Maat Privacy Policy
Effective Date: 07 October 2024
At Maat, we value your privacy and are committed to being transparent about the data we collect, how we use it, and your rights regarding your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we handle your data when you use our services.
1. Who We Are
Maat is a social media platform that allows users to connect and share experiences in an authentic way. We are the data controller, meaning we are responsible for how your personal data is used.
2. Information We Collect
2.1. Data You Provide
• Account Information: When you create an account, we collect your name, phone number, and other details necessary for setting up your profile. Verification via SMS may be required.
• Profile Details: You can optionally add a profile picture, biography, and other profile information.
• Content You Share: This includes photos, videos, comments, likes, and other media you post on Maat.
• Contacts: With your consent, we collect contact details from your device to help you connect with people you know on Maat.
• Location Information: We may collect your location to enhance your experience, such as showing nearby events or posts.
2.2. Data Collected Automatically
• Device Information: We collect information about your device, such as IP address, device type, and operating system, for functionality and security purposes.
• Usage Data: Information about how you interact with the app, including the pages you visit, the content you engage with, and other usage statistics.
2.3. Data from Third Parties
We may receive additional information from trusted third parties, such as app store platforms, analytics providers, and service providers who help us run Maat.
3. How We Use Your Information
We use your information for the following purposes:
• Providing Services: To create and manage your account, connect you with friends, and allow you to interact on the platform.
• Improving Maat: We analyze usage data to understand how users engage with the app and make improvements.
• Communications: We may send you updates, newsletters, and notifications regarding your account or important changes to the app.
• Security and Fraud Prevention: We use data to protect your account and ensure the app is safe from abuse.
• Compliance: We may use your information to comply with legal obligations.
4. Legal Basis for Processing
We process your data under the following legal bases:
• Contractual Necessity: To provide you with the services you’ve requested.
• Legitimate Interest: For the improvement of our platform and security.
• Consent: Where required, we will ask for your consent, such as when using location data.
• Legal Obligation: For compliance with applicable laws.
5. Sharing Your Data
We may share your data under certain conditions:
• With Other Users: Information you make public on Maat, such as posts, comments, and profile details, will be visible to other users.
• Service Providers: We share data with trusted service providers who assist in operating the platform (e.g., hosting services, analytics, customer support).
• Legal Requirements: We may disclose your information if required to do so by law or in response to valid legal requests.
6. Data Retention
We retain your personal data as long as your account is active or as needed to provide you services. If your account becomes inactive for more than 36 months, it will be automatically deleted.
7. Your Rights
As a user, you have the following rights concerning your personal data:
• Access and Correction: You can access and update your personal data at any time through your account settings.
• Deletion: You can request the deletion of your account and personal data by contacting us.
• Objection and Restriction: You have the right to object to or restrict certain uses of your data, such as for direct marketing purposes.
• Data Portability: You can request a copy of your data in a machine-readable format.
To exercise these rights, please contact us at contact@usemaat.com.
8. Data Transfers
Maat may transfer your data outside of your country of residence, including to countries that may not have the same data protection laws as your home country. We take appropriate measures to protect your data during such transfers.
9. Data Security
We implement technical and organizational measures to protect your personal data against unauthorized access, loss, or damage. However, no system is entirely secure, and we cannot guarantee the absolute security of your information.
10. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our services or legal obligations. We will notify you of significant changes via email or through the app.
11. Contact Us
If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or your data, please contact us at contact@usemaat.com.