1. Introduction

VendorConnect ("we", "us", or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our platform.

2. Information We Collect

Personal Information

When you register on VendorConnect, we collect:

• Name and contact information (email, phone number)
• Location information (province, city, address)
• Business information (for vendor accounts)
• Profile pictures and other uploaded content
• Payment information (processed securely through third-party providers)

Usage Information

We automatically collect information about your use of the platform:

• Device information (IP address, browser type, device type)
• Usage data (pages visited, features used, time spent)
• Interaction data (posts liked, comments made, messages sent)
• Location data (with your permission)

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

• Provide, maintain, and improve our services
• Process transactions and send related information
• Send notifications about your account and activity
• Respond to your comments, questions, and requests
• Personalize your experience on the platform
• Monitor and analyze usage patterns and trends
• Detect, prevent, and address technical issues and fraud
• Comply with legal obligations

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell your personal information. We may share your information in the following circumstances:

• Public Content: Posts, comments, and profile information you choose to share publicly
• Business Partners: With vendors when you interact with their businesses
• Service Providers: With third-party services that help us operate the platform
• Legal Requirements: When required by law or to protect our rights
• Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, sale, or acquisition

5. Data Security

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

• Encryption of data in transit and at rest
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Access controls and authentication requirements
• Secure cloud infrastructure (Firebase/Google Cloud)

However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

6. Your Rights and Choices

You have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: Request a copy of your personal information
• Correction: Update or correct inaccurate information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your account and data
• Objection: Object to certain processing of your information
• Data Portability: Request your data in a portable format

To exercise these rights, please contact us at privacy@vendorconnect.co.za or through your account settings.

7. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to collect and track information and improve our services. You can instruct your browser to refuse all cookies or indicate when a cookie is being sent.

8. Children's Privacy

VendorConnect is not intended for users under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have collected information from a child, please contact us immediately.

9. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than South Africa. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

10. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page and updating the "Last updated" date.

11. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us:

Email: privacy@vendorconnect.co.za
Address: Johannesburg, South Africa

12. POPIA Compliance

VendorConnect complies with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) of South Africa. We process personal information lawfully, with consent, and for legitimate purposes. You have the right to file a complaint with the Information Regulator if you believe your rights have been violated.