At PiSpace, we are committed to protecting the privacy and security of our customers and visitors to our website. This Privacy Policy describes how PiSpace Innovations PLC and its affiliates (collectively “PiSpace, we, our, us”) collect, use, share, or otherwise process your personal information through SafeSquare website www.thesafesquare.com , www.safesquare.et it’s mobile and web application, and  (hereinafter referred to as the “Platform”).

Please note that while you can browse certain sections of the Platform without registering, our products and services are only available within Ethiopia. Your personal information will be stored and processed in Ethiopia, which may have different data protection laws than your country of residence. By using this platform, providing your information, or using our products/services, you agree to be bound by our Privacy Policy, Terms of Use, and applicable service/product terms and conditions. You also agree to be governed by the laws of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, including data protection and privacy laws. If you do not agree, please refrain from using or accessing our Platform.

Information We Collect 

When you use our Platform, we collect and store your information which is provided by you from time to time. Here are the key points regarding the information we collect:

  • User anonymity: While browsing the Platform, users are not required to reveal personal information or disclose their identity. However, once personal information is provided, anonymity is no longer maintained.
  • Required and optional fields: We indicate which fields are required and which ones are optional. Users have the choice to omit providing information by not using specific services, products, or features on the Platform.
  • Tracking and analysis: We may track user buying behavior, preferences, and other information that users choose to provide. This data helps us conduct internal research on user demographics, interests, and behavior to improve our understanding, protection, and service to our users. This information is analyzed in an aggregated manner. It may include the URL the user came from, the next URL visited, browser information, and IP address.
  • Personal information collection: When users set up an account, make transactions, or participate in events or contests, we may collect personal information such as email address, delivery address, name, phone number, credit card/debit card details, and other payment instrument information. While certain sections of the Platform can be accessed without registration, specific activities (e.g., placing an order or accessing online content or services) require registration. The contact information provided is used to send offers based on previous orders and interests.
  • Message boards and feedback: If users choose to post messages, chat in rooms, leave feedback on the Platform or our social media handles, or utilize voice commands or other features, we collect the information provided. This information is retained for dispute resolution, customer support, troubleshooting, internal research, and analysis, as permitted by law.
  • Correspondence and user activities: Personal correspondence such as emails or letters, as well as correspondence from other users or third parties regarding user activities or postings on the Platform, may be collected and stored in a specific file.
  • Loyalty Program and third-party partners: If users enroll in our Loyalty Program or similar programs, we collect and store personal information such as name, contact number, email address, communication address, date of birth, sex, zip code, lifestyle information, demographic and work details. This information may also be collected by third-party business partners who operate online/offline establishments or platforms where users can earn and redeem Coins/Points. Users will be governed by the privacy policies of these third-party partners.

How We Use Your Information 

We use your personal information to provide you with the products and services you request and to communicate with you about your orders or accounts. We may also use your information to:

  • Use of personal information: We utilize your personal information to fulfill your requested products and services. If we use your personal information for marketing purposes, we will offer you the option to opt out of such communications. Furthermore, we employ your personal information to support sellers and business partners in processing and completing orders, enhance the customer experience, resolve disputes, troubleshoot issues, maintain a safe service, facilitate payments, gauge consumer interest in our offerings, inform you about online and offline promotions, customize and improve your experience, identify and protect against errors, fraud, and criminal activity, enforce our terms and conditions, and fulfill any other purposes disclosed to you at the time of information collection.
  • Consent and access to additional information: With your consent, we may access your SMS, instant messages, contact list, location data, camera, photo gallery, and device information. We may also request Tax ID, VAT Number, government-issued ID cards/numbers, Passport number, and Know-Your-Customer (KYC) details for purposes such as determining your eligibility for specific products and services, issuing VAT invoices, enhancing your platform experience, and granting access to products and services offered by us, sellers, affiliates, or lending partners. Please note that your access to these products/services may be impacted if consent is not provided.
  • Collection and analysis of demographic and profile data: In our ongoing efforts to improve our product and service offerings, we and our affiliates collect and analyze demographic and profile data regarding user activity on our platform. This information allows us to identify trends, diagnose server issues, administer the platform, and gather broad demographic insights. IP addresses are also utilized for user identification and to obtain general demographic information.
  • Optional surveys: Occasionally, we may invite you to participate in optional surveys conducted by us or third-party market research agencies. These surveys may request personal information, contact details, date of birth, demographic information (such as zip code, age, or income level), interests, household or lifestyle details, purchasing behavior or history, preferences, and any other information you choose to provide. Participation in surveys may involve the collection of voice data or video recordings, and such participation is entirely voluntary. The data collected through surveys is used to personalize your platform experience, deliver content tailored to your interests, and display relevant information based on your preferences.

