Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

MadeInAfrica.biz ("we", "our", or "us") is a storytelling platform dedicated to sharing stories of African makers, entrepreneurs, and innovators. At this early stage of our platform, we are focused on curating and publishing stories, not collecting user registrations or personal accounts.

This Privacy Policy explains the limited personal data we collect through our newsletter subscriptions and story contribution submissions. If you have questions about this policy, please contact us at privacy@madeinafrica.biz.

2. Current Platform Scope

What we do:

• Publish curated stories about African makers and businesses
• Offer newsletter subscriptions for story updates
• Accept story contributions from writers who want to share their work
• Provide a "Get Involved" form for potential contributors

What we don't do (at this stage):

• We do not offer user registration or personal accounts
• We do not process e-commerce transactions or payments
• We do not collect extensive personal data beyond what's outlined below

Note: As our platform evolves, this policy will be updated to reflect additional features and data collection practices.

3. Information We Collect

3.1 Newsletter Subscriptions

When you subscribe to our newsletter, we collect:

• Email address: Required to send you story updates and newsletters
• Subscription date: To track when you joined our mailing list

3.2 Story Contribution Submissions

When writers submit stories or express interest in contributing through our "Get Involved" form, we collect:

• Name: To identify and communicate with potential contributors
• Email address: For correspondence about submissions
• Message/Inquiry: Details about your interest in contributing or your submission
• Optional information: Any additional context you choose to provide

3.3 Technical Data (Automatic)

When you visit our website, we automatically collect basic technical information:

• IP address and general location
• Browser type and version
• Device type
• Pages visited and time spent on site

This data helps us understand how our platform is used and improve user experience.

4. How We Use Your Information

• Newsletter subscribers: To send you story updates, feature highlights, and platform news
• Contributors: To communicate about story submissions, editorial feedback, and publishing opportunities
• Technical data: To analyze site performance, fix technical issues, and improve user experience
• Legal compliance: To comply with applicable laws and regulations when necessary

5. Legal Basis for Processing

We process your personal data based on:

• Consent: When you voluntarily subscribe to our newsletter or submit a contribution form
• Legitimate Interests: For technical data collection to improve our platform, ensure security, and understand how visitors use our site

6. Data Sharing

We have minimal data sharing at this stage:

• Email Service Provider: We use a third-party service to manage and send newsletters. Your email address is shared only with our trusted email provider.
• Hosting Provider: Our website and database are hosted with a cloud service provider that may process technical data.
• Legal Requirements: We may disclose information if required by law or to protect our rights.

We do not sell your personal data to third parties.

7. Your Rights

You have the following rights regarding your personal data:

• Unsubscribe: You can unsubscribe from newsletters at any time by clicking the "unsubscribe" link in any email or contacting us directly
• Access: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you
• Correction: Request corrections to any inaccurate information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal data (right to be forgotten)
• Objection: Object to processing of your data for legitimate interests

To exercise these rights, contact us at privacy@madeinafrica.biz. We will respond within 30 days.

8. Data Retention

• Newsletter subscribers: Until you unsubscribe or request deletion
• Contributor submissions: For up to 2 years after last contact, or until you request deletion
• Technical data: Aggregated analytics data retained indefinitely; individual session data for up to 90 days

9. Data Security

We implement appropriate security measures to protect your personal data against unauthorized access, alteration, or disclosure. This includes encrypted data transmission (HTTPS), secure database storage, and access controls. However, no internet transmission is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

10. Cookies

We use minimal cookies and tracking technologies for basic site functionality and analytics. These help us understand how visitors use our platform. You can control cookies through your browser settings.

11. Children's Privacy

Our platform is not directed to children under 16. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children. If you believe we have collected data from a child, please contact us immediately.

12. Changes to This Policy

As our platform grows and we add new features (such as user accounts, e-commerce, or community features), we will update this Privacy Policy accordingly. Material changes will be communicated via email to newsletter subscribers and prominently displayed on our website. We recommend reviewing this policy periodically.

13. Contact Us

For questions, concerns, or to exercise your privacy rights, please contact:

MadeInAfrica.biz
Email: privacy@madeinafrica.biz