Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy | eChat.ng

Privacy Policy for eChat.ng

Effective Date: May 1, 2025

Welcome to eChat.ng, a product of Swepty Digital Limited, headquartered in Nigeria. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your personal information when you use our website, services, and applications (collectively referred to as the "Platform"). We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring a secure user experience.

By accessing or using eChat.ng, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this policy. If you do not agree with it, please do not use our services.

1. Information We Collect

We collect various types of information depending on how you interact with our platform:

a. Information You Provide to Us Directly

  • Registration Details: Username, email address, password, phone number, and optional profile photo.
  • Profile Information: Bio, gender, birthday, interests, and location (if manually entered).
  • User Content: Messages, posts, comments, uploaded media, and group interactions.
  • Support Requests: When you contact support, we may collect logs or screenshots to resolve the issue.

b. Automatically Collected Information

  • Device & Usage Info: Browser type, device type, operating system, referring URLs, IP address.
  • Activity Logs: Login times, chat activity, room visits, friend requests, and group interactions.
  • Location Data: If you grant permission, we collect approximate geolocation for nearby user features.

c. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies, web beacons, and similar technologies to:

  • Authenticate users and maintain sessions.
  • Store user preferences.
  • Analyze usage patterns and improve performance.

You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your data to:

  • Provide, operate, and maintain the eChat platform.
  • Deliver chat, video, and voice features.
  • Personalize content and user experience.
  • Respond to your inquiries and customer service requests.
  • Detect and prevent fraud, abuse, or illegal activity.
  • Send administrative and promotional messages (with your consent).

We may aggregate non-personal data to improve our analytics and performance metrics.

3. Legal Bases for Processing (GDPR Compliance)

If you reside in the European Union or a similar jurisdiction, we rely on the following legal bases:

  • Consent: For marketing or optional data.
  • Contract: When you create an account or use our services.
  • Legal Obligation: To comply with Nigerian or international laws.
  • Legitimate Interest: To ensure platform safety and quality.

4. Information Sharing & Disclosure

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information. We may share it only:

  • With trusted third-party processors (e.g., cloud hosting, analytics, payment processors) bound by confidentiality.
  • If required by law enforcement, court order, or legal process.
  • To protect the rights, property, or safety of eChat, its users, or the public.
  • During a merger, acquisition, or asset sale — with proper notice given.

5. Data Storage & Retention

Your data is stored on secure servers located in Nigeria and/or other data centers compliant with applicable data protection laws. We retain:

  • Account and activity logs for as long as your account is active.
  • Inactive accounts may be deleted or archived after a long period of inactivity.
  • Certain content may persist in backup archives for disaster recovery.

You may request account deletion at any time.

6. Security Measures

We implement technical and organizational safeguards, including:

  • HTTPS encryption across all web traffic.
  • Two-factor authentication (2FA) for admin accounts.
  • Secure coding practices and vulnerability testing.
  • Strict access controls and monitoring.

No system is fully immune, so we urge users to use strong passwords and report suspicious activity.

7. Your Rights and Choices

Depending on your jurisdiction, you have rights to:

  • Access your personal data.
  • Update or correct inaccurate information.
  • Delete your account and personal information.
  • Restrict processing or object to certain uses.
  • Withdraw consent at any time (where processing is based on consent).

To exercise your rights, email privacy@echat.ng.

8. Children's Privacy

eChat.ng is not intended for children under 13 years of age. If we learn that we have collected personal information from a child without parental consent, we will delete it immediately.

9. Third-Party Services & Links

Our platform may contain links or integrations with third-party sites or services (e.g., YouTube, Google Maps, social logins). These platforms are governed by their own privacy policies. We do not control or take responsibility for their content or data handling.

10. Cross-Border Transfers

If you use eChat.ng outside Nigeria, be aware that your information may be transferred, stored, and processed in Nigeria. We ensure such transfers comply with applicable data protection laws.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may revise this Privacy Policy periodically. Major changes will be communicated via:

  • A banner notification on our homepage.
  • Direct email (if required).

Check back regularly to stay informed.

12. Contact Information

For privacy-related questions, complaints, or requests, contact us at:

Thank you for trusting eChat.ng — a safe, secure, and empowering space to connect.