Welcome to Sougak's Privacy Policy. At Sougak, we take your privacy seriously. This policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your personal information when you visit our website, use our mobile applications, or interact with our services (collectively, the "Platform").
Sougak is committed to being transparent about how we handle your data. This privacy policy applies to all users, including buyers, sellers, and visitors of our Platform.
Key Principles
We collect only the information necessary to provide our services. We never sell your personal information to third parties. Your data is protected with industry-standard security measures. You have the right to access and control your personal information.
3.1 Direct Collection
We collect information directly from you when you:
- Create an account or register on our Platform
- Make a purchase or list a product for sale
- Complete your profile information
- Submit payment information
- Contact our customer support team
- Participate in surveys or feedback forms
- Upload documents for identity verification
3.2 Automatic Collection
We automatically collect information about your interactions with our Platform through:
- Cookies and similar technologies
- Server logs and analytics
- Web beacons and pixels
- Browser caching
- Session recording (with explicit consent)
3.3 Third-Party Sources
In limited cases, we may receive information from:
- Payment processors (for transaction verification)
- Identity verification services (for seller verification)
- Other users (in public reviews or communications)
- Government or law enforcement (if legally required)
- Shipping and logistics partners
5.1 Service Providers
We share information with trusted partners who help us deliver our services:
- Payment processors (for secure payment handling)
- Shipping companies (for delivery)
- Cloud hosting providers (for data management)
- Identity verification services (for seller verification)
- Customer support platforms
- Email and SMS providers
5.2 Transaction Participants
When conducting transactions:
- Sellers can see buyer's name, address, and contact information
- Buyers can see seller's business information and ratings
- Both parties can communicate through our messaging system
5.3 Legal & Regulatory Requirements
We may disclose information when:
- Required by law or court order
- Requested by government authorities
- Necessary to protect our legal rights
- Complying with tax or regulatory obligations
- Protecting public safety or health
We Do NOT Sell Your Data
Sougak does NOT sell, rent, or lease your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes. Your data is only shared as necessary to provide our services.
Sougak operates globally, and your information may be transferred to and stored in countries outside Sudan. These countries may have different data protection laws than your home country.
6.1 Data Storage Locations
Your information may be stored in:
- Sudan (primary data center)
- Regional processing centers in East Africa
- Cloud servers in the United States or Europe
- Third-party provider locations
6.2 Data Protection
When transferring data internationally, we:
- Use encryption and secure protocols
- Implement data protection agreements
- Require vendors to maintain confidentiality
- Ensure compliance with applicable laws
7.1 Security Measures
We implement comprehensive security measures to protect your information:
- 256-bit SSL/TLS encryption for data transmission
- Two-factor authentication (2FA) for accounts
- Secure password hashing algorithms
- Regular security audits and penetration testing
- Firewalls and intrusion detection systems
- Restricted access to sensitive data
- Data encryption at rest and in transit
7.2 Your Responsibility
While we protect your data, you are responsible for:
- Keeping your password confidential
- Not sharing your account credentials
- Logging out of your account on public devices
- Reporting suspicious account activity immediately
- Using strong, unique passwords
Security Incident Notification
In the event of a data breach, we will notify affected users within 72 hours, as required by law, along with information about the breach and steps we are taking.
8.1 Access & Correction
You have the right to:
- Access your personal information
- Review what data we have collected
- Correct inaccurate information
- Update outdated information
8.2 Deletion & Portability
You may request to:
- Delete your account and associated data
- Receive your data in a portable format
- Transfer your data to another service
- Remove your profile information
8.3 Marketing Opt-Out
You can:
- Unsubscribe from marketing emails
- Opt-out of promotional messages
- Manage notification preferences
- Disable targeted advertising
8.4 How to Exercise Your Rights
To exercise any of these rights, please:
- Log into your account and access settings
- Contact our Privacy Officer at privacy@sougak.com
- Submit a request through our data access form
- Include your full name and account email
- We will respond within 30 calendar days
9.1 What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files stored on your device that help us recognize you and remember your preferences. We use several types:
- Essential Cookies: required for basic functionality
- Performance Cookies: help us understand how you use the site
- Functional Cookies: remember your preferences
- Marketing Cookies: track your interests for ads
9.2 Cookie Management
You can control cookies by:
- Adjusting browser cookie settings
- Clearing cookies manually
- Using do-not-track features
- Opting out through our preference center
Note About Cookies
Disabling all cookies may affect your ability to use certain features of our Platform. Essential cookies cannot be disabled without affecting basic functionality.
Sougak does not knowingly collect information from children under 18 years of age. Our Platform is intended for adults and families with parental supervision.
10.1 Age Requirements
- Users must be 18+ to create an account independently
- Ages 16-17 may use the platform with parental consent
- Children under 16 cannot register accounts
- Parents can manage children's accounts
10.2 Parental Controls
If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has created an account without consent, please contact us immediately to remove their information.
11.1 Retention Periods
We retain your information for as long as necessary:
- Account Data: for duration of your account + 3 years
- Transaction Records: for 7 years (tax/legal requirements)
- Payment Information: not retained (deleted after processing)
- Marketing Data: until you unsubscribe
- Analytics Data: 24 months
- Support Tickets: 2 years
11.2 Deletion Process
When you request account deletion:
- Your data is deleted within 30 days
- Some data may be retained for legal compliance
- Server backups are purged within 90 days
- You will receive deletion confirmation
If you are located in the European Union or European Economic Area, the following additional rights apply under GDPR:
12.1 Your GDPR Rights
- Right to Access: obtain copies of your personal data
- Right to Rectification: correct inaccurate data
- Right to Erasure: request deletion of your data
- Right to Restrict: limit how your data is used
- Right to Portability: get data in machine-readable format
- Right to Object: object to processing of your data
- Right to Withdraw Consent: stop data processing
- Right to Lodge Complaint: file complaint with your DPA
12.2 Legal Basis for Processing
| Purpose |
Legal Basis |
| Providing Services |
Contract Performance |
| Security & Fraud |
Legitimate Interest |
| Marketing |
Your Consent |
| Legal Compliance |
Legal Obligation |
We may update this privacy policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices, technology, or legal requirements.
13.1 How We Notify You
- Material changes: email notification minimally 30 days before
- Minor changes: posted on website with notice
- We maintain previous versions for reference
- Your continued use constitutes acceptance
Stay Updated
We encourage you to review this policy regularly. Subscribe to our privacy updates to be notified of any changes.