1. Introduction

This Privacy Policy explains how OpenTrace, through its Ask ADZA platform, collects, uses, and protects personal data when you interact with our website and services. Ask ADZA is part of a broader effort to build reliable, decision-grade agricultural intelligence across Africa. In doing so, we recognize that trust is fundamental. This includes not only the quality of the insights we produce, but also how we handle the limited personal data required to operate the platform. This policy is designed to give you a clear and honest understanding of what happens to your data when you use Ask ADZA. It reflects both our legal obligations and our broader commitment to responsible data practices.

2. Who We Are

OpenTrace, operated under SusFEQT Agro & Farms B.V., is responsible for the Ask ADZA platform. For the purposes of applicable data protection laws, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), OpenTrace acts as the data controller for personal data processed through the platform. This means we determine why and how your data is used. We operate across multiple regions and apply consistent data protection standards regardless of where our users are located.

3. What Data We Collect

We are deliberate in limiting the amount of personal data we collect. Ask ADZA is not designed to be a personal data-driven platform, and its core functionality does not depend on extensive personal information. Where personal data is collected, it typically includes basic identification and access information such as your name, email address, organizational affiliation, and login credentials. This information is necessary to create and manage your account and to enable secure access to the platform. In addition to this, we collect certain technical and usage-related information when you interact with Ask ADZA. This may include details such as your IP address, browser type, device information, access times, and how you interact with different parts of the platform. This information helps us ensure the platform functions correctly, remains secure, and continues to improve over time. We may also retain records of queries submitted to Ask ADZA. These are used to improve system performance and reliability, not to build profiles of individual users. Importantly, we do not intentionally collect sensitive personal data, such as health information, biometric data, or financial data. The platform is not designed for such use, and users should not submit such information.

4. How We Use Your Data

The personal data we collect is used for a limited and clearly defined set of purposes. First, it is used to provide access to the Ask ADZA platform. This includes creating and managing user accounts, authenticating users, and ensuring that the system functions as expected. Second, we use data to maintain and improve the platform. Understanding how users interact with Ask ADZA allows us to refine its performance, improve data quality, and address technical issues. Third, data is used to ensure the security and integrity of the system. This includes detecting and preventing unauthorized access, misuse, or potential threats. We do not use personal data for advertising, behavioral tracking, or commercial profiling. Your interaction with Ask ADZA is not used to build a commercial profile or to target you with external services.

5. How Ask ADZA Uses Data (Important Distinction)

Ask ADZA operates differently from many modern digital platforms, particularly those driven by large-scale data extraction. The system does not scrape data from the internet or rely on unverified external sources. Instead, it operates on structured and validated datasets that are ingested through controlled processes. Your interactions with the platform, including the queries you submit, are used to generate responses and improve system performance. However, they are not used to create personal profiles or to infer personal characteristics about you. This distinction is important: Ask ADZA is designed to produce intelligence from data, not to extract value from users.

6. Legal Basis for Processing

We process personal data based on lawful grounds defined under applicable data protection regulations. In most cases, processing is necessary for the performance of a contract, such as when providing access to the platform. We also rely on legitimate interests to operate and improve Ask ADZA, provided that these interests do not override your rights. Where required, we seek your consent, particularly in relation to account creation or optional features. You have the right to withdraw consent at any time.

7. How We Store and Protect Your Data

We take appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your data. Data is stored in secure cloud environments that are designed to meet high standards of security and reliability. We use encryption to protect data both when it is stored and when it is transmitted. Access to personal data is restricted to authorized personnel only, and access is granted based on clearly defined roles. We also monitor our systems for potential vulnerabilities and take steps to address risks as they arise. While no system can guarantee absolute security, we take reasonable and appropriate steps to safeguard your data.

8. How Long We Keep Your Data

We retain personal data only for as long as it is necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected. This includes maintaining your account, improving the platform, and meeting any legal or regulatory obligations. When data is no longer needed, it is either securely deleted or anonymized. Retention periods may vary depending on the type of data and the context in which it was collected.

9. Sharing Your Data

We do not sell or trade your personal data. We may share data with third parties only where it is necessary to operate the platform or comply with legal obligations. This may include trusted service providers such as cloud infrastructure providers, who process data on our behalf and are required to meet strict data protection standards. We may also share aggregated and non-identifiable insights derived from platform usage. These do not contain personal data and are used for research, reporting, or system improvement purposes.

10. International Data Transfers

As OpenTrace operates across multiple regions, your data may be processed in countries outside your own. Where this occurs, we ensure that appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your data. This includes using recognized legal mechanisms and maintaining consistent data protection standards regardless of location.

11. Your Rights

You have certain rights in relation to your personal data, depending on applicable laws. These include the right to access your data, correct inaccuracies, request deletion, restrict processing, and object to certain types of processing. You may also request a copy of your data in a portable format. If you wish to exercise any of these rights, you can contact us directly. We will respond within a reasonable timeframe and in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

12. Cookies and Similar Technologies

We use limited cookies and similar technologies to support the basic functionality of the platform and to understand how it is used. These technologies are not used for advertising or cross-site tracking. Their purpose is limited to improving performance and ensuring that the platform operates as intended.

13. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time as the platform evolves or as legal requirements change. When updates are made, we will revise the effective date and, where appropriate, notify users of significant changes.

14. Contact

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or how your data is handled, you can contact us at: contact@opentrace.africa