Privacy Policy - Virtual Equb

1. Introduction

Welcome to the Virtual Equb mobile application. This Privacy Policy outlines how Virtual Equb manages your personal information when you interact with us online through our mobile application and other channels. It explains how we collect, use, share, and protect your data, in compliance with the Ethiopian Personal Data Protection Proclamation No. 1321/2024.
Virtual Equb involves real monetary transactions between users and is not intended as a form of gambling. Contributions are saved and redistributed based on a pre-agreed schedule and are governed by a transparent, traceable system. All financial transactions are processed through licensed financial institutions.
By using the App, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy.

2. Consent and Choice

By using our services, you consent to the collection, use, and sharing of your personal information as described in this Privacy Policy.
You may opt-in to receive marketing communications and may opt-out at any time via your account settings or by contacting us at support@virtualequb.com.
We also use cookies for analytics and to improve user experience. You will be prompted to accept or reject non-essential cookies upon your first visit. You can adjust your cookie preferences in your device settings.

3. The Way We Collect Personal Information

• Personal Information: We may collect personal details such as your name, email address, phone number, driver's license number, national identification number, tax identification number, and payment information. This occurs when you register for a new account, access features of the app, or request information.
• Usage Data: Includes log files, usage patterns, and preferences related to how you use the app.
• Device Information: Includes hardware model, operating system, and device identifiers used to access the app.

4. How We Use Your Personal Information

• Provide, operate, and maintain the app
• Deliver products and services and send related notifications
• Communicate with you, including updates and promotional messages
• Enhance the safety and security of our services
• Comply with legal obligations and internal policies
• We retain your information as long as necessary for legal and business purposes and delete it securely when no longer required.

5. Sharing Your Information

We do not sell or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your data with:

• Service Providers who support our operations (e.g., payment processors, data analytics vendors)
• Legal Authorities when required by law or regulatory mandates, including from the National Bank of Ethiopia

6. Security of Your Data

We use industry-standard technical and organizational measures to protect your data from unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction.
Our mobile app utilizes secure authentication, encryption, and continuously updated security technologies.

• Keep your PIN, password, and access codes confidential
• Change your password regularly and report suspicious activity
• Avoid saving login credentials on shared devices

7. Your Privacy Rights

Under Ethiopian data protection laws, you have the right to:

• Access your personal data
• Request corrections or deletions

8. Children's Privacy

Our app is not intended for use by individuals under 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children.

9. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Changes will be indicated by the "Effective Date" above. Users are encouraged to review the policy regularly.

10. Contact Us

11. Acceptance and Versioning

• By registering and using the Virtual Equb platform, you acknowledge and agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy.
• Virtual Equb reserves the right to update this policy. Users will be notified of any material changes via their registered contact methods.
• The most current version of this policy will always be available within the app or on our official website.