Privacy Policy

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Last Updated: December 7, 2024

At ShepsKey, a tool owned by Tyiet, we are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our Cattle Identification mobile application.

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Personal Information

When you register and use ShepsKey, we may collect:

• Name and contact information (email, phone number)
• Farm location and address
• User account credentials
• Profile information
• Payment information (for premium features)

1.2 Cattle Information

To provide identification and management services, we collect and store:

• Cattle photographs and images (stored securely in our database for identification purposes)
• Tag numbers and identification codes
• Health records and vaccination history
• Breeding information
• Location data for lost/found reports
• Ownership documentation

All cattle images are stored securely in our database and are used exclusively for identification, verification, and management of your livestock. We do not share or sell these images to third parties.

1.3 Usage Information

We automatically collect certain information when you use the app:

• Device information (model, operating system, unique identifiers)
• App usage data and analytics
• Location data (when you enable location services)
• Log files and error reports

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information for the following purposes:

2.1 Service Delivery

• Provide cattle identification using image recognition
• Maintain and manage your cattle records
• Process ownership transfers
• Enable lost and found reporting
• Send notifications about your cattle

2.2 Service Improvement

• Analyze usage patterns to improve the app
• Develop new features based on user needs
• Enhance image recognition accuracy
• Optimize app performance

2.3 Communication

• Send important service updates and notifications
• Respond to your inquiries and support requests
• Send promotional materials (with your consent)
• Notify you of changes to our services

3. Information Sharing and Disclosure

3.1 What We Don't Do

3.2 When We May Share Information

We may share your information only in these limited circumstances:

• With Your Consent: When you explicitly authorize sharing (e.g., lost cattle reports)
• Service Providers: Third-party services that help us operate the app (cloud storage, analytics)
• Legal Requirements: When required by law or to protect rights and safety
• Business Transfers: In case of merger, acquisition, or asset sale (you'll be notified)

4. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your information:

• Encryption of data in transit and at rest
• Secure authentication and access controls
• Regular security audits and updates
• Limited employee access to personal data
• Secure data backup and recovery systems

However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

5. Your Rights and Choices

You have the following rights regarding your information:

5.1 Access and Correction

• View and update your personal information in the app
• Request a copy of your data
• Correct inaccurate information

5.2 Data Deletion

• Delete individual cattle records
• Request complete account deletion
• We will delete your data within 30 days of your request

5.3 Privacy Controls

• Control who can view your cattle information
• Opt out of promotional communications
• Disable location services (may limit some features)
• Manage notification preferences

6. Location Data

ShepsKey uses location data to provide lost and found services and to track cattle sightings. You can enable or disable location services at any time in your device settings. Disabling location services may limit certain features like lost cattle alerts and location-based matching.

7. Children's Privacy

ShepsKey is not intended for use by children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe we have collected information from a child under 13, please contact us immediately.

8. Data Retention

We retain your information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide services. When you delete your account, we will delete or anonymize your personal information within 30 days, except where we are required to retain it for legal or regulatory purposes.

9. Third-Party Services

ShepsKey may contain links to third-party services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any information.

10. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by:

• Posting the new Privacy Policy in the app
• Sending you an email notification
• Displaying a prominent notice in the app

Your continued use of ShepsKey after changes become effective constitutes your acceptance of the revised policy.

11. International Users

ShepsKey is operated from South Africa. If you are accessing the app from outside South Africa, please be aware that your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in South Africa where our servers are located.

12. Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

13. POPIA Compliance

ShepsKey complies with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) of South Africa. We are committed to processing your personal information lawfully, reasonably, and in a manner that does not infringe on your privacy.

By using ShepsKey, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy and agree to the collection, use, and disclosure of your information as described herein.