Sharing Your Information:

When it comes to the sharing of personal information, we have certain practices in place to ensure transparency and protection. Here are the key points regarding the sharing of personal information:

  • Internal sharing: We may share personal information within PiSpace group companies, affiliates, and related companies. This enables us to provide you with a wide range of products and services.
  • Third-party disclosure: Personal information may be disclosed to third parties such as sellers and business partners. This disclosure is necessary to grant you access to our products and services, fulfill your orders, enhance your experience, and collect payments. It also enables us to conduct market research, analyze data, and provide customer service assistance.
  • Legal compliance and safety: In certain situations, we may be required by law to disclose personal information or have a good faith belief that such disclosure is necessary. This includes responding to subpoenas, court orders, or other legal processes. We may also disclose personal information to law enforcement agencies, third-party rights owners, or others to enforce our Terms of Use and protect the rights, property, or personal safety of our users and the general public.
  • Business transactions: In the event of a merger, acquisition, reorganization, or sale of assets involving our business, we may share or sell some or all of your personal information. However, the receiving business entity will be required to adhere to our Privacy Policy regarding the handling of your personal information.

These practices ensure that your personal information is shared responsibly and in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

Cookies: 

Our Platform utilizes “cookies” as data collection devices to analyze web page flow, measure effectiveness, and enhance trust. 

  • Data collection devices: We utilize “cookies” on specific pages of the Platform to analyze web page flow, measure the effectiveness of promotions, and enhance trust and safety. Cookies are small files placed on your hard drive to support the provision of our services. They do not contain personal information.
  • Exclusive features and convenience: Some features are only accessible through the use of cookies. They enable you to enter your password less frequently during a session and assist in delivering targeted information aligned with your interests. Most cookies are classified as “session cookies” and are automatically deleted from your hard drive at the end of a session.
  • Declining or deleting cookies: You have the option to decline or delete our cookies if your browser settings permit. However, this may limit your access to certain features on the Platform and may require more frequent password re-entry during a session.
  • Third-party cookies: Third parties may place “cookies” or similar devices on specific pages of the Platform. We do not have control over the use of cookies by these third parties.
  • Use of third-party partner cookies: We employ cookies from third-party partners, such as Google Analytics, for marketing and analytical purposes. Google Analytics helps us understand user behavior on our site. For more information on how Google uses your personal information, please refer to their privacy policy (https://www.google.com/intl/en/policies/privacy/). You can choose to opt out of Google Analytics by visiting their opt-out page (https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout).
  • Individual browser control: You can exercise control over the use of cookies at the browser level. However, disabling cookies may impact your ability to utilize certain features or functions on the services. 

Links to Other Sites:

  • Our Platform may contain links to other websites or applications that may collect personal information. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those linked sites.

Security Precautions:

  • We maintain reasonable physical, electronic, and procedural safeguards to protect your information.
  • We use secure servers for accessing account information and follow security guidelines to protect your data.
  • However, please be aware that data transmission over the Internet and the World Wide Web may have inherent security risks, and users are responsible for protecting their login and password records.

Advertisements on Platform:

  • Third-party advertising companies may display ads on our Platform based on your browsing history.
  • You can opt out of personalized advertising tracking through your device’s settings application.

Data Retention:

  • We retain personal information in accordance with applicable laws for the necessary period.
  • Data related to you may be retained for fraud prevention, legal rights exercise, defense against claims, or legitimate purposes in anonymized form.

Your Rights:

  • We strive to ensure the accuracy and up-to-date processing of your personal information.
  • You can access, correct, and update your information through the Platform’s functionalities.
  • Non-mandatory information can be deleted by visiting the Profile and Settings sections on our website.
  • Contact us for assistance with these requests.

Withdrawal of Consent:

  • You have the option to withdraw consent by contacting us and mentioning “for withdrawal of consent” in the subject line.
  • Please note that withdrawal of consent will not be retroactive and may impact access to the Platform or services.

Your Consent:

  • By visiting our Platform or providing your information, you consent to the collection, use, storage, disclosure, and processing of your information in accordance with this Privacy Policy.
  • If you provide the personal information of others, you represent that you have the authority to do so and permit us to use the information.

Changes to this Privacy Policy

Please check our Privacy Policy periodically for changes. We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes to our information practices. We will alert you to significant changes by posting the date our policy was last updated, placing a notice on our Platform, or sending you an email when we are required to do so by applicable law.

Customer Support

You can reach our customer support team to address any of your queries or complaints related to products and services by clicking the link, selecting your order, and choosing the ‘Help & Support’ option: https://www.pispace.co/contact 

Queries related to the Privacy Policy

If you have a query, concern, or complaint in relation to the collection or usage of your personal information under this Privacy Policy, please contact us at  https://www.pispace.co/contact.

Last Updated: 9th Oct 2023