Privacy Policy

Introduction

Welcome to AMU Marketplace. We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard your data when you use our platform.

Information We Collect

Personal Information

When you register on AMU Marketplace, we collect:

• Basic Details: Name, email address, and gender
• Optional Information: Phone number (for better communication)
• Account Security: Encrypted password for account protection

Item Listings

When you post items for sale or donation:

• Item descriptions, categories, and pricing information
• Images uploaded for your listings
• Contact preferences (phone, email, or WhatsApp)
• Location information for item pickup/delivery
• Target audience preferences (anyone, girls only, boys only)

Usage Data

We automatically collect certain information about your platform usage:

• Pages visited and features used
• Search queries and browsing patterns
• Device information and browser type
• IP address and general location data

How We Use Your Information

Platform Functionality

• Account Management: Creating and maintaining your user account
• Item Listings: Displaying your items to other students
• Communication: Facilitating contact between buyers and sellers
• Search & Discovery: Helping users find relevant items

Safety & Security

• Content Moderation: Reviewing listings for inappropriate content
• Fraud Prevention: Detecting and preventing misuse of the platform
• Community Safety: Maintaining a safe environment for all students

Platform Improvement

• Analytics: Understanding how students use the platform
• Feature Development: Building new features based on user needs
• Performance Optimization: Improving platform speed and reliability

Privacy Features & Controls

Gender-Based Privacy

We offer special privacy features for female students:

• Girls-Only Listings: Female students can choose to show their items only to other female students
• Contact Masking: Contact information is automatically hidden from male users when "girls only" option is selected
• Safe Communication: Enhanced privacy controls for sensitive listings

Contact Information Protection

• Contact details are only visible to eligible viewers based on your privacy settings
• You control which contact methods to share (phone, email, WhatsApp)
• Contact masking prevents unauthorized access to your personal information

Data Sharing & Disclosure

Within the Platform

Your information is shared only as necessary for platform functionality:

• Public Listings: Item details and seller Name are visible to other students
• Contact Information: Shared only with eligible users based on your privacy settings
• User Profiles: Basic profile information (Name, general activity) may be visible

Third-Party Services

We use trusted third-party services for:

• Image Storage: Cloudinary for secure image hosting and optimization
• Email Services: Brevo for account-related communications
• Database Hosting: Secure cloud database providers

Data Security

Security Measures

• Password Protection: All passwords are encrypted using industry-standard hashing
• Secure Connections: All data transmission is protected with SSL/TLS encryption
• Database Security: Multiple layers of protection for stored data
• Access Controls: Strict limitations on who can access your information

Data Retention

• Account information is retained while your account is active
• Item listings are kept for historical purposes and platform analytics
• You can request account deletion at any time
• Inactive accounts may be archived after extended periods of non-use

Your Rights & Controls

Account Management

• Profile Updates: Modify your personal information anytime
• Privacy Settings: Control who can see your listings and contact information
• Communication Preferences: Choose how and when we contact you
• Account Deletion: Request complete removal of your account and data

Data Access

• View all information we have about your account
• Request corrections to inaccurate information
• Get explanations about how your data is used

Cookies & Tracking

We use minimal tracking technologies:

• Essential Cookies: Required for login and basic platform functionality
• Session Management: Keeping you logged in during your visit
• Security Cookies: Protecting against unauthorized access
• No Advertising Cookies: We don't use cookies for advertising or tracking across other websites

Age & Eligibility

AMU Marketplace is designed for the AMU community. By using our platform:

• You confirm that you are at least 18 years old or have parental consent
• You are a current student or alumni of AMU
• You agree to use the platform responsibly and respectfully

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect:

• Changes in our data practices
• New features or services
• Legal or regulatory requirements
• User feedback and suggestions

We will notify users of significant changes through:

• Email notifications to registered users
• Updates to our social media channels