SABI SALONE – PRIVACY POLICY

Effective Date: 8th March, 2025

This Privacy Policy describes how the Institute for Development (IfD) collects, uses, and protects your personal information when you use the Sabi Salone platform. We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal data.

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Personal Information

We collect the following personal information when you create an account:

  • Email Address: Used for account verification, communication, and password recovery
  • First Name and Surname: Used for personalization and account identification
  • Country Location: Used for analytics and to provide region-specific content

1.2 Usage Information

We automatically collect certain information about your use of the Platform:

  • Search queries and interactions with the AI assistant
  • Pages visited and time spent on the Platform
  • Device information (browser type, operating system)
  • IP address and general location data
  • Cookies and similar tracking technologies

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information for the following purposes:

  • Service Provision: To provide and maintain the Platform's functionality
  • Account Management: To create and manage your user account
  • Communication: To send you important updates, notifications, and respond to your inquiries
  • Personalization: To customize your experience and provide relevant content
  • Analytics: To understand how users interact with the Platform and improve our services
  • Security: To protect against fraud, abuse, and unauthorized access
  • Legal Compliance: To comply with applicable laws and regulations

3. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information only in the following circumstances:

  • Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or government regulation
  • Service Providers: With trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating the Platform (subject to strict confidentiality agreements)
  • Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets (with notice to users)
  • Consent: When you have given explicit consent for specific sharing
  • Protection of Rights: To protect our rights, property, or safety, or that of our users

4. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information:

  • Encryption of data in transit and at rest
  • Regular security assessments and updates
  • Access controls and authentication measures
  • Secure data storage and backup procedures
  • Employee training on data protection practices

However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your personal information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

5. Data Retention

We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law. When your account is deleted, we will remove your personal information from our active systems, though some information may remain in our backup systems for a limited period.

6. Your Rights and Choices

You have the following rights regarding your personal information:

  • Access: Request access to your personal information we hold
  • Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
  • Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information
  • Portability: Request a copy of your data in a structured format
  • Objection: Object to certain processing of your personal information
  • Withdrawal of Consent: Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided in the Contact section below.

7. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience on our Platform. Cookies are small text files stored on your device that help us remember your preferences and understand how you use our Platform.

You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences. However, disabling cookies may affect the functionality of certain features on our Platform.

8. Third-Party Links

Our Platform may contain links to third-party websites or services. This Privacy Policy does not apply to those external sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.

9. International Data Transfers

Your personal information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. We ensure that such transfers comply with applicable data protection laws and implement appropriate safeguards to protect your information.

10. Children's Privacy

Our Platform is not intended for children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware that we have collected personal information from a child under 13, we will take steps to delete such information promptly.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or applicable laws. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the updated Privacy Policy on our Platform and updating the "Effective Date" at the top of this policy. Your continued use of the Platform after such changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

12. Data Protection Officer

For specific privacy-related inquiries or to exercise your data protection rights, you may also contact our Data Protection Officer at the email address provided above.