Privacy Policy
Last Updated: 2024-10-13
1. Introduction
At Bazalu, we are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy outlines our practices concerning the collection, use, and safeguarding of your data when you use the Bazalu platform. Our platform connects users with local businesses, allowing you to search for products and services in your area. By using Bazalu, you agree to the terms outlined in this policy. We encourage you to read this document carefully to understand how we handle your information.
2. Information We Collect
Customer Data
When customers use Bazalu to browse and discover local businesses, we collect: - Name and email (if an account is created) - Location data (if enabled) - Search history and interactions with businesses - Preferences and favorited stores - Optional profile picture
Merchant Data
When businesses use Bazalu, we collect: - Business name, contact information, and store location - Product listings and availability - Business profile images and branding materials - Facebook and Instagram data (if connected) - Customer interactions and engagement data
Usage Data (For All Users)
We automatically collect: - Device and browser information - IP address - Interactions with the platform (pages visited, search terms, etc.) - Cookies and similar tracking technologies
3. How We Use Your Information
For Customers
We use customer data to: - Provide personalized search results and recommendations - Connect users with nearby businesses based on location - Improve the platform’s search functionality and user experience - Display relevant local promotions and offers - Send notifications about favorited stores (if opted-in)
For Merchants
We use merchant data to: - Help businesses list and manage their products - Enable AI-powered marketing automation - Analyze customer engagement to improve store visibility - Provide social media integration tools for better outreach - Generate insights on business performance and trends
For Facebook and Instagram Integration
When merchants connect their Facebook or Instagram accounts, we use API data to: - Automate customer interactions via Messenger and Instagram Direct - Provide insights on social media engagement and marketing effectiveness - Enhance customer support by centralizing social media messages within Bazalu
General Improvements and Analytics
For all users, we analyze data to: - Improve Bazalu’s AI recommendations and search accuracy - Conduct market research to enhance local commerce - Monitor and prevent fraudulent activity - Develop new platform features based on usage trends
4. Sharing Your Information
With Local Businesses
When you interact with a local business through our platform, we may share necessary information to facilitate the transaction or inquiry. This may include your name, contact details, and the specifics of your request.
Service Providers
We may share your information with third-party service providers who perform services on our behalf, such as: - Hosting and cloud storage providers - Payment processors - Customer support services - Analytics and data analysis providers - Marketing and advertising partners These providers are contractually obligated to protect your information and may only use it for the specific purposes we designate.
Business Transfers
If Bazalu is involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale of all or a portion of its assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction. We will notify you via email and/or a prominent notice on our website of any change in ownership or uses of your personal information.
Legal Requirements
We may disclose your information if required to do so by law or in response to valid requests by public authorities (e.g., a court or government agency). We may also disclose your information to: - Enforce our terms of service - Protect and defend our rights or property - Prevent or investigate possible wrongdoing in connection with our services - Protect the personal safety of users of our services or the public
5. Data Retention and Deletion
We retain customer and merchant data only as long as necessary to provide our services, comply with legal requirements, and improve the platform. Users may request data deletion via their account settings or by contacting teambazalu@gmail.com. If a merchant disconnects their Facebook or Instagram account, all associated data will be removed per Facebook’s data deletion policies.
6. Your Privacy Rights
Access and Portability
You have the right to access the personal information we hold about you and to receive a copy of this information in a structured, commonly used, and machine-readable format.
Correction
You can request that we correct any inaccurate or incomplete personal information we hold about you.
Deletion
You may request that we delete your personal information, subject to certain exceptions provided by law.
Restriction and Objection
You have the right to restrict or object to our processing of your personal information under certain circumstances.
Consent Withdrawal
Where we rely on your consent to process your personal information, you have the right to withdraw your consent at any time.
Complaint
You have the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority if you believe our processing of your personal information violates applicable law.
7. Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized or unlawful processing, accidental loss, destruction, or damage. These measures include: - Encryption of data in transit and at rest - Regular security assessments and penetration testing - Access controls and authentication mechanisms - Employee training on data protection and security practices While we strive to use commercially acceptable means to protect your personal information, no method of transmission over the Internet or method of electronic storage is 100% secure. Therefore, we cannot guarantee its absolute security.
8. International Data Transfers
Bazalu operates globally, which means your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than the country you live in. These countries may have data protection laws that are different from the laws of your country. When we transfer your information to other countries, we will protect that information as described in this Privacy Policy and in accordance with applicable law. We use appropriate safeguards, such as standard contractual clauses approved by relevant authorities, to ensure that your information receives an adequate level of protection in the countries in which we process it.
9. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or for other operational, legal, or regulatory reasons. When we make material changes to this policy, we will notify you by email or by posting a notice on our website prior to the changes becoming effective. We encourage you to periodically review this page for the latest information on our privacy practices.
10. Third-Party Disclosure
We do not sell or share user data with third parties, except for service providers assisting in delivering Bazalu’s services (such as cloud storage or analytics providers). Merchants’ connected Facebook or Instagram data is not shared outside of the platform and is only used for its intended purpose.
11. Contact Us
For any questions or concerns regarding this Privacy Policy, please contact us at teambazalu@gmail.com.