Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Welcome to Ahia Marketplace ("we," "our," or "us"). We are committed to protecting your personal information and your right to privacy worldwide. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our mobile application and website (collectively, the "Platform").

This policy applies to all users globally. Where local law imposes stricter privacy obligations, we comply with those requirements to the extent applicable to your jurisdiction.

Please read this Privacy Policy carefully. If you do not agree with the terms of this Privacy Policy, please do not access the Platform.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Process and fulfill your orders and payments
• Create and manage your account and verify your identity
• Provide real-time messaging, calls, and customer support
• Prevent fraud, abuse, and unauthorized access
• Send transactional notifications (order updates, messages, alerts)
• Send marketing communications where you have given consent (you may opt out at any time)
• Improve and personalise our Platform and services
• Comply with applicable legal obligations worldwide
• Resolve disputes and enforce our Terms of Service

4. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)

If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA), we process your personal data on the following legal bases:

• Contract performance: Processing necessary to fulfil your orders and provide Platform services
• Legitimate interests: Fraud prevention, security, and improving the Platform
• Consent: Marketing communications and optional features (you may withdraw consent at any time)
• Legal obligation: Compliance with applicable laws and regulations

5. Information Sharing

We may share your information with:

• Other users (buyers/sellers): To facilitate transactions (e.g., shipping address shared with sellers)
• Payment processors: Paystack, Flutterwave, and other regional payment partners, depending on your location
• Delivery partners: To fulfil and track your orders
• Cloud & infrastructure providers: Hosting, storage, and communication services
• Analytics providers: Aggregated, anonymised usage data only
• Law enforcement / legal requirements: When required by applicable law, court order, or to protect the rights and safety of our users

We do not sell your personal information to third parties for advertising or marketing purposes.

6. International Data Transfers

Ahia Marketplace operates globally. Your information may be transferred to, stored in, and processed in countries other than your country of residence, including Nigeria, where our primary servers are located. These countries may have data protection laws that differ from those in your jurisdiction.

Where required by applicable law (e.g., GDPR), we implement appropriate safeguards for such transfers, including standard contractual clauses or equivalent mechanisms recognised under your local law.

7. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures, including:

• SSL/TLS encryption for all data transmission
• Secure escrow payment system
• OTP (One-Time Password) and biometric verification
• Regular security reviews and penetration testing
• Strict access controls and authentication requirements
• Biometric templates stored as irreversible hashes only

No method of transmission over the Internet is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security. You are responsible for keeping your account credentials confidential.

8. Your Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights regarding your personal data:

• Access: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your account and personal data ("right to be forgotten")
• Portability: Receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format (EEA users)
• Objection / Restriction: Object to or restrict certain types of processing (EEA users)
• Opt-out of marketing: Unsubscribe from marketing communications at any time via account settings or by emailing us
• Non-discrimination (CCPA): California residents have the right not to be discriminated against for exercising their privacy rights

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at support@ahiamainmarket.com. We will respond within the timeframe required by applicable law (typically 30 days).

9. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to:

• Keep you securely logged in
• Remember your preferences and settings
• Analyse Platform usage and performance
• Prevent fraud and protect security

You can manage cookie preferences through your browser or device settings. Disabling certain cookies may affect Platform functionality.

10. Children's Privacy

Ahia Marketplace is not intended for children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you are between 13 and 17 years old, you must have verifiable parental or guardian consent to use the Platform.

If we become aware that we have collected personal information from a child under 13 without appropriate consent, we will promptly delete that information and close the associated account. Parents or guardians who believe their child has provided us with personal information without consent should contact us at support@ahiamainmarket.com.

This policy complies with the U.S. Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and equivalent laws in other jurisdictions.

11. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide services. Specific retention periods:

• Account data: Retained while your account is active, plus up to 2 years after closure for legal and dispute purposes
• Transaction records: Retained for up to 7 years for financial and tax compliance
• Biometric data: Deleted upon account closure or upon your request
• Marketing data: Retained until you withdraw consent

12. Third-Party Links

The Platform may contain links to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those third parties. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.

13. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. We will notify you of material changes by posting the updated policy on this page, updating the "Last Updated" date, and where required by law, providing notice via email or in-app notification.

14. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or your personal data, please contact us:

• Email: support@ahiamainmarket.com
• Website: https://ahiamainmarket.com
• Live Chat: Available on our Platform

For EEA users: If you are not satisfied with our response, you have the right to lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority.