How Afrinet Protects Your Personal Data

Welcome to Afrinet! Your trust is our top priority. This page explains how we handle your personal information and keep it safe, in line with the Kenya Data Protection Act, 2019 (DPA) and other relevant laws. We believe in transparency, so here’s everything you need to know about how we protect your data.

Our Promise to You

At Afrinet, we are committed to protecting your personal information. Whether you’re using our e-wallet, visiting our website, or transacting at one of our agent locations, your data is handled responsibly. Here’s our promise:

• We only ask for the information we need to serve you better.
• We make sure your data is accurate and secure.
• We don’t share your data without good reason—like complying with the law or keeping your account safe.

What Information We Collect

We collect some information from you when you use our services. For example:

• When you register: We may ask for your name, phone number, and ID details (like your national ID or passport), email address, and selfie.
• When you use our e-wallet: We keep track of transactions you make, like payments or withdrawals.
• When you visit our website: We collect technical data like your device type and the pages you visit.

Why We Collect This Information

Here’s why we need your information:

• To create and manage your Afrinet account.
• To help you send and receive money safely.
• To comply with the law, like preventing fraud or reporting to regulators.
• To improve your experience—for example, by recommending services you might like.

Your Rights Over Your Data

The Kenya Data Protection Act gives you certain rights. You have the power to:

• See Your Data: You can ask us what information we have about you.
• Correct Your Data: If something is wrong, tell us, and we’ll fix it.
• Delete Your Data: You can ask us to delete your information if we don’t need it anymore.
• Withdraw Your Consent: If you don’t want us to use your data anymore, you can ask us to stop.
• Complain: If you’re not happy with how we handle your data, let us know.

How We Keep Your Data Safe

We use advanced tools to keep your personal information safe. For example:

• Encryption: If someone tries to intercept your data, they’ll see scrambled information they can’t read.
• Access Control: Only authorized Afrinet staff can see your data, and only for good reasons.
• Regular Audits: We check our systems often to fix any weaknesses.

Who We Share Your Data With

Sometimes, we need to share your data, but we’re very careful about it. We only share it with:

• Government Authorities: Like the Central Bank of Kenya, when required by law.
• Service Providers: Trusted partners who help us provide our services, such as SMS providers for sending alerts.
• Law Enforcement: If we are required to help with investigations.

We never sell your personal data to anyone.

What About Cookies?

Cookies are small files saved on your device when you visit our website. They help us:

• Keep the site running smoothly.
• Understand how visitors use the website so we can improve it.
• Show you helpful messages, like reminders about your account.

You can manage or turn off cookies in your browser settings, but some features might not work as well without them.

What Happens If Something Goes Wrong?

If there’s a data breach (like hackers accessing our systems), we will:

• Let you know within 72 hours if your data is affected.
• Take steps to secure your data and prevent further issues.
• Provide advice on what you can do to stay safe.

How to Reach Us

Staying Up-to-Date

We may update this page from time to time to reflect changes in our services or the law. Check back often to stay informed. The current version was last updated on 20/11/2024.

Your Trust is Our Responsibility

At Afrinet, we’re not just managing your money—we’re managing your trust. Thank you for choosing us.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is Afrinet’s responsibility under the Data Protection Act, 2019?

  We are responsible for ensuring that your personal data is:

  • Collected and used lawfully.
  • Kept secure from unauthorized access.
  • Handled transparently and with respect for your rights.

• How do you decide what data to collect?

  We only collect the data we truly need to provide our services. For example:

  • Your ID helps us verify who you are.
  • Your phone number allows us to send transaction notifications.
  • Your transaction history helps us meet legal requirements like preventing fraud.

• Can I sign up for Afrinet’s services without sharing my personal information?

  Unfortunately, no. We need certain details, like your ID and phone number, to create your account and comply with regulations. However, we ensure your data is used only for the intended purposes.

• How does Afrinet handle my information when I close my account?

  When you close your account:

  • Most of your data will be deleted or anonymized.
  • We may retain some information for a specific period to meet legal or regulatory obligations (e.g., tax reporting or fraud investigations).

• 
  How does Afrinet detect and prevent fraud?
  

  We use advanced systems to monitor for unusual activity on your account. For example:

  • If someone tries to log in from an unrecognized device, we might ask for additional verification.
  • If there’s a sudden large transaction, our systems may flag it for review.

• 
  What happens to my data if I stop using Afrinet for a long time?
  

  If your account remains inactive for a long period:

  • We’ll notify you to confirm whether you’d like to keep it open.
  • If we don’t hear from you, we may deactivate the account, but your data will be retained for the legally required period before deletion.

• 
  Does Afrinet use my data for marketing purposes?
  

  We may use your data to send updates about our services or promotions, but only if you’ve agreed to receive them. You can opt-out of these communications anytime by updating your preferences or contacting us.

• 
  How does Afrinet protect my data on the mobile app?
  

  Our app uses several security measures, including:

  • Secure login methods, such as PINs or biometric authentication.
  • Encrypted connections to ensure your data is protected while being transmitted.
  • Regular updates to address potential security vulnerabilities.

• 
  How can I ensure my data stays secure when using Afrinet services?
  

  Here are a few tips:

  • Use a strong, unique PIN and keep it private.
  • Avoid accessing your Afrinet account on public Wi-Fi networks.
  • Regularly review your transaction history for unauthorized activities.

• 
  Does Afrinet monitor my activities on the platform?
  

  We only monitor activity for specific purposes, such as:

  • Ensuring compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) and fraud prevention rules.
  • Providing you with a better user experience (e.g., recommending services).

  We do not monitor your activity unnecessarily or share it without lawful reasons.

• 
  What should I do if I suspect my data has been misused?
  

  If you suspect misuse of your personal information, please:

  • Contact our Data Protection Officer at dpo@afrinet.africa immediately.
  • Provide details about the issue for us to investigate.
  • If unresolved, you can escalate the issue to the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC).

• 
  How does Afrinet handle children’s data?
  

  Our services are not designed for individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect or process children’s personal data.

• 
  Will Afrinet inform me if my data is exposed in a breach?
  

  Yes. In the rare event of a data breach affecting your information, we will:

  • Notify you within 72 hours of discovery.
  • Provide details on what happened and what actions we’re taking.
  • Advise you on any steps you should take to protect yourself.

• 
  How do I stop receiving SMS or emails from Afrinet?
  

  If you no longer wish to receive messages from us, you can:

  • Click the “unsubscribe” link in marketing emails.
  • Contact us at dpo@afrinet.africa to update your communication preferences.

• 
  Where can I learn more about my data rights?
  

  Visit the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner’s website at www.odpc.go.ke to learn more about your rights under the Kenya Data Protection Act, 2019.