Privacy Policy

Last updated: September 30, 2026

Souqtopia ("we", "our", "us") operates the Souqtopia mobile application (the "App") and website. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your information.

1. Information We Collect

Account Information

Username, email address, and password (for sign-in)
Phone number (for delivery and account contact)
Display name, profile photo, and date of birth (optional)

Seller Verification (KYC)

If you register as a seller, we collect additional information to verify your identity and your store, including:

Photos of your government-issued ID (front and back)
A selfie for identity matching
Store name, store address, and business details

This information is stored securely and used only for verification, fraud prevention, and to comply with applicable law.

Live Streaming Data

Camera and microphone access: Used only when you start a live stream as a seller. Buyers and viewers do not need camera or microphone access.
Live video and audio are streamed in real time and are not retained unless the host explicitly enables recording.
Chat messages sent during live streams are stored to support the in-stream experience and moderation.

Website Assistant

When you use our website's AI assistant, we process and store your messages, its replies, a random conversation identifier, and the page address (without its query parameters) to answer your questions and support follow-up. If you choose to leave an enquiry, we also store the name, shop details, and contact information you provide for our team. Messaging and AI service providers process this information on our behalf.

The chat uses your browser's session storage to keep the conversation in this tab. Clearing the chat on your device does not delete messages already stored by our service. To request deletion or ask about your information, contact support@souqtopia.com. Do not send passwords, verification codes, or payment-card details in chat.

Order and Transaction Data

Shipping address, recipient name, and contact details (for order fulfillment)
Order history and purchase amounts
Payment method selected (currently Cash on Delivery only; additional payment options may be introduced in the future)

Device and Session Data

Device type, operating system version, and a device identifier (used for session security and to enforce account-level safety actions)
Active sessions and refresh tokens, with basic device metadata (so you can sign out of specific devices)
Push notification tokens (so we can send order and stream notifications)

Usage Data

Screens viewed, session duration, and basic interaction metrics, used to operate and improve the App.

2. How We Use Your Information

To provide and operate the live shopping platform
To process orders and facilitate delivery
To enable live streaming between sellers and buyers
To verify seller identities and reduce fraud
To send order updates, security alerts, and notifications
To improve App performance and user experience
To enforce our Terms of Service and applicable law

3. Information Sharing

We do not sell your personal information. We share data only with:

Payment processors, when applicable, to process transactions
Shipping and delivery partners to fulfill orders (recipient name, address, and contact)
Hosting and infrastructure providers that store and serve App data on our behalf, under contracts that require appropriate confidentiality and security
Government authorities or law enforcement where required by applicable law or to protect the rights, safety, and property of Souqtopia and its users

4. Camera and Microphone

The App requests camera and microphone permissions for the live streaming feature only, and only on the seller side when starting a live stream. The App does not access your camera or microphone for any other purpose. You can deny these permissions and continue to use the App as a buyer.

5. Data Storage and Security

All data is transmitted over encrypted HTTPS connections
Passwords are hashed and never stored in plain text
KYC documents (ID photos and selfies) are stored in restricted, access-controlled storage and used only for verification and fraud prevention
We retain your account data for as long as your account is active. When you delete your account, we remove your associated KYC images and personal data, except where retention is required to complete pending orders, resolve disputes, or comply with applicable law

6. Your Rights

Delete your account directly from within the App. Pending orders may need to be completed or cancelled before deletion can finish.
Sign out of specific devices from your account settings.
Opt out of push notifications through your device settings.
Request a copy of your personal data by contacting us.

7. Age of Use

Souqtopia is intended for users who are old enough to make purchases under the laws of their country (typically 13 years and older, and 18+ to register as a seller). If you believe a child has provided personal information through the App, please contact us and we will take appropriate steps to remove it.

8. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes through the App or by updating the "Last updated" date above.

9. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, contact us at:

Email: support@souqtopia.com