1. Introduction

Educeptis Africa Limited ("Educeptis," "we," "us," or "our") operates the platform educeptis.africa, connecting students, educators, scholarship organizations, and companies. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your personal information in compliance with applicable data protection laws (including Nigeria's NDPR, South Africa's POPIA, and Kenya's Data Protection Act).

By using Educeptis, you consent to the practices described herein.

2. Information We Collect

We collect information necessary to deliver our services:

A. Personal Information

• Students: Name, email, phone number, academic records, skills, projects, financial status (for crowdfunding), matriculation number, school verification details, and payment data (for subscriptions/templates).
• Educators: Name, contact details, qualifications, educational resources, course content, and payment/banking information.
• Donors/Companies: Name, contact details, payment information, and internship/job listings.

B. Automated Data

• Usage Data: IP address, device type, browser, pages visited, interactions with AI-matching tools, task management activity, and timestamps.
• Cookies: We use cookies to enhance user experience, analyze traffic, and personalize content. Users may disable cookies via browser settings.

C. Third-Party Sources

Schools/universities (for verification), payment processors (e.g., Stripe, Flutterwave), and social media (if linked).

3. How We Use Your Information

Your data enables core functionalities, including:

• Profile Creation: Templated student profiles showcasing skills, achievements, and projects.
• AI-Driven Matching: Recommending internships, jobs, or scholarships based on skills.
• Crowdfunding: Verifying financial need and facilitating transparent donations.
• Task Management: Sending WhatsApp/email reminders for deadlines and study schedules.
• Marketplace: Processing resource/course sales and educator payments.
• Skill Verification: Certifying skills through assessments.
• Communication: Platform updates, promotional offers (opt-out available), and forum moderation.
• Compliance: Fraud prevention, legal obligations, and tax processing.

4. Information Sharing & Disclosure

We share data only under these circumstances:

• Educators/Students: For virtual classrooms, resource purchases, or mentorship.
• Donors/Companies: Limited student data (e.g., name, verified need) for crowdfunding; job/internship matching.
• Service Providers: Payment processors, cloud hosts, and analytics tools (under strict confidentiality agreements).
• Legal Requirements: If mandated by law or to protect our rights, safety, or property.
• Business Transfers: In mergers, acquisitions, or asset sales (users will be notified).

We never sell personal data to third parties.

5. Data Security

We implement robust measures to protect your information:

• Encryption: SSL/TLS for data transmission; AES-256 for stored data.
• Access Controls: Role-based permissions and multi-factor authentication.
• Audits: Regular security assessments and vulnerability testing.
• Training: Staff educated on data protection protocols.

Despite this, no digital platform is 100% secure. Users must safeguard passwords and report breaches to support@educeptis.africa.

6. Data Retention

We retain data only as long as necessary:

• Active Accounts: Until deletion is requested.
• Financial Records: 7 years for legal/tax compliance.
• Inactivity: Data anonymized/deleted after 3 years of inactivity.

7. Your Rights

Depending on your jurisdiction, you may:

• Access, correct, or delete your data.
• Object to processing or withdraw consent.
• Request data portability.
• Opt out of marketing communications.

Submit requests via your account dashboard or email dpo@educeptis.africa. We respond within 30 days.

8. Children's Privacy

Educeptis is not intended for users under 13. Minors (13–18) must obtain parental consent to use the platform. Schools may provide consent for verified student accounts.

9. International Data Transfers

Data may be transferred to/processed in Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, or other jurisdictions with adequate protections (e.g., standard contractual clauses).

10. Changes to This Policy

We will notify users of material changes via email or platform announcements. Continued use constitutes acceptance.

11. Contact Us

For questions, complaints, or data requests: