Privacy Policy

Welcome to ByteVerse, Africa's authentic engagement platform operated by SpectraVerse Technologies Inc. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, protect, and share your personal information when you use our platform.

By using ByteVerse, you consent to the data practices described in this policy. We are committed to transparency and protecting your privacy rights.

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Account Registration Information

When you create a ByteVerse account, we collect:

• Full name: To identify you on the platform
• Email address: For account verification and communication
• Phone number: For account security and payout verification
• Password: Encrypted and stored securely
• State of residence: For geo-targeted campaigns
• Country: To ensure service availability
• Gender: For demographic targeting

1.2 Profile & Verification Data

• Social media usernames or handles (for task verification)
• Social media follower/view counts (to verify minimum requirements)
• Proof of task completion (screenshots, links, timestamps)

1.3 Payment & Financial Information

• Bank account details or mobile money numbers (for withdrawals)
• Payment card information (processed securely via Paystack)
• Transaction history and earnings records
• ByteCoin (BY₵) balance and redemption history

1.4 Automatically Collected Technical Data

For security, fraud prevention, and service improvement, we automatically collect:

• Device information: Device type, operating system, browser type and version
• IP address: To determine approximate location and prevent fraud
• Location data: Approximate geographic location (city/region level)
• Usage data: Pages visited, features used, time spent on platform
• Task activity: Task completion timestamps, submission times, interaction patterns
• Cookies and tracking technologies: Session data, preferences, analytics

1.5 Campaign Creator Information

If you create campaigns, we additionally collect:

• Business name and registration details
• Campaign content, targeting preferences, and budgets
• Brand assets (logos, images, promotional materials)
• Campaign performance metrics

2. How We Use Your Information

We use collected data for the following purposes:

2.1 Core Platform Functions

• Create and manage your account
• Process task assignments and verify completion
• Calculate and distribute earnings
• Process withdrawals and payments
• Match users with relevant campaigns based on demographics and location
• Manage ByteCoin rewards and redemptions

2.2 Communication

• Send transactional notifications (task availability, payment confirmations)
• Provide customer support and respond to inquiries
• Send important platform updates and policy changes
• Notify you about new features or campaigns (with opt-out option)

2.3 Security & Fraud Prevention

• Detect and prevent fraudulent task submissions
• Identify multiple accounts or bot activity
• Monitor for platform abuse or policy violations
• Verify genuine user participation
• Secure user accounts and prevent unauthorized access

2.4 Platform Improvement

• Analyze usage patterns to improve user experience
• Conduct research and analytics (using aggregated, anonymized data)
• Troubleshoot technical issues
• Optimize campaign matching algorithms

2.5 Legal Compliance

• Comply with legal obligations and regulatory requirements
• Respond to lawful requests from authorities
• Enforce our Terms & Conditions
• Protect our rights and the rights of our users

3. Data Sharing & Disclosure

3.1 Service Providers

We share data with trusted third-party service providers who help us operate the platform:

• Payment processors (Paystack): To process transactions securely
• Cloud hosting providers: For secure data storage and platform hosting
• Email service providers: To send transactional and notification emails
• SMS providers: For account verification and important alerts
• Analytics services: To understand platform usage (aggregated data only)

These providers are contractually obligated to protect your data and use it only for the services they provide to us.

3.2 Campaign Creators (Limited Data)

We share limited, anonymized demographic data with campaign creators:

• Aggregate statistics (number of users reached, completion rates)
• Geographic distribution (region/state level, not precise location)
• General demographics (age ranges, gender distribution)
• We never share: Your name, email, phone number, or other personally identifiable information

3.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information when required by law or to:

• Comply with legal processes (subpoenas, court orders)
• Respond to lawful government requests
• Enforce our Terms & Conditions
• Protect our rights, property, or safety
• Prevent fraud or illegal activities
• Protect user safety in emergencies

3.4 Business Transfers

If ByteVerse is involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your data may be transferred to the new entity. We will notify you before your information becomes subject to a different privacy policy.

3.5 With Your Consent

We may share your information for other purposes with your explicit consent or at your direction.

