Winga Forum ("we", "us", or "our") operates the Winga Forum mobile application (the "App"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal information when you use our App, and what rights you have regarding your data.
By using the App you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, please do not use the App.
1. Information We Collect
We collect the following categories of data:
- Phone number — used to create and verify your account via a one-time PIN (OTP) sent by SMS.
- Profile information — display name, username, profile photo, biography, and business location (optional, set by you).
- Content you create — posts, comments, business listings, product listings, and images you upload.
- Payment information — mobile money phone number used when paying a one-time business account registration fee. We do not store card numbers or bank details.
- Device information — device type, operating system version, and a push notification token for delivering in-app notifications to your device.
- Usage data — general in-app interactions such as posts viewed and accounts followed, used solely to improve the service.
2. How We Use Your Information
- To create and manage your account.
- To verify your identity securely via SMS OTP during sign-in.
- To display your profile and content to other users of the platform.
- To process the one-time business account registration fee.
- To deliver push notifications about activity relevant to your account.
- To enforce our Terms of Use and Community Guidelines and to remove prohibited content.
- To maintain the security, stability, and performance of the App.
3. Data Storage and Third-Party Services
Your data is stored securely on cloud infrastructure hosted by reputable third-party providers operating under strict data protection standards. These providers process data on our behalf and are contractually prohibited from using it for their own purposes. We do not sell your personal data to any third party.
We also work with a licensed mobile payment processor solely to complete transaction requests. Only the mobile number you provide for payment is shared with the processor, and only for the duration of the transaction.
Data may be disclosed to law enforcement or regulatory authorities if required by applicable law, court order, or governmental authority.
4. Location Data
If you choose to add a business location to your profile, that location is stored as part of your profile and may be displayed to other users as a general area indicator. The App does not collect or track your real-time GPS location without your explicit action.
5. Data Retention
We retain your data for as long as your account remains active. If you request account deletion, your personal data will be permanently removed within 30 days, except where a longer retention period is required by law.
6. Data Security
All data transmitted between your device and our servers is encrypted in transit using industry-standard protocols. Data at rest is protected using access controls and encryption measures. Only authorised personnel have access to user data, and only where necessary to operate and maintain the service.
7. Children's Privacy
Winga Forum is intended for users aged 13 and above. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware that a child under 13 has provided us with personal data, we will delete it promptly.
8. Your Rights
You have the right to:
- Access the personal data we hold about you.
- Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data.
- Request deletion of your account and all associated data.
- Withdraw consent at any time by discontinuing use of the App.
To exercise any of these rights, contact us at mrakilikubwa@gmail.com.
9. Account Deletion
To request deletion of your account and all associated data, send an email to mrakilikubwa@gmail.com with the subject "Account Deletion Request – Winga Forum" and include your registered phone number. We will complete the deletion within 30 days.
10. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes via a notice within the App or by updating the "Last updated" date at the top of this page. Continued use of the App after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
11. Contact Us
For any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy, please reach out to us:
- Email: mrakilikubwa@gmail.com
- Platform: Winga Forum — Tanzania