Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Welcome to Use Pouch. We are committed to protecting your privacy and personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our peer-to-peer delivery marketplace platform.

By using Use Pouch, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy. If you do not agree with our policies and practices, please do not use our services.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

We collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us when you:

• Register for an account
• Complete your user profile
• Post a trip as a traveler
• Request a delivery as a buyer
• Make or receive payments
• Contact our support team

This information may include:

• Account Information: Name, email address, phone number, password
• Profile Information: Profile photo, bio, country, delivery address
• Traveler Information: Preferred destinations, travel frequency, experience level, maximum item value, languages spoken, special notes
• Delivery Information: Item names, descriptions, weight, value, category, product URLs, delivery instructions
• Payment Information: Payment method preferences, transaction history (we do not store full credit card numbers)
• Verification Information: Identity verification documents, background check information

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

When you access our platform, we automatically collect minimal technical information necessary to provide our services:

• Session cookies: Used for authentication and to keep you logged in
• Basic server logs: Our hosting provider may log basic access information for security and error monitoring

We do not use analytics tools, tracking pixels, or collect device fingerprints. We only collect data that you explicitly provide to us.

2.3 Information from Third Parties

We may receive information from third-party services:

• Authentication providers (when you sign in with Google, etc.)
• Payment processors (Paystack for payment transactions)
• Verification services (for identity and background checks)

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

• Service Delivery: To provide, maintain, and improve our delivery marketplace platform
• Account Management: To create and manage your account
• Matching: To connect buyers with suitable travelers
• Payment Processing: To process payments and manage transactions
• Communication: To send you notifications about delivery requests, payments, trip updates, and important account information
• Safety & Security: To verify user identities, prevent fraud, and ensure platform safety
• Customer Support: To respond to your inquiries and provide assistance
• Service Improvement: To understand how to improve our platform based on user feedback and support requests
• Legal Compliance: To comply with legal obligations and enforce our terms of service

4. WhatsApp Integration & Notifications

Use Pouch uses the WhatsApp Business API to send you important notifications about your deliveries and trips. Here's what you need to know:

4.1 What WhatsApp Data We Collect

• Your phone number (provided during account registration or profile setup)
• Delivery status confirmation (when you receive and interact with our notifications)

4.2 How We Use WhatsApp

We use WhatsApp to send you transactional notifications, including:

• New delivery request alerts (for travelers)
• Request acceptance/denial notifications (for buyers)
• Payment confirmations
• Item purchase updates
• Trip departure and arrival notifications
• Delivery confirmation messages

4.3 Your WhatsApp Rights and Email Fallback

• WhatsApp notifications are optional but recommended for the best experience
• Email fallback: If you do not provide a phone number or opt out of WhatsApp notifications, you will receive email notifications instead (via Resend)
• You can opt out of WhatsApp notifications at any time through your account settings
• Even if you opt out of WhatsApp, you will still receive in-app notifications and email notifications about your deliveries
• We will never use your phone number for marketing purposes without explicit consent
• We do not share your WhatsApp phone number with third parties except as required to send notifications via Meta's WhatsApp Business API

4.4 WhatsApp Data Processing

WhatsApp messages are sent through Meta's WhatsApp Business API. Meta may process your phone number and message delivery status according to their privacy policy. We do not control Meta's data processing practices. Please review WhatsApp's Privacy Policy for more information.

4.5 Email Communications

We use Resend to send email notifications for:

• Account authentication (login codes and magic links)
• Delivery request notifications (if WhatsApp is not enabled)
• Payment confirmations
• Important account updates and security alerts
• Trip and delivery status updates

Email vs WhatsApp: When you provide a phone number, you receive WhatsApp notifications. If no phone number is provided, you will receive the same notifications via email. In-app notifications are always available regardless of your communication preferences.

You can manage your email preferences through your account settings. However, you cannot opt out of essential transactional emails required for the service (authentication, payment confirmations, security alerts).

5. How We Share Your Information

We do not sell your personal information to third parties. We may share your information in the following circumstances:

5.1 With Other Users

• Travelers can see buyer names, delivery addresses, and item details when reviewing requests
• Buyers can see traveler profiles, ratings, and trip information
• Contact information is shared only when necessary for delivery coordination

5.2 With Service Providers

We share information with third-party service providers who assist us in operating our platform:

• Payment Processing: Paystack (for processing payments)
• Communication: Meta/WhatsApp Business API (for sending notifications)
• Cloud Storage & Hosting: Digital Ocean (for hosting our platform and storing uploaded files and images)
• Email Service: Resend (for sending email notifications and authentication codes)
• Authentication: Third-party authentication providers (e.g., Google OAuth)

5.3 For Legal Reasons

We may disclose your information if required to do so by law or in response to:

• Legal processes (subpoenas, court orders)
• Government requests
• Protection of our rights and safety
• Investigation of fraud or security issues

5.4 Business Transfers

If Use Pouch is involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction. We will notify you of any such change.

6. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your personal information:

• Encryption of data in transit and at rest
• Secure payment processing through PCI-compliant providers
• Regular security audits and updates
• Access controls and authentication requirements
• Employee training on data protection practices

However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to use commercially acceptable means to protect your personal information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

7. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to:

• Provide our services to you
• Comply with legal obligations
• Resolve disputes and enforce our agreements
• Maintain business records

When you delete your account, we will delete or anonymize your personal information within 90 days, except where we are required to retain it for legal, regulatory, or security purposes.

8. Your Rights and Choices

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights:

8.1 Access and Portability

You can access and download your personal information from your account settings at any time.

8.2 Correction and Updates

You can update your personal information through your account settings or by contacting our support team.

8.3 Deletion

You can request deletion of your account and personal information at any time. Note that some information may be retained as required by law or for legitimate business purposes.

8.4 Marketing Communications

You can opt out of marketing emails by clicking the unsubscribe link in any marketing email or adjusting your notification preferences in your account settings.

8.5 WhatsApp Notifications

You can opt out of WhatsApp notifications through your account settings while still receiving in-app notifications.

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at celeste@addpouch.com.

9. International Data Transfers

Use Pouch operates internationally. Your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in countries other than your own, including Ghana, the United States, and other countries where our service providers operate.

These countries may have data protection laws that are different from the laws of your country. By using Use Pouch, you consent to the transfer of your information to these countries. We take steps to ensure that your information receives an adequate level of protection.

10. Children's Privacy

Use Pouch is not intended for users under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18. If you become aware that a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately. If we discover that we have collected personal information from a child under 18, we will delete that information promptly.

11. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use only essential cookies necessary for the operation of our platform:

• Authentication cookies: To keep you logged in and manage your session

We do not use:

• Analytics or tracking cookies
• Advertising cookies
• Third-party tracking pixels
• Social media tracking cookies

You can control cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling essential cookies will prevent you from logging in and using authenticated features of our platform.

12. Third-Party Links

Our platform may contain links to third-party websites (such as product URLs provided by buyers). We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third-party sites. We encourage you to read the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.

13. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. We will notify you of any material changes by:

• Posting the updated policy on our platform
• Updating the "Last Updated" date
• Sending you a notification (via email or in-app) for significant changes

Your continued use of Use Pouch after any changes indicates your acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

14. Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

15. Consent

By using Use Pouch, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy and consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of your personal information as described herein.