1. Introduction
Youth Connect ("we", "our", "us") is committed to protecting the privacy and security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your data when you use our mobile application and website.
2. Information We Collect
2.1 Information You Provide
- Registration Data: Name, email address, phone number, date of birth, and participant ID
- Profile Information: Profile photo, bio, and preferences
- Financial Data: Mpesa transaction details for marketplace and loan services
- Content: Messages, posts, and chat content you share on the platform
2.2 Automatically Collected Data
- Device Information: Device type, OS version, and unique device identifiers
- Usage Data: Features accessed, time spent, and interaction patterns
- Location Data: Approximate location (only with your consent)
- Log Data: IP address, browser type, and access times
3. How We Use Your Information
We use your personal data to:
- Provide and improve the Youth Connect service
- Personalize your experience and content recommendations
- Process financial transactions (marketplace, loans)
- Send push notifications, event reminders, and important updates
- Facilitate real-time chat and community features
- Assess loan eligibility and manage repayment schedules
- Analyze usage trends to improve the platform
- Prevent fraud, abuse, and security threats
4. Data Sharing
We do not sell your personal data. We may share information with:
- Service Partners: Payment processors (M-Pesa/Safaricom) for transaction facilitation
- Cloud Providers: For secure data storage and hosting
- Legal Authorities: When required by law or to protect rights and safety
- Mentors & Admins: Limited profile information for mentorship and moderation purposes
5. Data Security
We implement industry-standard security measures including:
- JWT-based authentication and bcrypt password hashing
- HTTPS encryption for all data in transit
- Encrypted database storage for sensitive information
- Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments
- Access controls limiting data access to authorized personnel
6. Data Retention
We retain your data for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide services. If you delete your account, we will remove your personal data within 30 days, except where retention is required by law or for legitimate business purposes.
7. Your Rights
You have the right to:
- Access: Request a copy of your personal data
- Correction: Update or correct inaccurate information
- Deletion: Request deletion of your account and data
- Portability: Request your data in a portable format
- Opt-Out: Unsubscribe from marketing communications
- Restrict Processing: Limit how we use your data
8. Children's Privacy
Users under 18 must have parental or guardian consent. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 15 without verified consent. If we discover such data was collected without consent, we will delete it promptly.
9. Cookies & Tracking
Our website may use cookies and similar technologies to enhance user experience. You can control cookie preferences through your browser settings.
10. Third-Party Links
Our Service may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of external sites. We encourage you to read the privacy policies of any linked services.
11. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Material changes will be communicated through the app or via email. Continued use of the Service after changes constitutes acceptance.
12. Contact Us
For privacy-related inquiries, please contact:
- Email: privacy@youthconnect.co.ke
- Address: Nairobi, Kenya