1.
Information We Collect
1.1 Information You Provide to Us
We collect information you provide directly to us, such as when you:
- Create an account or register for our services
- Request a consultation or quote for projects
- Subscribe to our newsletters or marketing communications
- Apply for employment opportunities
- Contact our support team or customer service
- Participate in surveys, contests, or promotions
This information may include:
- Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, company name, job title
- Account Information: Username, password, account preferences
- Payment Information: Billing address, payment method details (processed securely by third-party payment processors)
- Project Information: Details about your software, network, or healthcare project requirements
- Communications: Information you provide when you communicate with us
1.2 Information We Collect Automatically
When you visit our website, we automatically collect certain information about your device and usage, including:
- Log Data: IP address, browser type, operating system, referring URLs, pages viewed, access times
- Device Information: Device type, device identifiers, mobile network information
- Usage Data: How you interact with our website, features you use, time spent on pages
- Location Data: General location based on IP address (city/country level)
1.3 Information from Third Parties
We may receive information about you from third-party sources, including:
- Business partners and clients we collaborate with on projects
- Social media platforms (when you interact with our social media pages)
- Publicly available databases and data enrichment services
- Background check services (for employment applicants only)
2.
How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect for various purposes, including to:
2.1 Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)
For users in the European Economic Area (EEA), we process your personal information based on the following legal grounds:
- Contract Performance: To fulfill our contractual obligations to you
- Legitimate Interests: To improve our services, ensure security, and communicate with you
- Consent: For marketing communications (you can withdraw consent at any time)
- Legal Obligations: To comply with applicable laws and regulations
3.
Information Sharing and Disclosure
We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. We may share your information in the following circumstances:
With Service Providers
We engage trusted third-party companies to perform services on our behalf, such as:
- Cloud hosting providers (AWS, Google Cloud, Azure)
- Payment processors (Stripe, PayPal)
- Analytics services (Google Analytics)
- Customer support platforms
- Email communication services
These providers are contractually obligated to protect your information and use it only for the services they provide to us.
With Business Partners
For joint projects or collaborations, we may share information with our business partners, subject to confidentiality agreements and with your consent where required.
For Legal Reasons
We may disclose your information if required by law, subpoena, or legal process, or to protect our rights, property, or safety, or the rights of others.
Business Transfers
In the event of a merger, acquisition, or asset sale, your information may be transferred. We will notify you of any such change and your choices.
With Your Consent
We may share your information for any other purpose disclosed to you with your consent.
4.
Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction.
4.1 Security Measures
4.2 Data Retention
We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law. When we no longer need your information, we securely delete or anonymize it.
| Data Type | Retention Period |
|---|---|
| Account Information | Until account deletion + 30 days |
| Project Data | 7 years (contractual/legal requirements) |
| Payment Information | As required by tax laws (typically 7 years) |
| Marketing Communications | Until opt-out + 30 days |
| Website Usage Data | 26 months (Google Analytics) |
5.
Your Rights and Choices
Depending on your location, you may have certain rights regarding your personal information:
Right to Access
Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you.
Right to Rectification
Correct inaccurate or incomplete information.
Right to Deletion
Request deletion of your personal information (subject to exceptions).
Right to Restrict Processing
Limit how we use your information in certain circumstances.
Right to Data Portability
Receive your information in a structured, commonly used format.
Right to Object
Object to processing based on legitimate interests or direct marketing.
Right to Withdraw Consent
Withdraw consent at any time for consent-based processing.
Right to Lodge a Complaint
File a complaint with your local data protection authority.
5.1 How to Exercise Your Rights
To exercise your rights, please contact us using the information in Section 10. We will respond to your request within 30 days. We may need to verify your identity before processing your request.
5.2 Marketing Communications
You can opt out of receiving marketing communications from us at any time by:
- Clicking the "unsubscribe" link in our emails
- Replying "STOP" to SMS messages
- Contacting us directly with your request
7.
Children's Privacy
Our services are not directed to individuals under the age of 16. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 16. If you become aware that a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us. If we learn that we have collected personal information from a child without verification of parental consent, we will take steps to delete that information.
8.
International Data Transfers
We are based in the United States and may transfer your information to countries outside your country of residence, including the United States. These countries may have data protection laws different from those in your country.
For transfers from the European Economic Area (EEA) to countries not deemed adequate by the European Commission, we implement appropriate safeguards, including:
- Standard Contractual Clauses approved by the European Commission
- Binding Corporate Rules
- Privacy Shield certification (where applicable)
By using our services, you consent to the transfer of your information to countries outside your country of residence, including the United States.
9.
Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, legal requirements, or industry standards. We will notify you of material changes by:
- Posting the updated policy on this page with a new effective date
- Sending an email notification (for significant changes)
- Displaying a notice on our website
We encourage you to review this policy periodically for the latest information on our privacy practices.
10.
Contact Us
If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:
info@merkatomarket.com
+25190115599
Bet Softnets
Attn: Privacy Officer
piassa, main road, Hawassa
Sidama
Ethiopia
info@merkatomarket.com
Response time: Within 48 hours
EU Representative
For users in the European Union, you may also contact our EU representative:
EU Data Protection Representative
GDPR-Rep B.V.
Prins Hendrikkade 25, 1012 TM Amsterdam
Netherlands
Email: eu.rep@betsoftnets.com