4. Your Privacy Rights & Choices

You have control over your personal data. Depending on your location, you may have the following rights:

4.1 Access & Portability

• Access your data: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you
• Data portability: Receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format

4.2 Correction & Update

• Update your profile information anytime through account settings
• Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data
• Contact support for assistance with data updates

4.3 Deletion & Erasure

• Delete your account: You can permanently delete your account through app settings
• Right to erasure: Request deletion of your personal data (subject to legal obligations)
• Note: Some data may be retained for legal, tax, or security purposes even after deletion

4.4 Marketing & Communications

• Opt-out: Unsubscribe from promotional emails via the link in each email
• Notification preferences: Manage push notifications in app settings
• Essential communications: Account security and transactional messages cannot be opted out

4.5 Objection & Restriction

• Object to certain data processing activities
• Request restriction of processing under certain circumstances
• Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent

4.6 How to Exercise Your Rights

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at:

• Email: legal@byteverseafrica.com
• Response time: We will respond within 30 days
• Verification: We may request verification of your identity for security purposes

5. Data Security & Protection

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

5.1 Technical Safeguards

• Encryption: All data transmitted between your device and our servers uses SSL/TLS encryption
• Password protection: Passwords are hashed and salted before storage
• Secure storage: Data stored on encrypted servers with restricted access
• Firewalls: Network-level protection against unauthorized access
• Regular security audits: Ongoing vulnerability assessments and penetration testing

5.2 Administrative Safeguards

• Access controls: Strict employee access policies on a need-to-know basis
• Training: Regular security and privacy training for staff
• Confidentiality agreements: All employees sign NDAs
• Incident response: Documented procedures for security breaches

5.3 Your Security Responsibilities

• Choose a strong, unique password
• Never share your password with others
• Log out after using shared devices
• Report suspicious activity immediately
• Keep your contact information updated

6. Data Retention

We retain your data only as long as necessary to provide services and comply with legal obligations:

6.1 Active Accounts

• Profile and account data retained while your account is active
• Task history and earnings records maintained for payment verification
• Communication records kept for support purposes

6.2 Inactive Accounts

• Accounts inactive for 6+ months may be automatically archived
• ByteCoins expire after 30 days of inactivity
• You can reactivate your account by logging in

6.3 Deleted Accounts

• Most personal data deleted within 30 days of account deletion
• Some data retained for legal, tax, or security purposes:
  • Transaction records (up to 7 years for tax compliance)
  • Fraud prevention data (up to 5 years)
  • Legal dispute records (as required by law)
• Aggregated, anonymized data may be retained indefinitely for analytics

6.4 Backup Data

Data in backup systems may persist for up to 90 days after deletion from active systems.

7. Cookies & Tracking Technologies

ByteVerse uses cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience:

7.1 Types of Cookies We Use

• Essential cookies: Required for platform functionality (login, security)
• Performance cookies: Help us understand how users interact with the platform
• Functionality cookies: Remember your preferences and settings
• Analytics cookies: Collect anonymous usage statistics

7.2 Managing Cookies

• You can control cookies through your browser settings
• Blocking essential cookies may affect platform functionality
• Analytics cookies can be disabled without impacting core features

7.3 Third-Party Tracking

We may use third-party analytics services (e.g., Google Analytics) that use cookies. These services collect data according to their own privacy policies.

8. International Data Transfers

ByteVerse operates primarily in Africa, but your data may be transferred to and processed in other countries:

• Our servers and service providers may be located in various countries
• Data protection laws may differ from those in your country
• We implement safeguards to protect your data regardless of location
• By using ByteVerse, you consent to international data transfers

8.1 African Union Data Protection

For users in African Union countries with data protection laws, we comply with applicable regulations including the AU Convention on Cyber Security and Personal Data Protection.

9. California Privacy Rights (CCPA)

If you are a California resident, you have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act:

• Right to know: What personal information we collect and how we use it
• Right to delete: Request deletion of your personal information
• Right to opt-out: Opt out of sale of personal information (note: we don't sell data)
• Right to non-discrimination: We won't discriminate against you for exercising your rights

To exercise these rights, email legal@byteverseafrica.com

10. GDPR Rights (European Users)

If you are in the European Economic Area (EEA), you have rights under the General Data Protection Regulation:

• Right to access, rectification, erasure, and data portability
• Right to object to processing and withdraw consent
• Right to lodge a complaint with your supervisory authority
• Legal basis for processing: Contract performance, legitimate interests, and consent

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements.

How We Notify You

• Email notification: Sent to your registered email address
• In-app alerts: Prominent notification when you log in
• Website notice: Updated date at the top of this policy

Material Changes

• Significant changes will be announced at least 30 days in advance
• Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance
• If you don't agree, you may delete your account before changes take effect

12. Contact Us

Have questions or concerns? Reach out:

• Email: legal@byteverseafrica.com
• Phone: +234 904 625 5604

We're here to help!