NBM MARKETPLACE – SYSTEM PRIVACY & SECURITY POLICY

1. Introduction

NBM Marketplace is committed to protecting the privacy, security, and integrity of all users’ data, including buyers, sellers, and administrators. This policy explains how user information, payment data, communication, and shipping details are collected, stored, used, and protected across the platform.

2. Information We Collect

We collect and process the following types of information to ensure the smooth operation of NBM Marketplace:

• User Information:

  • Name, email, phone number, and account credentials.

  • Verification status (Verified vs. Unverified).

  • Profile details, preferences, and store settings for sellers.

• Payment Information:

  • Transaction amounts, pending balances, and approved balances.

  • Escrow status and fund release history.

  • Payment methods (Vodacom M-Pesa, Paystack, Flutterwave, etc.).

  • Payment history and timestamps.

• Order and Shipping Information:

  • Order numbers, products, quantities, total costs, and shipment details.

  • Delivery status, tracking numbers, and courier updates.

• In-App Communication:

  • Chat messages between buyers and sellers are collected and stored for verification, dispute resolution, or support purposes.

• System Usage Data:

  • Login times, device information, and IP addresses.

  • Pages visited and specific actions performed on the platform.

• NBM Academy Data:

  • Course enrollments, learning progress, quiz scores, and certificates.

  • Video interactions and content engagement metrics.

3. How We Use Your Information

Information collected is used for the following purposes:

• To facilitate secure payments and proper Escrow handling.

• To verify users and maintain a trusted marketplace environment.

• To provide real-time notifications for payments, orders, and shipping updates.

• To resolve disputes or complaints efficiently.

• To enhance platform features, analytics, and internal reporting.

• To administer NBM Academy courses and track student progress.

• To improve security protocols and prevent fraudulent activities.

4. Data Protection Measures

NBM Marketplace implements the following technical safeguards:

• Encryption: All sensitive data (payments, communications, and personal info) is encrypted using SSL/TLS protocols.

• Access Control: Access to sensitive user data is strictly limited to authorized personnel only.

• Escrow Security: Funds held in escrow are protected and only released upon delivery confirmation.

• Data Logging: All communication and payment activities are logged to provide a secure audit trail for dispute resolution.

• Periodic Security Audits: Regular system audits are conducted to ensure compliance and identify potential vulnerabilities.

5. Payment & Escrow Policy

1. Verified Sellers: Payments are released automatically once the buyer confirms the receipt of the product/service.

2. Unverified Sellers: Payments remain in "Pending" status until explicit buyer approval or verification is completed or, automatically, 24 hours after the product has been confirmed as delivered to the customer.

3. Buyer View: Buyers are provided with the assurance: “Payment Protected until Delivery Confirmed.”

4. Admin Access: Administrators monitor all payment flows and reserve the right to intervene in disputes when necessary.

6. Communication Policy

• All communication between buyers and sellers must occur strictly within the NBM Marketplace system.

• Users are warned against external communication to ensure payment protection and maintain a valid audit trail.

• Messages are logged and stored as evidence for dispute resolution and verification.

7. Shipping Policy

• All shipping activities must be tracked through the NBM Shipping system.

• Real-time delivery status updates are shared with both buyers and sellers.

• Admins and authorized shipping agents manage, assign, and monitor all deliveries.

8. NBM Academy Policy

• Users must adhere to all course guidelines and platform usage rules.

• Course progress, quiz results, and certificates are tracked for accountability and record-keeping.

• Academy content is protected; unauthorized sharing of materials outside the platform is strictly prohibited.

9. Data Sharing

• Information may be shared with payment processors, shipping partners, and essential third-party service providers only as required to deliver platform services.

• No personal or payment information will be sold or shared with third parties for marketing purposes without explicit user consent.

10. User Rights

Writers and users on the platform have the right to:

• Access and update their personal information.

• Request the deletion of non-essential data.

• Suspend or stop transactions if security concerns arise.

• File formal complaints for disputes or security issues.

• Withdraw from courses or platform services according to the set rules.

11. Policy Updates

• NBM Marketplace reserves the right to update this policy periodically to reflect system changes.

• Users will be notified of any major updates.

• All updated policies will continue to prioritize the protection of sensitive user data.

Commitment: NBM Marketplace is dedicated to maintaining a secure, transparent, and reliable system. User data, payments, communications, and educational content are safeguarded to the highest professional standards.