Privacy Policy for Somobank

Last Updated: April 30, 2025

At Somobank, we are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your data when you use the Somobank app, available on the Google Play Store. Somobank is an app designed for teachers to create exams and marking schemes in under 5 minutes, and this policy applies to all users, including teachers, administrators, and educational institutions.

By using Somobank, you agree to the collection and use of information as outlined in this policy. If you do not agree, please refrain from using the app.

1. Information We Collect

We collect the following types of information to provide and improve our services:

a. Personal Information

• Account Information: When you sign up for Somobank, we may collect your name, email address, phone number, and school/organization name.
• User-Generated Content: Exams, marking schemes, and other content you create or upload to the app.
• Profile Information: Details such as your job title (e.g., teacher, administrator) and preferences (e.g., curriculum settings).

b. Non-Personal Information

• Usage Data: Information about how you use the app, such as the frequency of exam creation, time spent on the app, and features accessed.
• Device Information: Device type, operating system, app version, IP address, and unique device identifiers.
• Analytics Data: Anonymized data to understand app performance and user behavior (e.g., through Google Analytics).

c. Information from Third Parties

If you log in using a third-party service (e.g., Google Sign-In), we may collect your name, email, and profile picture from that service, subject to your consent.

We do not collect or store sensitive student data (e.g., grades, personal student information) unless explicitly uploaded by you as part of an exam or marking scheme.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

• Provide Services: Enable you to create, save, and manage exams and marking schemes.
• Personalize Experience: Tailor the app to your preferences, such as curriculum settings or subject areas.
• Improve the App: Analyze usage data to enhance features, fix bugs, and optimize performance.
• Communicate with You: Send updates, notifications, or promotional messages (e.g., new features, tips for teachers). You can opt out of promotional emails at any time.
• Ensure Security: Detect and prevent fraud, abuse, or unauthorized access to the app.
• Comply with Legal Obligations: Adhere to applicable laws, such as Kenya’s Data Protection Act 2019, and respond to legal requests.

3. How We Share Your Information

We do not sell your personal information. We may share your data in the following cases:

• With Service Providers: Third-party vendors (e.g., cloud storage providers like AWS, analytics tools like Google Analytics) that help us operate the app, subject to strict confidentiality agreements.
• With Your Consent: If you choose to share exams or marking schemes with other users (e.g., colleagues), we facilitate that sharing.
• For Legal Reasons: If required by law, such as to comply with a court order or protect our rights, safety, or property.
• Business Transfers: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your data may be transferred to the new entity, with notice to you.

4. Data Storage and Security

• Storage: Your data is stored on secure servers (e.g., AWS) with encryption in transit and at rest. Exams and marking schemes are stored in a secure database accessible only to you unless shared.
• Retention: We retain your personal information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide services. If you delete your account, we will remove your data within 30 days, except for anonymized data used for analytics.
• Security Measures: We use industry-standard measures like encryption, access controls, and regular security audits to protect your data. However, no system is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

5. Your Rights and Choices

You have the following rights regarding your data:

• Access and Update: View and edit your personal information through your account settings.
• Delete: Request deletion of your account and data by contacting us at support@somocloud.org. We will process deletion requests within 30 days.
• Opt-Out: Unsubscribe from promotional emails via the link in the email or by updating your notification settings.
• Data Portability: Request a copy of your data in a machine-readable format.
• Withdraw Consent: If we process data based on your consent, you can withdraw it at any time, though this may limit your ability to use certain features.

To exercise these rights, contact us at support@somocloud.org.

6. Children’s Privacy

Somobank is not intended for use by children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware of such data, we will delete it immediately. If you believe a child under 13 has provided us with personal information, please contact us.

7. International Data Transfers

Somobank is developed by a team in Nairobi City, Kenya. Your data may be transferred to and stored in servers outside Kenya (e.g., AWS servers in the US). We ensure such transfers comply with applicable data protection laws, using safeguards like Standard Contractual Clauses.

8. Third-Party Links

The app may contain links to third-party websites or services (e.g., Google Sign-In). We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third parties. Please review their policies before interacting with them.

9. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of significant changes via email or in-app notification. The updated policy will be effective as of the “Last Updated” date at the top of this page.

10. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding your privacy or this policy, please contact us at:

Email: support@somocloud.org
Address: Lano Technologies Team, Maruti Heights, Langata, Kenya

We aim to respond to all inquiries within 5 business days.