User Data Policy
Effective Date: 11/09/2024

At Umbaji, we highly value the privacy and trust of our users and contributors. Our data policy is designed to ensure that all personal data and contributions are treated with transparency, respect, and in alignment with our goals of social good and community development. By participating in the Umbaji community, users and contributors agree to the following terms regarding data collection, use, and management.

1. Purpose of Data Collection

Umbaji collects and uses data to:

• Develop and enhance AI models that benefit communities in Togo and across Africa.

• Create open-source AI solutions to promote technological advancement that addresses local and regional needs.

• Address data scarcity in AI applications focused on the African context.

• Provide personalized experiences to users of commercial services, allowing for service improvements and better customer support.

2. Types of Data Collected

For Contributors:

• Voice and Text Data: Primarily provided by community members to support the training and development of AI models.

• User-Generated Content: Data such as datasets, texts, and media to enrich the scope of our open-source projects.

• Usage Data: Information on how contributors interact with Umbaji platforms, used for system improvements and analysis.

For Commercial Service Users:

• Personal Data: Basic contact information (e.g., name, email) required to provide personalized services.

• Service Usage Data: Information on how users engage with Umbaji’s services, used solely to improve service quality.

• Optional Data: Users may choose to provide additional information to customize their experience.

3. Use of Data

For Open-Source Community Projects: Data provided by community members is used to train and improve AI models designed to address local challenges. Data is used exclusively under open-source licenses, such as the Nwulite Obodo license, ensuring contributors retain certain rights and that data serves community interests.

For Commercial Services: User data is collected and used strictly for service improvements. Umbaji is committed to limiting commercial data use to enhancing user experiences and product features.

4. Community Commitment: Nwulite Obodo License

Contributions to Umbaji are governed by the Nwulite Obodo License, which:

• Ensures data contributes to the common good and benefits contributors and local communities in Africa.

• Guarantees that all contributions under this license are used to address community needs and promote AI and data accessibility for populations in Togo and across Africa.

• Promotes transparency regarding the use of contributed data, reinforcing a sense of shared ownership and social responsibility.

Note: Umbaji does not currently offer monetary compensation for data contributions but guarantees that all contributions will be used for the advancement of socially and community-focused projects.

5. Data Access and Control

Community Contributors: Contributors may request a record of their contributions and, if applicable, request anonymization or deletion of their data from the open-source repository, provided this does not compromise the integrity of ongoing projects.

Commercial Users: Umbaji commercial service users have full control over their personal data. They can access, update, or delete their personal data at any time through their account settings or by contacting Umbaji support. Data will be promptly deleted upon request, and all data used for analysis or service enhancement will be anonymized.

6. Data Security and Retention

Umbaji implements robust security measures to protect data from unauthorized access or disclosure. Personal data and contributions are retained only as long as necessary for the purposes specified in this policy and in compliance with applicable laws.

7. Sharing Data with Third Parties

Umbaji does not share, sell, or rent user data to third parties without consent. In cases where data sharing is necessary for project collaboration or improvement, Umbaji ensures that all third parties adhere to strict data protection and confidentiality standards.

Cookie Policy
Umbaji uses cookies to enhance user experience, optimize service functionality, and collect analytical data. This policy explains how and why cookies are used on our platforms.

1. What is a Cookie?

Cookies are small text files placed on your device to help us understand how you use our site and services. They allow us to personalize your experience and remember your preferences.

2. Types of Cookies We Use

• Essential Cookies: These cookies are necessary for our site to function correctly and cannot be disabled. They include session management and security cookies.

• Analytical Cookies: These cookies help us understand user interactions with our services. The data collected is used exclusively for internal purposes to improve our platforms.

• Functional Cookies: These cookies remember your preferences, making your experience with Umbaji smoother and more tailored to your needs.

3. Cookie Management

Users can manage or disable cookies through their browser settings. However, please note that disabling certain cookies may affect the functionality and user experience of our services.

Policy Updates
Umbaji reserves the right to update this User Data and Cookie Policy periodically. Users and contributors will be informed of any significant changes, and continued use of our services implies acceptance of the updated policy.

Contact Us
For any questions or concerns regarding this policy, please contact Umbaji at:

• Email: contact@umbaji.org

• Phone: +228 92 56 72 97