disclose information if required by law, court order, or government regulation
• We may disclose information to protect the rights, property, or safety of ShopLink NG, our users, or others

4. Data Security

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

• Encryption: All data is transmitted over SSL/HTTPS encryption
• Password Security: User passwords are hashed using bcrypt (industry standard)
• Access Control: Access to user data is restricted to authorized personnel only
• Secure Storage: Verification documents are stored securely with restricted access
• Regular Audits: We regularly review our security practices

5. Your Rights and Choices

You have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: You can access and view your information in your account settings
• Update: You can update your information at any time in your account settings
• Delete: You can request deletion of your account by contacting us
• Opt-Out: You can opt-out of promotional communications by contacting us
• Data Portability: You can request a copy of your data

5.1 Account Deletion

To delete your account, please contact us at [email protected]. We will process your request within 7 business days. Note that certain information may be retained for legal and security purposes.

6. Cookies

We use cookies to enhance your experience on our platform. Cookies are small text files stored on your device that help us:

• Remember your preferences and login status
• Understand how you use our platform
• Improve our services based on usage patterns

You can control cookie settings in your browser preferences. However, disabling cookies may affect your experience on our platform.

7. Third-Party Links

Our platform may contain links to third-party websites (including WhatsApp for communication). We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these third-party sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies.

8. Children's Privacy

ShopLink NG is not intended for children under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us and we will remove it.

9. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries where we operate. We ensure that appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your data in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

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. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

11. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide services. We may retain certain information for legal, security, and compliance purposes even after account deletion.

12. Contact Us

© 2026 ShopLink NG. All rights reserved.