Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy explains what personal data is collected when you use the OSSIN website and any related applications or services (together, the “Service”), how such personal data is processed, and how it may be shared.

BY USING THE SERVICE, YOU CONFIRM THAT (I) YOU HAVE READ, UNDERSTAND AND AGREE TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY, AND (II) YOU ARE AT LEAST 18 YEARS OF AGE.
If you do not agree, you must not use the Service and should discontinue use immediately.

For the purpose of this Privacy Policy, “Process” or “Processing” means collecting, storing, organizing, using, analyzing, transferring, disclosing, or deleting personal data.

1. Personal Data Controller

OSSIN Technologies Limited, a company registered in the Federal Republic of Nigeria, with its registered office at [Lagos State], is the controller of your personal data. OSSIN determines the purposes and means of processing personal data collected through the Service.

2. Categories of Personal Data We Collect

We collect information you provide voluntarily, information from third parties, and information collected automatically when you use the Service.

2.1 Data You Provide Directly

Registration Information.
When creating an account or listing goods or services, you may provide your full name, phone number, email address, gender (optional), date of birth (where required), business name, business address, CAC registration details (if applicable), government-issued identification for verification, and a profile photo. Certain fields are mandatory for account creation, and without this information some features may be unavailable.

Vendor Verification Data.
To enhance platform safety, vendors may be required to submit government-issued identification, selfie verification, business registration documents, tax identification numbers where applicable, and bank account details for payment verification. Verification improves transparency but does not constitute endorsement or a guarantee.

Public Profile Information.
When posting listings, you may voluntarily publish personal details such as phone number, business location, photos, portfolio samples, or CVs in service categories. By submitting such information, you acknowledge it becomes publicly accessible and you are solely responsible for the information you choose to make public.

2.2 Data Provided by Third Parties

Social Login Providers.
If you log in using third-party services such as Google, Meta, Apple, or similar providers, we may receive your name, email address, profile photo, and unique account ID, which we use in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

Identity Verification Providers.
Where identity verification is required, third-party verification services may validate your identity against governmental or commercial databases. Such providers may process data outside Nigeria subject to contractual safeguards.

Referrals.
If you were invited to OSSIN by another user, that user may provide your email address or phone number solely to facilitate account creation.

2.3 Data Collected Automatically

We automatically collect certain technical and usage information when you use the Service, including IP address, device model, operating system, browser type, time zone, mobile carrier, pages visited, listings viewed, search queries, time spent on the platform, and interaction with advertisements.

We also use cookies and similar technologies to maintain session security, improve user experience, analyze traffic, and detect fraud. Users can manage cookie preferences through their browser settings.

3. Data Protection Principles

We process personal data in accordance with the principles of lawfulness, fairness, transparency, purpose limitation, data minimization, accuracy, storage limitation, and integrity and confidentiality. Personal data is processed only for legitimate purposes and retained only for as long as reasonably necessary.

4. Purposes of Processing Personal Data

We process personal data to provide and maintain the Service, verify identities, prevent fraud, communicate with users, process payments through authorized providers, improve platform performance, send marketing communications where permitted by law, and comply with legal obligations.

5. Legal Bases for Processing

Personal data is processed based on user consent, performance of a contract, legitimate business interests, and legal obligations. Where consent is relied upon, it may be withdrawn subject to applicable legal limitations.

6. Sharing of Personal Data

We do not sell personal data. We may share data with service providers such as cloud hosting providers, payment processors, identity verification services, analytics providers, and customer support tools, with law enforcement where required by law, or during corporate transactions such as mergers or acquisitions. All third parties are required to process data in accordance with contractual safeguards.

7. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures, including encrypted data transmission, access controls, security monitoring, and fraud detection systems. However, no system is completely secure, and users are responsible for safeguarding their login credentials.

8. User Rights and Remedies

Users have the right to access their personal data, correct inaccurate information, request deletion, restrict processing, object to marketing communications, and lodge complaints with appropriate authorities. Requests may be submitted through our official contact channels, and identity verification may be required.

9. Automated Decision-Making

We may use automated systems to detect fraud, suspicious activity, or policy violations. If your account is affected by automated processing, you may request a manual review.

10. Age Restriction

OSSIN is intended for users aged 18 and above. We do not knowingly process personal data of minors.

11. International Data Transfers

Personal data may be processed outside Nigeria where our service providers operate internationally. Appropriate safeguards are implemented where required by law.

12. Data Retention

We retain personal data for as long as your account remains active, as required to comply with legal obligations, and for dispute resolution and fraud prevention. Certain records may be retained after deletion requests where legally required.

13. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Continued use of the Service after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.

14. Contact Information

For privacy-related inquiries, contact:
OSSIN Technologies Limited
[[email protected]]