Privacy Policy for Sambal AgroConnect

Last Updated: [Current Date]

1. Introduction

Sambal AgroConnect (“we,” “our,” or “us”) is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our voice-first AI commerce platform, available via mobile application, voice call, USSD, and WhatsApp services. Please read this policy carefully.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Voice Data

Speech Recordings: When you use our voice services, we temporarily record and process your voice commands to understand and fulfill your requests.
Language & Dialect: We detect your language preference (from our 24+ supported languages) to provide localized service.
Processing: Voice recordings are processed in real-time and not permanently stored unless required for service improvement (with consent).

2.2 Account Information

Registration Data: Your name, phone number, business location, and product information when creating your vendor account.
Profile Information: Your shop details, product listings, pricing, and business information.

2.3 Transaction Data

Sales Information: Products sold, prices, buyer information, transaction timestamps.
Payment Information: Transaction amounts and payment status (note: we don’t store full payment card/bank details).
Storage Records: Usage of our Sambal Access storage facilities.

2.4 Usage Data

Service Usage: Features used, frequency, session duration.
Device Information: Device type, operating system, phone number (for call-based services).
Location Data: General location (city/region) for market matching and delivery logistics.

2.5 Communication Data

Customer Support: Records of your communications with our support team via voice, WhatsApp, or other channels.
Feedback: Any feedback, survey responses, or reviews you provide.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

To Provide Services: Process voice commands, manage your digital shop, facilitate transactions, connect you with buyers/sellers.
To Improve Services: Train our voice AI models (anonymized data only), enhance language recognition, optimize platform performance.
To Communicate: Send service updates, market opportunities, training materials (Sambal Skills), and important announcements.
To Ensure Security: Detect and prevent fraud, unauthorized access, and other malicious activities.
To Personalize Experience: Show relevant buyers, market prices, and storage options based on your location and business.
Legal Compliance: Comply with applicable laws, regulations, and legal processes.

4. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do NOT sell your personal information. We may share data only in these circumstances:

4.1 With Your Consent

When you explicitly agree to share information with a buyer or storage partner.

4.2 Service Providers

Payment Processors: To facilitate transactions (they handle payment details separately).
Cloud Hosting: Secure data storage providers.
AI/ML Partners: For voice processing (under strict confidentiality agreements).
Storage Partners: For Sambal Access facility management.

4.3 Legal Requirements

If required by law, court order, or government request.
To protect our rights, property, or safety, or that of our users.

4.4 Business Transfers

In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets (with notice to users).

5. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures:

Encryption: Voice data and personal information are encrypted in transit and at rest.
Access Controls: Strict access limitations to sensitive data.
Regular Audits: Security assessments and vulnerability testing.
Training: Staff training on data protection and privacy.

6. Data Retention

We retain your information only as long as necessary:

Active Accounts: While your account is active and for 12 months after deactivation.
Voice Recordings: Processed in real-time and deleted within 24 hours unless used for training (anonymized).
Transaction Records: 5 years for financial and tax compliance.
Inactive Accounts: Deleted after 2 years of inactivity.

7. Your Rights and Choices

You have the right to:

Access: Request copies of your personal data.
Correction: Update or correct inaccurate information.
Deletion: Request deletion of your account and data (subject to legal requirements).
Opt-Out: Decline non-essential communications.
Voice Recording Control: Choose not to participate in voice training programs.

To exercise these rights, contact: support@sambalent3.com.ng or call our support line.

8. Children’s Privacy

Our services are not directed to individuals under 18. We do not knowingly collect data from children. If we become aware of such collection, we will delete it promptly.

9. International Data Transfers

Your data may be processed in Nigeria and other countries where our service providers operate. We ensure adequate protection through contractual safeguards.

10. Voice-Specific Provisions

Language Data: We collect language usage patterns to improve dialect recognition.
Consent for Training: Separate consent obtained for using anonymized voice data to train our AI models.
Real-time Processing: Most voice data is processed immediately and not stored.

11. Updates to This Policy

We may update this policy periodically. We will notify you of significant changes via:

In-app notifications
SMS/voice message
Email (if provided)
Updated “Last Updated” date on this page

12. Contact Us

For privacy-related questions or concerns:

Email: sambalenterprise@gmail.com
Phone: +2349060728114
Website: sambalent3.com.ng

13. For WhatsApp/Third-Party Services

When using our WhatsApp or USSD services, additional privacy policies of those platforms apply. We encourage you to review:

WhatsApp Privacy Policy
Your mobile network provider’s policies

Privacy Policy for Sambal AgroConnect