Our Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

AwoofHub ("AwoofHub," "we," "us," or "our") operates the AwoofHub website, mobile application, and related services (collectively, the "Platform"), which allow users to discover, post, and claim deals, discounts, and promotional offers. This Privacy Policy explains what personal data we collect, why we collect it, how we use and protect it, and what rights you have over it. This Policy applies to all users of the Platform, including individuals browsing or claiming deals ("Awoofers"), individuals or businesses posting deals ("Merchants" or "Businesses"), and visitors to our website. We process personal data in accordance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023 (NDPA) and applicable regulations issued by the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC). Where we process data of users located outside Nigeria, we comply with applicable local data protection laws as well. By using the Platform, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Policy. If you do not agree, please do not use the Platform.

2. Who We Are

AwoofHub is a Nigerian deal discovery platform, operating as a duly registered business under Nigerian law. Our registered offices are located in Lagos, Nigeria. For the purposes of the NDPA, AwoofHub acts as the Data Controller for personal data collected through the Platform.

Data Protection contact: Email: privacy@awoofhub.ng

3. Information We Collect

3.1 Information you provide directly

• Account information: Full name, phone number, email address, password, profile photo (optional), and username.
• Deal-posting information: Deal title, description, category, images, business name (if applicable), location, expiry date, and any documentation submitted to verify a deal.
• Business/Merchant information: Business name, contact person, business address, and business category.
• Communications: Messages you send through our Contact Us or support forms, feedback submitted through Feature Request, and any correspondence with our support team.
• Community participation: Content you post, such as comments, reactions, or reports on deals.

3.2 Information collected automatically

• Device and usage data: IP address, device type, operating system, browser type, app version, pages viewed, features used, and timestamps of activity.
• Location data: Approximate or precise location (with your permission), used to show deals relevant to your area.
• Cookies and similar technologies: See Section 9 below.

3.3 Information from third parties

• If you join AwoofHub's WhatsApp community, information you share within that community is subject to WhatsApp's own privacy policy, not this one.
• If you sign up or log in using a third-party service (e.g. Google), we may receive basic profile information from that provider, as permitted by your settings with them.

3.4 Sensitive data

We do not knowingly collect sensitive personal data such as health information, biometric data, religious beliefs, or political opinions, unless voluntarily provided by you and clearly necessary for a specific feature, in which case we will seek your explicit consent first.

4. How We Use Your Information

We use personal data to:

• Create and manage your account.
• Display relevant deals based on your location and category preferences.
• Allow you to post, review, and claim deals.
• Verify the authenticity of deals and businesses before publishing them.
• Operate community features, including comments and the WhatsApp community.
• Respond to support requests, feature suggestions, and complaints.
• Send transactional notifications (e.g. deal approved, deal rejected, deal expiring, wishlist alerts).
• Send optional marketing or community communications, where you've consented.
• Detect, investigate, and prevent fraud, fake deals, spam, or abuse of the Platform.
• Analyse usage trends to improve the Platform's features and performance.
• Comply with legal obligations and enforce our Terms of Service and Community Guidelines.

5. Legal Basis for Processing

We rely on the following legal bases under the NDPA:

• Consent — for optional features such as marketing communications and precise location access.
• Performance of a contract — to provide the core Platform services you sign up for.
• Legitimate interests — to keep the Platform safe, prevent fraud, and improve our services, provided this doesn't override your rights.
• Legal obligation — where we're required to disclose or retain data by law or a competent authority.

6. How We Share Your Information

We do not sell personal data. We may share information in these circumstances

• With businesses/merchants: If you claim a deal, limited information (such as your name or claim status) may be shared with the business offering that deal, solely to fulfil the deal.
• With service providers: Third parties who help us operate the Platform, such as cloud hosting providers, analytics tools, and email service providers, under confidentiality obligations.
• With WhatsApp: If you join our WhatsApp community, your phone number becomes visible within that community per WhatsApp's own functionality and policy.
• For legal reasons: If required by law, court order, or a valid request from a Nigerian regulatory or law enforcement authority.
• Business transfers: If AwoofHub is involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, personal data may transfer as part of that transaction, subject to this Policy or a successor policy.
• With your consent: For any other purpose we disclose to you at the time of collection.

7. Data Retention

• Account data: retained while your account is active, and for 12 months after deletion, to handle disputes and fraud prevention.
• Deal and transaction records: retained for 24 months to resolve disputes and maintain platform integrity.
• Support communications: retained for 12 months.

8. Your Rights

Under the NDPA, you have the right to:

• Access the personal data we hold about you.
• Correct inaccurate or incomplete data.
• Request deletion of your data, subject to legal exceptions.
• Restrict or object to certain processing, including marketing communications.
• Data portability — request your data in a structured, commonly used format.
• Withdraw consent at any time, where processing is based on consent.
• Lodge a complaint with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) if you believe your data has been mishandled.

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at privacy@awoofhub.ng. We will respond within the timeframe required under the NDPA.

9. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to keep you logged in, remember your preferences (location, category filters), and understand how the Platform is used so we can improve it. You can control cookies through your browser or device settings. Disabling certain cookies may affect Platform functionality.

10. Data Security

We implement reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect personal data, including encrypted data transmission, access controls limiting who on our team can view user data, password hashing, and confidentiality obligations for staff and contractors. No method of transmission or storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

11. Children's Privacy

The Platform is intended for users aged 18 and above. We do not knowingly collect personal data from individuals under 18. If we become aware that we have done so, we will take steps to delete that data.

12. International Data Transfers

We may use cloud hosting and infrastructure providers that store data on servers located outside Nigeria. Where this happens, we take reasonable steps to ensure such transfers meet NDPA requirements for adequate safeguards.

13. Third-Party Links

The Platform may contain links to third-party websites or services, including WhatsApp. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third parties and encourage you to review their policies separately.

14. Data Breach Notification

In the event of a data breach that poses a risk to your rights and freedoms, we will notify the NDPC and affected users in line with NDPA timelines and requirements.

15. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We'll notify users of material changes via the Platform or by email, and update the "Last Updated" date above. Continued use of the Platform after changes take effect means you accept the updated Policy.

16. Contact Us

Email: privacy@awoofhub.ng