1. Introduction
Welcome to PatriotsConnect ("we," "our," or "us"). We respect your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal data. This privacy policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our mobile application and services.
2. Information We Collect
2.1 Personal Information
We collect information that you provide directly to us, including:
- Account information (username, email, phone number, password)
- Profile information (name, bio, profile picture, location - state and LGA)
- Verification documents (NIN, Driver's License, International Passport, Voter's Card)
- Government official verification (agency name, office, position, official documents)
- Content you create (posts, comments, messages, photos, videos)
- Communications with us and other users
2.2 Automatically Collected Information
- Device information (device type, operating system, unique device identifiers)
- Usage data (features used, time spent, interactions)
- Location data (with your permission)
- Log data (IP address, browser type, access times)
3. How We Use Your Information
We use your information for the following purposes:
- To provide, maintain, and improve our services
- To verify your identity and prevent fraud
- To enable you to connect with other verified users
- To send you technical notices, updates, and security alerts
- To respond to your comments, questions, and requests
- To send you push notifications (if you've opted in)
- To monitor and analyze trends, usage, and activities
- To detect, prevent, and address technical issues and illegal activities
- To comply with legal obligations
4. Information Sharing and Disclosure
We may share your information in the following circumstances:
4.1 With Other Users
- Your profile information and public posts are visible to other users
- Your verification status (verified badge) is visible to all users
- Your verification documents are NEVER shared with other users
4.2 With Service Providers
We work with third-party service providers for hosting, analytics, customer support, and payment processing. These providers have access to your information only to perform specific tasks on our behalf and are obligated to protect your data.
4.3 For Legal Reasons
We may disclose your information if required by law, court order, or government request, or to protect the rights, property, or safety of PatriotsConnect, our users, or others.
5. Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal data, including:
- Encryption of data in transit and at rest
- Secure storage of verification documents
- Regular security audits and updates
- Access controls and authentication measures
- Employee training on data protection
6. Your Rights and Choices
You have the following rights regarding your personal data:
- Access: Request a copy of your personal data
- Correction: Update or correct inaccurate information
- Deletion: Request deletion of your account and data (see Account Deletion)
- Data Portability: Request your data in a structured, machine-readable format
- Opt-out: Unsubscribe from marketing communications
- Push Notifications: Disable notifications in your device settings
7. Data Retention
We retain your personal data for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide services. When you delete your account, we will delete your data within 30 days, except for:
- Information required for legal compliance (up to 7 years)
- Backup copies (deleted within 90 days)
- Aggregated, anonymized data for analytics
8. Children's Privacy
PatriotsConnect is not intended for users under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately.
9. International Data Transfers
Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than Nigeria. We ensure that appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your data in accordance with this privacy policy and applicable laws.
10. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this privacy policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the new policy on this page and updating the "Last updated" date. Your continued use of PatriotsConnect after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the updated policy.
11. Contact Us
If you have questions or concerns about this privacy policy or our data practices, please contact us: