Ekarom Privacy Policy

1. Information We Collect

To deliver high-synergy matchmaking and ensure user security across our community, we collect several categories of information:

2. Sensitive Personal Data Safeguards

Certain datasets collected by Ekarom qualify as sensitive personal information under global data protection frameworks:

• Religious Beliefs & Ethnicity: Optional profile attributes completed voluntarily by users to refine compatibility preferences. These fields may be cleared or updated by you at any time.
• Government ID & Biometric Verification: Collected strictly for identity verification, account authentication, and eliminating bad actors or impersonation.
• Precise GPS Telemetry: Used exclusively to deliver nearby discovery services. Your exact home or street location is never publicly displayed to other members.

3. How We Use Your Information & Algorithmic Matching

We process collected information to fulfill the following operational purposes:

• AI Matchmaking ("Vibe Synergy"): Executing algorithmic evaluation of profile interests, lifestyle parameters, and interaction patterns to suggest compatible member connections.
• Identity & Community Verification: Validating government IDs and facial biometric vectors to grant verified badge status and eliminate fraudulent accounts.
• Communication Enablement: Facilitating encrypted end-to-end user chat messaging, media exchanges, and notification dispatch.
• Payment Processing & Subscription Management: Managing payments through Chapa, our Ethiopian payment gateway (cards, bank transfer and mobile money).
• Platform Trust & Fraud Prevention: Automated scanning and moderation of profile uploads, chat abuse detection, preventing multi-account spamming, and enforcing community guidelines.
• System Performance & Research: Diagnosing app crashes, refining search responsiveness, and developing new matchmaking features.

4. Data Sharing & Third-Party Disclosures

Ekarom does not sell, rent, or trade your personal data. We disclose information only under strict operational boundaries:

• Other App Members: Public profile details (photos, name, age, bio, badges, distance) are visible to members within search radius. Exact GPS locations and identity documents are strictly private.
• KYC & Identity Partners: Official documents and biometric verification selfie scans are transmitted over encrypted connections to accredited verification vendors solely to perform verification checks.
• Payment Networks: Transaction data is securely transmitted to Chapa, our Ethiopian payment processor.
• Infrastructure Providers: Encrypted cloud hosting providers, database servers, and customer service tools bound by non-disclosure and data protection contracts.
• Legal Compliance & Harm Prevention: We disclose data when mandated by valid legal processes (court orders or warrants), or to investigate suspected illegal acts, fraud, or physical threats to safety.

5. Data Retention & Lifecycle Schedules

We keep your personal information only for as long as required to serve your active account:

6. Your Privacy Rights & Self-Service Controls

You maintain control over your data directly within the Ekarom app:

• Profile Modification: Edit or remove optional lifestyle fields, bio photos, and match preferences at any time.
• Account Deletion: Initiate permanent account deletion in-app via Profile > Settings & Privacy > Delete account, or by emailing info@ekarom.com.
• Location Controls: Toggle or revoke location permissions via your mobile device OS settings.
• Block & Report Tools: Instantly block unwanted members or submit investigative reports directly within chat threads.

7. Data Security & Storage Controls

We implement technical and physical protection standards — including Transport Layer Security (TLS/SSL encryption), rest encryption for sensitive fields, segregated database networks, and role-based access restrictions. While we apply continuous vulnerability management, no electronic transmission mechanism is completely immune to security breaches.

8. Protection of Minors

Ekarom is strictly restricted to legal adults aged 18 and older. We do not knowingly solicit or collect data from minors under the age of 18. Accounts identified as belonging to underage individuals are terminated immediately alongside all associated profile records.

9. International Data Processing

PTGR AG operates from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Information collected may be hosted or processed on servers situated globally. By accessing Ekarom, you consent to the cross-border transfer and processing of your information in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

10. Policy Revisions & Notifications

We periodically update this policy to reflect operational improvements or regulatory shifts. Material changes will be communicated via in-app banner announcements or registered email alerts prior to taking effect.