Privacy Policy
Effective Date: 1st December 2024
SkillZetu (“we,” “us,” or “our”) is committed to safeguarding your personal data and respecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your personal information in compliance with the Kenyan Data Protection Act, 2019 (“DPA”), General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and other relevant laws.
By accessing or using SkillZetu (“the Platform”), you consent to the practices described in this policy. If you do not agree, discontinue use of the Platform immediately.
1. Scope of this Privacy Policy
This Privacy Policy applies to all users of SkillZetu, including freelancers, employers, and visitors to our website.
2. Information We Collect
2.1 Personal Data You Provide
We collect personal data directly from you when you:
Register an account (e.g., name, email address, phone number, username, password).
Post services, jobs, or projects (e.g., content, descriptions, payment details).
Interact with our customer support team (e.g., correspondence, issue details).
2.2 Personal Data Collected Automatically
We collect certain data automatically when you use the Platform:
Device Information: IP address, browser type, operating system, and device identifiers.
Usage Information: Features accessed, pages visited, and interactions with the Platform.
Cookies and Similar Technologies: Tracking data to improve user experience and marketing (see Section 8).
2.3 Data from Third Parties
We may collect additional personal data from:
Authentication Providers: If you log in via Google or similar services.
Payment Processors: To process subscription or transactional payments.
Public Sources: To verify user information when necessary.
3. How We Use Your Information
We process your data for the following purposes:
Service Delivery: To connect freelancers and employers, provide access to features, and process transactions.
Legal Obligations: To comply with financial, tax, and data protection laws.
Marketing and Communication: To send service updates, promotional offers, and newsletters.
Fraud Prevention and Security: To detect, prevent, and mitigate fraudulent activities.
Improvement and Analytics: To understand user behavior and improve the Platform.
4. Legal Basis for Processing Personal Data
We process your data on the following lawful grounds:
Consent: Where you have explicitly consented (e.g., marketing communications).
Contractual Necessity: To perform contractual obligations (e.g., service delivery).
Legal Compliance: To comply with legal and regulatory obligations.
Legitimate Interests: To improve our Platform, ensure security, and protect user interests.
5. Data Sharing and Disclosure
We share your personal data only in the following circumstances:
5.1 With Other Users
Employers and Freelancers: Profile information and project/job details are visible as necessary for the engagement.
5.2 With Third-Party Service Providers
We engage trusted third-party vendors for:
Payment processing.
Cloud hosting and storage.
Marketing and analytics.
Customer support.
5.3 Legal and Regulatory Requirements
We may disclose personal data to:
Comply with court orders, subpoenas, or legal processes.
Respond to lawful government requests.
5.4 Business Transfers
In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, user data may be transferred to the new entity.
6. Data Security
We implement industry-standard security measures to protect personal data, including:
Encryption of data in transit and at rest.
Regular security audits and penetration testing.
Restricted access to sensitive data on a need-to-know basis.
7. Your Rights
7.1 Rights under the Kenyan Data Protection Act
Access: Request a copy of your personal data.
Correction: Correct inaccurate or incomplete data.
Erasure: Request deletion of your data in specific circumstances.
Data Portability: Receive your data in a machine-readable format.
Objection: Object to data processing for marketing or automated decision-making.
7.2 Additional GDPR Rights (if applicable)
Restrict Processing: Request limited use of your data under specific conditions.
Withdraw Consent: Revoke consent for data processing where applicable.
To exercise any of these rights, contact us at support@skillzetu.com. We will respond within 30 days.
8. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance user experience, analyze usage, and provide targeted advertising.
8.1 Types of Cookies
Essential Cookies: Necessary for Platform functionality.
Performance Cookies: Track usage for analytics.
Marketing Cookies: Deliver personalized advertising.
You can manage cookie preferences in your browser settings. Note that disabling cookies may affect Platform performance.
9. International Data Transfers
If you access SkillZetu from outside Kenya, your data may be transferred and processed in jurisdictions with varying data protection laws. We ensure adequate safeguards are in place to protect your data during such transfers.
10. Indemnity
By using the Platform, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless SkillZetu, its affiliates, officers, employees, and agents from any claims, liabilities, damages, or expenses arising from:
Your breach of this Privacy Policy or applicable laws.
Unauthorized use of the Platform.
Disputes or claims arising between users of the Platform.
11. Data Retention
We retain personal data for as long as necessary to:
Fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy.
Comply with legal and regulatory requirements.
Resolve disputes and enforce agreements.
Account data is deleted upon termination, except where retention is required by law.
12. Third-Party Links
Our Platform may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. Review their privacy policies before sharing any personal data.
13. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Updates will be posted on this page, with a revised “Effective Date.” Continued use of the Platform constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
14. Contact Us
For questions, concerns, or complaints about this Privacy Policy, contact us at:
Email: support@skillzetu.com