1. Definitions
- "Consumers" means end-users who interact with merchants via WhatsApp.
- "Merchants" means businesses who use The Ant Method to communicate with their customers.
- "Employees" means staff or representatives of a Merchant who access the dashboard.
- "Dashboard" means the web-based portal provided by The Ant Method to merchants and employees.
- "Services" means the WhatsApp-based communication platform and related merchant tools provided by The Ant Method.
2. Information We Collect
2.1 Consumers (via WhatsApp):
- WhatsApp account details (phone number, display name, profile picture if shared).
- Messages and interactions with merchants (limited to service-related communication such as receipts, bookings, or loyalty updates).
- Transactional records (e.g., appointment times, service purchased, loyalty credits).
2.2 Merchants & Employees (via dashboard):
- Business information (company name, registration details, address, industry).
- Account details (employee name, email, contact number, role).
- Authentication data (login credentials, session history).
2.3 Automatically Collected Data:
- Device and log information (IP address, browser type, operating system).
- Usage data from our website and dashboard (cookies, session data, analytics).
3. How We Use Information
We use personal data to:
- Facilitate communication between merchants and consumers over WhatsApp.
- Operate and improve our dashboard for merchants and employees.
- Provide technical support and customer service.
- Authenticate accounts and maintain security.
- Process payments, invoices, and subscription management.
- Comply with legal and regulatory obligations.
4. How We Share Information
We do not sell personal information. We may share information only in the following situations:
- With WhatsApp / Meta Platforms: To deliver business messages in compliance with WhatsApp Business policies.
- With Service Providers: Such as AWS for cloud hosting, storage, and security.
- With Merchants: When consumers communicate with a merchant, their information (messages, phone number, booking details) is shared with that merchant.
- For Legal & Compliance: Where disclosure is required to comply with laws, regulations, legal processes, or enforceable government requests.
5. Data Storage and Retention
- Data is securely hosted on Amazon Web Services (AWS).
- We retain personal data only for as long as necessary to provide services or comply with legal obligations.
- When no longer required, data is securely deleted or anonymized.
6. Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect data, including:
- Encryption in transit and at rest.
- Role-based access controls.
- Regular monitoring and audits of systems.
7. GDPR and International Data Transfers
If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA), we process your personal data in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This means:
- We process personal data only on lawful bases (e.g., consent, contract, legal obligations, legitimate interests).
- You have rights to access, rectify, erase, restrict, or object to processing.
- You may request data portability.
Because we use AWS and WhatsApp, your data may be transferred internationally. We implement safeguards, such as contractual protections, to ensure your data remains protected.
8. Your Rights & Requests
Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have rights to:
- Access, correct, or delete your information.
- Withdraw consent where applicable.
- Request a copy of your data.
- Object to certain uses of your data.
For general questions about this Privacy Policy, email us at [email protected].
To request deletion of your account or personal data, email us at [email protected].
We aim to respond to all requests within 7 business days.
9. Children's Privacy
Our services are not directed at individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children.
10. Updates to this Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Any material changes will be posted on our website with the updated effective date.