Privacy Policy

1. Who we are

African YouTubers Network (AYN) operates a creator community and online Marketplace. For privacy questions or requests about your personal information, contact AYN through the official contact channels published on our website. AYN should add and maintain a dedicated privacy contact before this policy is treated as final.

2. Information we collect

Depending on how you use the platform, we may process account details such as your name, email address, phone number, AYN membership details and profile information; seller application details such as store name, description, location and contact information; marketplace listings, saved listings, in-app Marketplace notifications, buyer inquiries, messages, reviews and private safety reports; and technical or security information needed to operate and protect the website. Please do not include sensitive personal information in public listings, messages or reviews.

3. Why we use information

We use information to create and manage accounts, administer AYN membership, review seller applications and listings, connect buyers and sellers, deliver messages and in-app Marketplace notifications, display seller ratings and reviews, maintain saved listings, investigate private Marketplace reports, respond to requests, prevent abuse, protect platform security, maintain records and meet applicable legal obligations.

4. Lawful grounds

Where applicable, AYN processes personal information on grounds such as performing a service you request, taking steps at your request, complying with legal obligations, pursuing legitimate interests in operating a safe community and marketplace, or consent where consent is required. Where processing relies on consent, you may withdraw it for future processing, subject to legal limits and other lawful grounds.

5. Marketplace information and public reviews

Approved seller profiles and listings may be publicly visible. Reviews submitted through the Marketplace may also be public and can affect a seller's displayed rating. Do not include private contact details or information about another person in a review. AYN currently does not verify purchases because buyers and sellers arrange payment directly outside AYN; ratings must not be interpreted as proof of a completed or verified purchase.

6. Sharing and service providers

We may share relevant information with service providers that help operate the platform, such as hosting, database, authentication, communications and security providers, and where disclosure is necessary to comply with law, protect people, investigate abuse or enforce platform rules. Buyers and sellers receive information necessary to communicate about marketplace inquiries. We do not state that external providers are endorsed by AYN, and users should review the privacy terms of third-party services they choose to use.

7. International processing

Some technology providers may process or store information in other countries. Where applicable law requires safeguards for international transfers, AYN should apply the required safeguards and provide additional information on request.

8. Retention

We retain personal information for as long as reasonably necessary for the purposes described in this policy, including account operation, marketplace records, dispute handling, security and legal obligations. Retention periods depend on the type of information and why it is held. When information is no longer needed, it should be securely deleted or anonymised where appropriate and legally permitted.

9. Security

AYN uses technical and organisational measures intended to protect personal information from unauthorised access, loss, alteration or disclosure. No online service can guarantee absolute security. Users should protect their passwords, sign out of shared devices and report suspected account misuse through AYN's official contact channels.

10. Your privacy rights

Subject to applicable law, you may have rights to request access to your information, correct inaccurate details, request deletion or restriction, object to certain processing, receive portable information, and withdraw consent where processing relies on consent. Some records may need to be retained for legal, security or legitimate operational reasons. Contact AYN through its official channels to make a request and provide enough information for us to respond securely.

You may also contact the Nigeria Data Protection Commission for information about data protection rights and complaints: ndpc.gov.ng.

11. Cookies and technical storage

The website and its service providers may use essential browser storage or similar technologies to support sign-in, security, session continuity and basic site functionality. If analytics or non-essential tracking technologies are introduced, this policy and any required consent controls should be updated before they are enabled.

12. Children

The platform is intended for people who are eligible to use AYN's services under applicable law and AYN's membership rules. If you believe a child has provided personal information improperly, contact AYN through its official channels so the matter can be reviewed.

13. Changes to this policy

We may update this policy when our services, data practices or legal obligations change. The revised version will be posted on this page with an updated date. Where required by law, we will provide additional notice or seek consent.

14. Important publication note

This policy is a starting point, not a legal compliance certification. Before launch, AYN should confirm the data controller's formal legal name and contact details, its actual hosting and analytics providers, retention periods, international transfer arrangements and procedures for privacy requests and data incidents.