Privacy Policy

Last Updated: January 1, 2025

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Personal Information

• Account Information: Name, email address, phone number, location
• Profile Information: Professional skills, experience, portfolio items, photos
• Identity Verification: Government ID, business registration documents (for KYC)
• Payment Information: Bank account details, M-Pesa numbers (processed securely through Paystack)
• Communication Data: Messages, reviews, ratings, and feedback

1.2 Automatically Collected Information

• Usage Data: Pages visited, features used, time spent on platform
• Device Information: IP address, browser type, device type, operating system
• Location Data: General location for service matching (with your consent)
• Cookies and Tracking: Session data, preferences, analytics information

2. How We Use Your Information

2.1 Platform Operations

• Creating and managing user accounts
• Facilitating connections between organizers and talent
• Processing bookings through our 4-step booking system
• Handling payments and commission calculations (10% standard, 5% for disputed resolutions)
• Providing customer support and resolving disputes

2.2 Communication and Marketing

• Sending booking confirmations and updates
• Notifying users of platform updates and new features
• Marketing communications (with your consent)
• SMS notifications for important account activities

2.3 Safety and Security

• Verifying user identities and preventing fraud
• Monitoring for suspicious activities
• Enforcing our terms of service
• Protecting against security threats

3. Information Sharing and Disclosure

3.1 With Other Users

We share necessary information to facilitate bookings, including contact details, service information, and reviews. Users control what information appears in their public profiles.

3.2 With Service Providers

• Paystack: Payment processing and transaction data
• Cloud Services: Data storage and platform hosting
• Analytics Providers: Platform usage and performance data
• Communication Services: Email and SMS delivery

3.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose information when required by Kenyan law, court orders, or to protect the rights, property, or safety of GigSecure, our users, or the public.

4. Data Security

4.1 Security Measures

• Encryption of sensitive data in transit and at rest
• Secure payment processing through PCI-compliant Paystack
• Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments
• Access controls and authentication systems
• Employee training on data protection practices

4.2 Data Breach Response

In the event of a data breach, we will notify affected users and relevant authorities within 72 hours as required by Kenyan data protection regulations.

5. Your Rights and Choices

5.1 Access and Control

• Access: Request copies of your personal data
• Correction: Update or correct inaccurate information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your account and data
• Portability: Export your data in a structured format
• Restriction: Limit how we process your information

5.2 Communication Preferences

• Opt out of marketing communications
• Choose notification preferences
• Control profile visibility settings

6. Data Retention

We retain your information for as long as necessary to provide our services and comply with legal obligations:

• Active Accounts: Data retained while account is active
• Closed Accounts: Most data deleted within 30 days
• Financial Records: Retained for 7 years for tax and audit purposes
• Dispute Records: Retained for 2 years after resolution

7. International Data Transfers

While GigSecure operates primarily in Kenya, some of our service providers may process data internationally. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for any international transfers.

8. Children's Privacy

GigSecure is not intended for users under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we become aware of such collection, we will delete the information promptly.

9. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

9.1 Types of Cookies

• Essential Cookies: Required for platform functionality
• Analytics Cookies: Help us understand platform usage
• Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and preferences
• Marketing Cookies: Used for targeted advertising (with consent)

10. Updates to This Policy

We may update this privacy policy to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify users of significant changes and post the updated policy on our platform.

11. Contact Us

If you have questions about this privacy policy or wish to exercise your rights, please contact our Data Protection Officer through our platform support system.