Privacy Policy for Copip

Last updated: September 5, 2026

Copip ("we", "us", "our") operates the Copip mobile application (the "Service"), a marketplace platform that connects commodity buyers, sellers, storage hosts, and service providers in Ghana. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, who we share it with, and the rights you have over your data.

By using Copip, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.

1. Information We Collect

We collect the following personal information when you use Copip:

• Account information: full name, email address, phone number, profile photo, role (buyer, storer, host, service provider), and password (stored securely via Firebase Authentication).
• Identity verification: Ghana Card number and a photo of your Ghana Card. Service providers may also submit professional licences or business registration certificates.
• Payment information: mobile money numbers, bank account details, and account holder names used to receive payouts. Payments themselves are processed by Hubtel — we do not store card details or Mobile Money PINs on our servers.
• Listing content: descriptions, prices, quantities, and photos of storage spaces, commodities, or services you list.
• Location data: the city and region you enter for your listings. If you grant location permission, we may use approximate device location to show nearby listings.
• Camera and photo library access: used only when you actively upload a photo for a listing, profile image, chat message, or Ghana Card submission.
• Chat and messages: the content of messages you send to other users or receive from the Copip admin team.
• Transaction and booking history: records of bookings, orders, payments, and disputes.
• Device and usage information: device model, operating system version, and app usage logs used for troubleshooting and improving the Service.

2. How We Use Your Information

• To create and manage your Copip account.
• To verify your identity via Ghana Card and, for service providers, professional credentials.
• To display your listings to potential buyers or renters.
• To process payments and payouts through Hubtel.
• To enable messaging between you and other users, and between you and the Copip admin team.
• To send you important service notifications (bookings, payments, account status).
• To investigate reports of fraud, abuse, or violations of our terms.
• To comply with legal obligations, including Ghana's Data Protection Act 2012 (Act 843).

3. Third-Party Services

Copip uses the following trusted third-party services to operate:

• Firebase (Google): user authentication and secure sign-in.
• Cloudinary: photo upload and image hosting.
• Hubtel: processing mobile money and card payments.
• Neon (PostgreSQL hosting): secure database storage.
• DigitalOcean: secure server hosting.

These providers process data on our behalf and are contractually required to keep it secure. Some of these providers store data on servers located outside Ghana (primarily the United States). By using Copip, you consent to this cross-border transfer of your data.

4. Data Sharing

We do not sell your personal information. We only share your information in these limited situations:

• With other users: your public profile (name, photo, role) and any listings you publish are visible to other Copip users.
• With Copip admin staff: our verification team reviews your submitted Ghana Card, professional credentials, and payment disputes. Admins may also message you through the app.
• With Hubtel: the payment details required for Hubtel to process each transaction.
• To comply with the law: if required by Ghanaian courts, regulators, or law enforcement agencies acting under lawful authority.

5. Data Retention

We keep your personal information for as long as your account is active. When you delete your account (Settings → Delete Account), your profile becomes hidden from other users and your listings are removed from the marketplace immediately.

For legal, financial, and dispute-resolution reasons, some records — including payment history, Ghana Card verification records, and message logs — are retained in our database for a reasonable period after account deletion. This complies with our obligations under the Data Protection Act 2012 and Ghana's financial record-keeping requirements.

6. Your Rights

Under Ghana's Data Protection Act 2012, you have the right to:

• Access the personal information we hold about you.
• Correct inaccurate information (via your in-app profile settings, or by contacting us).
• Request deletion of your account and associated data (available in-app via Settings → Delete Account).
• Object to certain uses of your data.
• Lodge a complaint with the Ghana Data Protection Commission (dataprotection.org.gh).

7. Security

We take reasonable steps to protect your data, including encrypted connections (HTTPS), secure password hashing, restricted admin access, and regular security updates. However, no method of transmission or storage over the internet is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

8. Children's Privacy

Copip is not intended for use by children under 18. We do not knowingly collect information from anyone under 18. If we discover that we have collected information from a minor, we will delete it promptly.

9. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do, we will update the "Last updated" date at the top. Continued use of Copip after changes means you accept the updated policy.

10. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or your data, contact us at:

Email: cambell89.99@gmail.com