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Privacy Policy

Effective Date: October 23, 2025

At Sellam, 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 data when you use our marketplace platform.

1. Information We Collect

Personal Information

When you create an account or use our services, we collect:

  • Identity Information: Full name, email address, phone number, date of birth
  • Biometric Data: Facial recognition data for identity verification (with your consent)
  • Payment Information: Bank account details, wallet information, transaction history
  • Location Data: IP address, delivery addresses, GPS location (if enabled)
  • Profile Information: Profile photo, seller ratings, purchase history

Automatically Collected Information

  • Device Information: Device type, operating system, browser type, unique device identifiers
  • Usage Data: Pages viewed, features used, time spent on Platform, search queries
  • Cookies and Tracking: We use cookies and similar technologies to improve user experience
  • Communication Data: Messages sent through our Platform, customer support interactions

Information from Third Parties

  • Social Media: If you connect social media accounts, we may receive profile information
  • Payment Processors: Transaction confirmation and payment status
  • Verification Services: Identity verification results from third-party providers

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

Provide and Improve Services

  • Create and manage your account
  • Process transactions and facilitate escrow payments
  • Enable communication between buyers and sellers
  • Verify user identity and prevent fraud
  • Provide customer support
  • Send transactional notifications (order updates, payment confirmations)

Personalization

  • Recommend products based on your interests
  • Customize your Platform experience
  • Show relevant search results and listings

Security and Compliance

  • Detect and prevent fraud, spam, and abuse
  • Comply with legal obligations and regulations
  • Enforce our Terms of Service
  • Protect against security threats

Marketing and Communication

  • Send promotional emails about new features or products (with your consent)
  • Conduct surveys and request feedback
  • Inform you about Platform updates

Analytics and Research

  • Analyze Platform usage patterns
  • Improve our features and user experience
  • Conduct market research

3. How We Share Your Information

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

Other Users

  • Public Profile: Your username, ratings, and seller information are visible to other users
  • Transaction Details: Buyers and sellers can see necessary information to complete transactions
  • Reviews: Your ratings and reviews are publicly visible

Service Providers

  • Payment Processors: To process payments and manage escrow
  • Cloud Storage: To securely store data
  • Analytics Providers: To understand Platform usage
  • Customer Support: To provide assistance
  • Verification Services: To confirm identity

Legal and Safety

  • Law Enforcement: When required by law or to protect rights and safety
  • Legal Proceedings: In response to court orders or legal processes
  • Emergency Situations: To prevent harm or illegal activity

Business Transfers

  • In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred

4. Data Security

We implement robust security measures to protect your information:

Technical Safeguards

  • Encryption of data in transit (SSL/TLS) and at rest
  • Secure servers with firewalls and intrusion detection
  • Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments
  • Multi-factor authentication options

Access Controls

  • Limited employee access to personal data
  • Background checks for employees handling sensitive data
  • Confidentiality agreements with staff and partners

Your Responsibilities

  • Keep your password and PIN secure
  • Do not share account credentials
  • Use strong, unique passwords
  • Report suspicious activity immediately

Note: While we strive to protect your data, no system is 100% secure. Use the Platform at your own risk.

5. Your Privacy Rights

You have the right to:

Access and Portability

  • Request a copy of your personal data
  • Download your transaction history and messages
  • Export your data in a commonly used format

Correction and Update

  • Update your profile information
  • Correct inaccurate data
  • Request updates to outdated information

Deletion

  • Request deletion of your account and personal data
  • Remove specific listings or messages
  • Note: Some data may be retained for legal or business purposes

Opt-Out

  • Unsubscribe from marketing emails
  • Disable location tracking
  • Reject non-essential cookies
  • Limit data sharing with third parties

Object and Restrict

  • Object to processing for marketing purposes
  • Request restriction of certain data processing activities

To exercise these rights, contact us at privacy@sellam.ng.

6. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Types of Cookies We Use

  • Essential Cookies: Required for Platform functionality
  • Performance Cookies: Analyze Platform usage and performance
  • Functional Cookies: Remember your preferences
  • Marketing Cookies: Deliver relevant advertisements

Managing Cookies

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect Platform functionality.

Do Not Track

We currently do not respond to "Do Not Track" browser signals.

7. Data Retention

We retain your information for as long as:

  • Your account is active
  • Needed to provide services
  • Required by law or for legal proceedings
  • Necessary for business purposes (fraud prevention, analytics)

Typical Retention Periods:

  • Active accounts: Until account deletion
  • Transaction records: 7 years (for tax and legal compliance)
  • Customer support: 3 years
  • Marketing data: Until you opt out or 2 years of inactivity

8. Children's Privacy

Sellam is not intended for users under 18. We do not knowingly collect data from children. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, contact us immediately for removal.

9. International Data Transfers

Your data is primarily stored and processed in Nigeria. If transferred internationally, we ensure:

  • Adequate protection measures are in place
  • Compliance with applicable data protection laws
  • Use of standard contractual clauses or other safeguards

10. Third-Party Links

Our Platform may contain links to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for their privacy practices. Review their privacy policies before sharing information.

11. Biometric Data

Collection and Use

With your explicit consent, we collect facial recognition data to:

  • Verify your identity
  • Prevent fraud and impersonation
  • Enhance account security

Storage and Protection

  • Biometric data is encrypted and stored securely
  • Retained only as long as necessary for verification
  • Not shared with third parties except as required by law

Your Rights

You may withdraw consent for biometric data collection, but this may limit Platform functionality.

12. Updates to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect:

  • Changes in our practices
  • New legal requirements
  • Platform improvements

Notice of Changes:

  • Material changes will be communicated via email or Platform notification
  • Effective date will be updated
  • Continued use of the Platform constitutes acceptance of changes

13. Contact Us

For privacy-related questions, concerns, or requests:

Email: privacy@sellam.ng
Data Protection Officer: dpo@sellam.ng
Address: Sellam Limited, Lagos, Nigeria
Support: support@sellam.ng

14. Dispute Resolution

If you have concerns about our privacy practices:

  1. Contact our Data Protection Officer
  2. Request an internal review
  3. File a complaint with the Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC)

15. Your Consent

By using Sellam, you consent to:

  • Collection and use of your data as described
  • Processing of personal information for stated purposes
  • Transfer of data to service providers
  • Use of cookies and tracking technologies

You may withdraw consent at any time by contacting us or deleting your account.

Sellam is committed to protecting your privacy and handling your data responsibly. Thank you for trusting us with your information.