Shangazi Online ("we", "us", "our") operates a digital publishing platform that delivers personalised, watermarked book editions to readers and helps authors reach an audience. This Privacy Policy describes how we handle personal information when you visit our site, create an account, purchase or read a book, or otherwise interact with us.
By using Shangazi Online, you agree to the collection and use of information as described here. If you do not agree with this policy, please do not use the platform. We may update this policy from time to time, and we'll note the date of the most recent revision at the top of this page.
Account information
Your name, email address, and password (stored securely and never in plain text) when you register, sign in, or update your profile.
Payment details
When you buy a book via M-Pesa or PayPal, our payment partners process your payment information directly — we receive only confirmation of the transaction, not your card or mobile money credentials.
Reading activity
Which books you've purchased or previewed, your reading progress, and the personalised watermark embedded in your copies, so your library works the way you expect it to.
Reviews & submissions
If you submit a book review or contact our team, we collect the content you provide, along with the name you choose to display.
Usage & device data
Basic technical information — such as browser type, device, and pages visited — that helps us keep the platform reliable and improve it over time.
Communications
Messages you send us directly, including support requests and questions about your account or an order.
To provide the service
Creating and securing your account, processing purchases, generating your personalised watermarked editions, and giving you access to your library.
To communicate with you
Sending order confirmations, account notices, responses to your enquiries, and — only with your consent — updates about new books and features.
To improve Shangazi Online
Understanding how readers use the platform so we can fix problems, refine recommendations, and decide which books to publish next.
To protect everyone on the platform
Detecting and preventing fraud, unauthorised sharing of personalised editions, and other activity that could harm readers, authors, or the platform.
We do not sell your personal information. We share it only in limited circumstances: with trusted service providers who help us operate the platform (such as payment processors and hosting providers, who are bound by their own confidentiality and security obligations); with authors and our editorial team in aggregated or anonymised form, so they can understand how their books are being received; when required by law, regulation, or a valid legal request; or with your consent, such as when you choose to display a public review under your name.
Personalised watermarks exist specifically so that, in the rare event that a copy is shared without authorisation, we can identify which account it was issued to — protecting authors' work and the platform as a whole.
Access & correction
You can review and update your account details at any time, and you can ask us for a copy of the personal information we hold about you.
Deletion
You can request that we delete your account and associated personal information, subject to limits such as records we must keep for legal or accounting reasons.
Marketing preferences
You can opt out of promotional emails at any time using the unsubscribe link in those messages — account and order notices will still be sent.
Security
We use industry-standard measures to protect your data, including encrypted storage of sensitive details and restricted internal access.
Privacy enquiries
General enquiries
Related policy
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