Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Synced Intel ("we", "us", "our") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your personal information when you use our market intelligence platform and services (the "Service").

This Privacy Policy complies with the Data Protection and Privacy Act, 2019 of the Republic of Uganda and international best practices for data protection.

By using the Service, you consent to the data practices described in this policy. If you do not agree with this Privacy Policy, please do not use the Service.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information You Provide

When you register for an account or use the Service, we collect:

• Account Information: Name, username, email address, password, company name, phone number
• Payment Information: Billing address, payment method details (processed securely through third-party payment processors)
• Profile Information: Profile picture, job title, industry, business interests
• Communications: Information you provide when contacting support, providing feedback, or participating in surveys

2.2 Information Automatically Collected

When you use the Service, we automatically collect:

• Usage Data: Pages visited, features used, time spent, search queries, scan history
• Device Information: IP address, browser type, operating system, device identifiers
• Log Data: Access times, pages viewed, referring URLs, error logs
• Location Data: General geographic location based on IP address
• Cookies and Similar Technologies: As described in our Cookie Policy (see Section 8)

2.3 Publicly Available Information

The Service collects and analyzes publicly available information from:

• Publicly accessible websites and domains
• Government procurement portals and tender notices
• Public business registries and directories
• Publicly posted contact information and organizational data
• News articles and press releases
• Social media platforms (public profiles only)

We do not access password-protected or private information without explicit authorization.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information for the following purposes:

3.1 To Provide and Improve the Service

• Create and manage your account
• Process your transactions and send billing information
• Provide customer support and respond to inquiries
• Analyze website and organizational data to generate intelligence reports
• Improve and personalize the Service based on usage patterns
• Develop new features and functionalities

3.2 To Communicate With You

• Send service-related notifications and updates
• Provide technical notices, security alerts, and support messages
• Send promotional materials and marketing communications (with your consent)
• Request feedback or participation in surveys

3.3 To Ensure Security and Prevent Fraud

• Monitor and analyze usage patterns to detect abuse or suspicious activity
• Prevent unauthorized access, fraud, and other illegal activities
• Enforce our Terms & Conditions and other policies
• Protect the rights, property, and safety of Synced Intel, our users, and the public

3.4 For Legal and Compliance Purposes

• Comply with legal obligations and regulatory requirements
• Respond to legal requests from authorities
• Resolve disputes and enforce agreements

4. How We Share Your Information

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

4.1 Service Providers

We engage third-party companies and individuals to perform functions on our behalf, such as:

• Payment processing (Stripe, PayPal)
• Cloud hosting and data storage
• Email delivery and communications
• Analytics and performance monitoring
• Customer support tools

These service providers have access to your information only to perform their tasks and are obligated not to disclose or use it for other purposes.

4.2 Business Transfers

If Synced Intel is involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction. We will notify you before your information becomes subject to a different privacy policy.

4.3 Legal Requirements

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

• Valid legal processes (subpoenas, court orders)
• Requests from government authorities or law enforcement
• Protection of our rights, property, or safety
• Prevention of fraud or illegal activity

4.4 With Your Consent

We may share your information with third parties when you explicitly consent to such sharing.

5. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction.

5.1 Security Measures

• Encryption of data in transit (HTTPS/TLS) and at rest
• Secure authentication mechanisms and password protection
• Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments
• Access controls and authorization procedures
• Employee training on data protection practices
• Incident response and breach notification procedures

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

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law.

Account Data: Retained while your account is active and for a reasonable period thereafter to comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce agreements.

Usage Data: Retained for up to 24 months for analytics and service improvement purposes.

Publicly Collected Data: Intelligence and market data collected from public sources may be retained indefinitely as part of our service offering.

Upon account deletion, we will delete or anonymize your personal information within 90 days, except where retention is required by law or for legitimate business purposes.

7. Your Rights and Choices

Under the Data Protection and Privacy Act, 2019 of Uganda, you have the following rights regarding your personal information:

7.1 Right to Access

You have the right to request access to the personal information we hold about you.

7.2 Right to Correction

You have the right to request correction of inaccurate or incomplete personal information. You can update most information directly through your account settings.

7.3 Right to Deletion

You have the right to request deletion of your personal information, subject to certain exceptions (for example, legal obligations, pending transactions).

7.4 Right to Object

You have the right to object to certain processing of your personal information, including marketing communications.

7.5 Right to Data Portability

You have the right to request a copy of your personal information in a structured, commonly used, and machine-readable format.

7.6 Marketing Communications

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

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at privacy@syncedintel.com. We will respond to your request within 21 days as required by Ugandan law.

8. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience and collect information about how you use the Service.

8.1 What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files stored on your device that help us recognize your browser and capture certain information.

8.2 Types of Cookies We Use

• Essential Cookies: Required for the Service to function (authentication, security)
• Performance Cookies: Help us understand how you use the Service
• Functionality Cookies: Remember your preferences and settings
• Analytics Cookies: Help us improve the Service through usage analysis

8.3 Managing Cookies

You can control cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling cookies may limit your ability to use certain features of the Service.

9. Third-Party Services and Links

The Service may contain links to third-party websites or integrate with third-party services. This Privacy Policy does not apply to those third-party services.

We are not responsible for the privacy practices of third-party websites or services. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party services you access through the Service.

10. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than Uganda, where data protection laws may differ. When we transfer your information internationally, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information in accordance with this Privacy Policy and applicable laws.

11. Children's Privacy

The Service is not intended for individuals under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have collected information from a child, please contact us immediately and we will take steps to delete such information.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

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

• Posting the updated policy on this page with a new "Last updated" date
• Sending an email notification to your registered email address
• Displaying a prominent notice in the Service

Your continued use of the Service after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

13. Data Protection Officer

In compliance with Ugandan data protection law, we have appointed a Data Protection Officer (DPO) to oversee our data protection practices and ensure compliance with applicable laws.

14. Contact Us

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

Complaints to Regulatory Authority

If you believe we have not adequately addressed your privacy concerns, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the Uganda Personal Data Protection Office or other relevant regulatory authority.