Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

PayGate ("we", "our", or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our payment processing services, website, and mobile applications.

By using PayGate, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy. If you do not agree with our policies and practices, please do not use our services.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

We collect information you provide directly to us, including:

• Account Information: Name, email address, phone number, business name, and business address when you create a merchant account.
• Identity Verification: Government-issued ID, business registration documents, and proof of address for KYC compliance.
• Financial Information: Bank account details for settlements and payout processing.
• Communications: Messages, support requests, and feedback you send to us.

2.2 Information We Collect Automatically

When you use our services, we automatically collect:

• Transaction Data: Payment amounts, dates, merchant and customer identifiers, and payment methods.
• Usage Data: Pages visited, features used, time spent on our platform, and interaction patterns.
• Device Information: IP address, browser type, operating system, and device identifiers.
• Location Data: General location based on IP address.

2.3 Information from Third Parties

We may receive information from:

• Mobile money providers (MTN, Telecel, AirtelTigo) for transaction processing
• Identity verification services for KYC compliance
• Fraud prevention services to protect against unauthorized transactions

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Process payments and settlements
• Verify your identity and prevent fraud
• Provide customer support and respond to inquiries
• Send transaction notifications and service updates
• Improve our services and develop new features
• Comply with legal obligations and regulatory requirements
• Analyze usage patterns to optimize performance
• Communicate about products, services, and promotions (with consent)

4. Information Sharing

We may share your information with:

4.1 Service Providers

Third-party companies that help us provide our services, such as payment processors, cloud hosting providers, and customer support tools. These providers are contractually obligated to protect your information.

4.2 Mobile Money Operators

MTN, Telecel, and AirtelTigo to process mobile money transactions. Only information necessary to complete the transaction is shared.

4.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose information when required by law, court order, or government request, or when we believe disclosure is necessary to protect our rights, your safety, or the safety of others.

4.4 Business Transfers

In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred to the acquiring entity.

5. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your information, including:

• Encryption of data in transit (TLS 1.3) and at rest (AES-256)
• Regular security audits and penetration testing
• Access controls and employee training
• Secure data centers with physical security measures
• PCI DSS compliance for payment card data

While we strive to protect your information, no method of transmission or storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security.

6. Data Retention

We retain your information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide services. We also retain information as required by law (e.g., transaction records for 7 years for regulatory compliance).

When you close your account, we will delete or anonymize your personal information within 90 days, except for information we are required to retain by law.

7. Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you.
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information.
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information, subject to legal requirements.
• Data Portability: Receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format.
• Opt-out: Unsubscribe from marketing communications at any time.

To exercise these rights, contact us at privacy@paygate.com.

8. Cookies and Tracking

We use cookies and similar technologies to improve your experience, analyze usage, and personalize content. You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings.

Types of cookies we use:

• Essential: Required for basic site functionality
• Analytics: Help us understand how visitors use our site
• Preferences: Remember your settings and preferences

9. Children's Privacy

Our services are not intended for individuals under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we discover we have collected information from a child, we will delete it immediately.

10. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries outside Ghana. When we transfer data internationally, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of material changes by posting the new policy on our website and updating the "Last updated" date. Continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

12. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us:

• Email: privacy@paygate.com
• Address: 14 Independence Avenue, Accra, Ghana
• Phone: +233 30 123 4567