Soko Privacy Policy
Your privacy is important to us. Learn how we collect, use, and protect your personal information when you use Soko.
Overview
Your privacy is important to us. This Privacy Policy explains how Soko collects, uses, shares, and protects information about you when you use our service. By using Soko, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.
We are committed to protecting your personal information and being transparent about our data practices. This policy applies to all users of the Soko platform, including website visitors, registered users, buyers, and sellers.
Information We Collect
We collect information you provide directly to us, such as when you create an account, list an item, or contact us for support.
Account Information:
- Name, email address, phone number
- Profile information and preferences
- Authentication credentials
- Location information for facilitating local meetups
Listing & Bidding Data:
- Item details, photos, and descriptions
- Pricing and bidding information
- Communication history between users
- Reviews and ratings
Communication Data:
- Messages between users through our platform
- Support inquiries and correspondence
- Feedback and survey responses
Automatically Collected Information:
- Device information (IP address, browser type, operating system)
- Usage data (pages visited, time spent, click patterns)
- Location information (with your consent)
- Cookies and similar tracking technologies
How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect to provide, maintain, and improve our services. Specifically:
Service Operations:
- Create and manage your account
- Process listings and facilitate user connections
- Facilitate communication between users
- Provide customer support
Platform Improvement:
- Analyze usage patterns and trends
- Develop new features and services
- Personalize your experience
- Conduct research and analytics
Security & Compliance:
- Detect and prevent fraud
- Monitor for prohibited activities
- Enforce our Terms of Use
- Comply with legal obligations
Communication:
- Send activity notifications
- Provide important updates
- Respond to inquiries
- Send marketing communications (with consent)
Information Sharing
We may share your information in the following limited circumstances:
- With Other Users: When necessary to facilitate connections (e.g., contact information for arranged meetups, seller information for buyers, buyer information for sellers)
- Service Providers: With trusted third-party vendors who help us operate our platform (hosting, analytics, customer support, communication tools)
- Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or to protect rights, property, or safety
- Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets (with appropriate safeguards)
- With Your Consent: When you explicitly authorize us to share specific information
Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction.
Technical Safeguards:
- Encryption of data in transit and at rest
- Secure server infrastructure
- Regular security updates and patches
- Access controls and authentication
Organizational Measures:
- Employee training on data protection
- Limited access on need-to-know basis
- Regular security audits and assessments
- Incident response procedures
Data Retention
We retain your information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide you services. Specific retention periods depend on the type of information and legal requirements.
Account Information:
Retained while your account is active and for a reasonable period after account closure to comply with legal obligations.
Listing & Communication Data:
Retained for historical records, dispute resolution, and platform improvement (typically 3 years after listing completion).
Communications:
Retained as long as necessary for customer service and legal compliance purposes.
Analytics Data:
Typically aggregated and anonymized, may be retained longer for platform improvement purposes.
Your Rights & Choices
You have several rights regarding your personal information. These may vary based on your location:
Access & Portability:
- Request a copy of your personal information
- Export your data in a portable format
- View what information we have about you
Control & Correction:
- Update or correct your personal information
- Manage your communication preferences
- Control privacy settings in your account
Deletion & Restriction:
- Request deletion of your personal information
- Object to certain processing activities
- Restrict how we use your information
Withdrawal & Complaints:
- Withdraw consent for processing
- Opt out of marketing communications
- File complaints with data protection authorities
Cookies & Tracking Technologies
We use cookies and similar technologies to collect information about your browsing activities and to provide personalized content and targeted advertising.
Essential Cookies:
Required for basic functionality (authentication, security, remembering preferences)
Analytics Cookies:
Help us understand how users interact with our platform to improve performance
Marketing Cookies:
Used to deliver relevant advertisements and measure campaign effectiveness
You can control cookies through your browser settings. Note that disabling certain cookies may affect your experience on our platform.
Third-Party Services
Our service may contain links to third-party websites or services, or integrate with third-party platforms. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third parties.
- Social media platforms for sharing and authentication
- Communication services for user messaging
- Analytics services for platform optimization
- Customer support and communication tools
- Advertising networks and marketing platforms
We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party services you interact with through our platform.
Children's Privacy
If we become aware that we have collected personal information from a child under the applicable age limit, we will take steps to delete such information promptly.
If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately at privacy@sokomarket.app.
International Data Transfers
Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your own. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for such transfers.
- We use standard contractual clauses approved by regulatory authorities
- We work with service providers that maintain appropriate data protection standards
- We conduct due diligence on international partners and vendors
- We comply with applicable cross-border data transfer regulations
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, legal requirements, or service improvements. We will post the updated policy on this page with the effective date.
- Material changes will be prominently highlighted
- We may notify you directly of significant policy updates
- Continued use of our service constitutes acceptance of changes
- We encourage you to review this policy periodically
Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, need to exercise your privacy rights, or have concerns about how we handle your personal information, we're here to help.