1. Information We Collect
When you use The Bridge, we collect different types of information to provide and improve our services:
Information You Provide
- Account data: Name, email address, phone number, and password when you create an account
- Profile information: Business name, role (Startup, Investor, Company, or Resource Seller), documents (KYC), and profile details
- Payment data: Billing address and payment method information (processed through our payment provider)
- Content: Posts, messages, comments, and any content you publish on the platform
- Communications: Messages you send to us via support, email, or the contact form
Information Collected Automatically
- Usage data: Pages viewed, features used, time spent on pages, and navigation patterns
- Device data: Browser type, operating system, device type, screen resolution, and language
- Network data: IP address, internet service provider, and approximate location
- Cookies & tracking: We use cookies and similar technologies (see Section 5)
2. How We Use Your Data
We use your information for the following purposes:
- Service delivery: To create and manage your account, process payments, and enable platform features
- Communication: To send important updates, notifications, and respond to your inquiries
- Matching: To connect startups with relevant investors, companies, and resource providers
- Security: To verify identities (KYC), detect fraud, and maintain platform integrity
- Analytics: To understand how our platform is used and improve user experience
- Legal compliance: To comply with applicable laws, regulations, and legal obligations in Algeria
4. Data Security
We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your data:
- SSL/TLS encryption for all data in transit
- Encrypted storage for sensitive data at rest
- Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments
- Access controls and authentication for all internal systems
- Employee training on data protection best practices
While we take reasonable measures to protect your data, no system is 100% secure. We encourage you to use strong passwords and protect your account credentials.
6. Your Rights
You have the following rights regarding your personal data:
- Access: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you
- Correction: Ask us to correct inaccurate or incomplete data
- Deletion: Request deletion of your personal data (subject to legal requirements)
- Portability: Request your data in a portable, machine-readable format
- Objection: Object to certain uses of your data (e.g., marketing)
- Withdrawal: Withdraw your consent at any time
To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at privacy@thebridge.dz.
7. Data Retention
We retain your personal data only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy:
- Active accounts: Data is retained while your account is active
- Deleted accounts: Most data is deleted within 30 days, with some data retained up to 12 months for legal and compliance reasons
- Transaction records: Retained for up to 7 years as required by Algerian tax law
8. Children's Privacy
The Bridge is intended for users aged 18 and older. We do not knowingly collect personal data from individuals under 18 years of age. If we become aware that we have collected data from a minor, we will take steps to delete it promptly.
9. Policy Changes
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we make significant changes, we will:
- Update the "Last updated" date at the top of this page
- Notify you via email or prominent notice on our platform
- Provide a summary of key changes
We encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed about how we protect your data.
10. Contact Us
If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:
- Email: privacy@thebridge.dz
- Address: The Bridge HQ, Bab Ezzouar, Algiers 16000, Algeria
- Phone: +213 555 123 456