Effective Date: July 10, 2025.

This Privacy Policy outlines how Niger Delta DevTrack (“DevTrack,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) collects, uses, discloses, and safeguards your information when you visit our website [insert domain name] or use our associated services, including any mobile, desktop, or digital extensions of the DevTrack platform. We are committed to protecting your personal information and your right to privacy in line with the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) and international data protection principles.

1. Introduction

DevTrack is a non-profit initiative designed to monitor and report on development projects across the Niger Delta region. In the course of using this platform, you may share information that constitutes personal data. We believe transparency, accountability, and user trust are fundamental to our mission. Therefore, we take deliberate steps to secure and control how your data is processed.

2. What Information We Collect

We may collect both personal and non-personal data depending on how you interact with our platform. Personal data includes identifiable information such as your full name, email address, phone number, geolocation data, photos, device IP address, and any document you voluntarily upload. Non-personal data refers to aggregated or anonymized usage patterns, browser types, referral URLs, and analytics metrics.

3. How We Collect Information

We collect information directly through user submissions, whistleblower reports, contact forms, email interactions, and project tracking contributions. Indirectly, we may collect data through cookies, server logs, and analytics tools such as Google Analytics. Any information obtained through third parties or public records is handled in accordance with legal and ethical guidelines.

4. Why We Collect Your Data

The primary purpose of collecting your data is to enhance transparency in public projects and to facilitate community engagement. Specifically, we use data to verify and publish civic reports, conduct performance analysis of government-funded projects, validate whistleblower disclosures, contact users for clarifications, improve our services, comply with legal obligations, and support anti-corruption efforts across the Niger Delta.

5. Use of Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our platform uses cookies to provide a better user experience. Cookies help us remember user preferences, monitor session activity, and generate site analytics. You may choose to disable cookies through your browser settings, although doing so may impact certain site functionalities.

6. Disclosure of Your Information

We do not sell or rent your personal data. However, we may share information under the following circumstances: (a) with your consent; (b) with law enforcement or government authorities upon legal request; (c) with trusted partners or consultants for investigative support; (d) when required to enforce our Terms of Service; or (e) to protect the rights, property, or safety of DevTrack users or the public.

7. Whistleblower Anonymity

All whistleblower submissions are protected by strict confidentiality. You may report anonymously. If you provide contact information, it is encrypted and stored securely. We may verify information using internal protocols or trusted third-party validators without compromising your identity.

8. Data Security Measures

We use SSL encryption, role-based access control, firewalls, and two-factor authentication to protect stored data. Our backend is regularly monitored and updated to guard against unauthorized access, data loss, or breaches. However, no online system can guarantee absolute security.

9. Third-Party Services and Links

DevTrack may feature links to third-party government databases, media sites, or other civic organizations. We are not responsible for the content, privacy practices, or security protocols of these external platforms. Users are encouraged to review third-party privacy policies before sharing information.

10. Data Retention

We retain personal data only as long as necessary to fulfill the purpose for which it was collected. For whistleblower data, we may retain encrypted records for historical tracking or legal compliance. You may request deletion of your data unless legal obligations require retention.

11. Your Rights Under the Law

You have the right to access, correct, delete, or object to the use of your personal data. You also have the right to withdraw consent at any time, subject to our legal obligations. All requests should be directed to [insert contact email or data@nddevtrack.ng].

12. International Users

DevTrack is based in Nigeria and governed by Nigerian law. If you access the site from outside Nigeria, you agree to the transfer and processing of your data within Nigeria, subject to this Privacy Policy.

13. Changes to This Policy

We reserve the right to update this Privacy Policy at any time. Major updates will be posted on this page, and users may be notified by email if changes are substantial. Continued use of the platform constitutes acceptance of the revised terms.

14. Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy, please contact us at administrator@nddevtrack.org.

15. Governing Law

This Privacy Policy is governed by the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Any dispute arising under or in connection with this policy shall be subject to the jurisdiction of the courts of Akwa Ibom State.