1 Introduction

Welcome to Linka.ng ("Platform", "we", "us", or "our"), a freelance marketplace operated by Arctim Consult Ltd and accessible at https://linka.ng/. We connect clients with skilled freelancers across Nigeria and Africa in categories including architecture, design, development, marketing, photography, writing, and more.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your personal information when you use our Platform. By registering on Linka.ng, posting a job, submitting a proposal, or otherwise using our services, you agree to the practices described in this Policy.

If you do not agree with this Policy, please do not use the Platform.

2 Data Controller

The data controller responsible for your personal information is:

• Company: Arctim Consult Ltd
• Platform: Linka.ng
• Website: https://linka.ng/
• Contact Email: [email protected]

3 Information We Collect

3.1 Information You Provide Directly

When you register or use the Platform, we may collect:

• Full name and username
• Email address and phone number
• Profile photo and portfolio samples
• Professional bio, skills, and experience
• Location (state, country)
• Payment and billing details (processed securely via our payment partners)
• Job postings, proposals, and messages exchanged on the Platform
• Ratings, reviews, and feedback you submit

3.2 Information Collected Automatically

When you visit or use Linka.ng, we automatically collect:

• IP address and approximate geographic location
• Browser type, device type, and operating system
• Pages visited, links clicked, and time spent on the Platform
• Referring URLs and search queries
• Cookies and similar tracking technologies

3.3 Information from Third Parties

We may receive information about you from:

• Payment processors and financial institutions facilitating escrow transactions
• Identity verification providers
• Social media platforms if you choose to connect them

4 How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information to:

• Create and manage your account on the Platform
• Match freelancers with relevant job opportunities
• Process proposals, contracts, and escrow payments
• Enable communication between clients and freelancers via the messaging system
• Display your public profile to potential clients or freelancers
• Send transactional emails (e.g., job alerts, payment notifications, account updates)
• Send marketing communications with your consent (you may opt out at any time)
• Improve and personalise the Platform experience
• Detect, investigate, and prevent fraud, abuse, or violations of our Terms and Conditions
• Comply with applicable Nigerian laws and regulations
• Respond to support requests and resolve disputes

5 Legal Basis for Processing

We process your personal data on the following lawful bases:

• Contract Performance: To fulfil our obligations when you register as a user, post jobs, or engage in contracts on the Platform.
• Legitimate Interests: To improve our Platform, detect fraud, and ensure network security.
• Consent: For marketing emails and non-essential cookies. You may withdraw consent at any time.
• Legal Obligation: To comply with applicable Nigerian laws, including the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) 2023.

6 Sharing Your Information

We do not sell your personal information. We may share it with:

6.1 Other Platform Users

Your public profile information (name, photo, skills, reviews, location) is visible to other registered users. Proposals and messages are shared with the relevant client or freelancer.

6.2 Service Providers

We work with trusted third-party providers for payment processing, hosting, email delivery, analytics, and identity verification. These providers are contractually obligated to protect your data and may not use it for their own purposes.

6.3 Legal and Regulatory Authorities

We may disclose your information where required by law, court order, or regulatory authority, or where necessary to protect the rights, property, or safety of Linka.ng, our users, or the public.

6.4 Business Transfers

If Arctim Consult Ltd undergoes a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction. You will be notified of any such change in ownership or use of your personal data.

7 Payments and Escrow

Linka.ng facilitates secure escrow payments between clients and freelancers. Payment information (such as card details or bank account numbers) is processed directly by our payment partners and is not stored on our servers. We retain records of transaction amounts, dates, and parties involved for accounting and dispute resolution purposes.

8 Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to:

• Keep you logged in to your account
• Remember your preferences
• Analyse traffic and usage patterns
• Deliver relevant content and advertisements

You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings. Disabling certain cookies may affect the functionality of the Platform.

9 Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide our services. If you close your account, we will retain certain data for up to 5 years to comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements.

Anonymised or aggregated data that cannot identify you may be retained indefinitely for analytical purposes.

10 Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorised access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. These include SSL/TLS encryption, access controls, and regular security reviews.

No method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your data, we cannot guarantee absolute security. You are responsible for keeping your account credentials confidential.

11 Your Rights

Subject to applicable law, including the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) 2023, you have the right to:

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at [email protected]. We will respond within 30 days.

12 Children's Privacy

Linka.ng is not directed at individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from minors. If you believe a minor has provided us with personal data, please contact us and we will promptly delete it.

13 Third-Party Links

The Platform may contain links to third-party websites, including sponsored content. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those websites and encourage you to review their privacy policies.

14 International Data Transfers

Linka.ng is based in Nigeria and primarily serves Nigerian and African users. If your information is transferred outside Nigeria, we will ensure appropriate safeguards are in place in accordance with the NDPA 2023 and applicable regulations.

15 Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do, we will revise the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page and, where the changes are material, notify you by email or a prominent notice on the Platform.

Your continued use of Linka.ng after any changes constitutes your acceptance of the updated Policy.

16 Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or complaints about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your data, please contact us:

You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) if you believe your data has been handled unlawfully.