Privacy Policy
Koajo, LLC. ("Koajo," "we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, share, and safeguard your personal information when you use our platform and services. By accessing or using Koajo, you consent to the practices described in this Privacy Policy.
1. Information We Collect
We collect various types of information as required by law to provide and improve our services, including:
a. Information You Provide Directly
- Personal Information: Name, date of birth, email address, phone number, Social Security number (where required for verification), and mailing address.
- Financial Information: Bank account details, transaction history, and payout preferences.
- Identification Documents: Government-issued ID or SSN (for KYC verification).
b. Information Collected Automatically
- Device Information: IP address, browser type, operating system, device identifiers, and network information.
- Usage Data: Logins, interactions with the platform, and savings pod activities.
- Cookies & Tracking Technologies: We use cookies and analytical tools to enhance user experience and track platform performance.
c. Information from Third Parties
- Identity Verification: We partner with Stripe to verify your identity and process payments.
- Fraud Prevention Services: Data obtained from third-party fraud detection and AML compliance partners.
2. How We Use Your Information
We use your information to:
- Facilitate savings pod participation and transactions.
- Verify your identity and comply with legal requirements.
- Provide customer support and respond to inquiries.
- Improve our platform functionality, security, and user experience.
- Prevent fraud, money laundering, and unauthorized activity.
- Send electronic or physical communications, including account updates and promotional content (you may opt out of marketing emails).
3. How We Share Your Information
We do not sell your personal information. However, we may share your data with:
- Service Providers: Third-party partners such as Stripe for payment processing and identity verification.
- Regulatory & Legal Authorities: When required by law, such as for AML compliance or fraud investigations.
- Business Transfers: In case of a merger, acquisition, or asset sale, your data may be transferred to the new entity.
- Other Users: Limited information may be visible within your savings pod for transparency purposes.
3.1 Payment Processing & Funds Handling
Koajo partners with Stripe, Inc. to securely manage identity verification, bank account linking, and ACH-based payment transfers. All user financial transactions on our platform are facilitated through Stripe's payment infrastructure.
When you make a contribution to a Koajo pod:
- You authorize Koajo to debit your linked bank account on a bi-weekly basis for the amount agreed upon.
- Funds are temporarily held in Koajo's Stripe-connected account before being paid out to the designated user.
- Koajo issues an ACH payment to your verified bank account, minus a 2.5% platform facilitation fee.
Koajo does not store your bank login credentials or directly hold your funds. Stripe securely manages your sensitive financial data and ensures compliance with applicable financial regulations, including KYC (Know Your Customer) and AML (Anti-Money Laundering) requirements.
By using Koajo, you also agree to Stripe's Connected Account Agreement.
4. Data Security & Protection
We implement industry-standard security measures, including encryption, secure storage, and access controls, to protect your data. However, no online service can guarantee absolute security. Users are responsible for safeguarding their login credentials.
5. Data Retention Policy
At Koajo, we value the privacy and security of our users' personal data. This Data Retention & Deletion Policy outlines how we collect, store, retain, and delete user information in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. We retain your information as long as necessary to provide our services, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements. Our data retention periods are as follows:
5.1 Data Retention
Koajo retains user data only as long as necessary to provide our services, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements. Our data retention periods are as follows:
5.1.1 Account & Profile Information
- Personal information (e.g., name, email, phone number, and payout details) is retained for as long as the account remains active.
- If an account is inactive for 24 months, we may delete the data unless required for legal or regulatory compliance.
5.1.2 Transaction & Payment Data
Financial transactions, contributions to pods, and payout records are retained for 7 years to comply with financial regulations and auditing requirements.
5.1.3 Communications & Support Data
Messages exchanged with Koajo's support team are retained for 2 years after the last interaction.
5.1.4 Device & Usage Data
Analytical data used to improve services is retained for 3 years, after which it is anonymized or deleted.
5.2 Data Deletion
Users have the right to request deletion of their personal data under certain conditions. Data deletion requests can be made by contacting operations@koajo.com.
5.2.1 Account Deletion
- Users can request account deletion at any time. Upon verification, Koajo will delete personal data within 30 days, unless retention is required by law.
- Transactional records associated with financial activity will be maintained as mandated by legal and compliance obligations.
5.2.2 Automated Deletion
If an account remains inactive for 24 months, it may be deleted after prior notification to the user.
5.2.3 Exceptions
Data may be retained beyond standard retention periods if required to meet legal, tax, regulatory, or fraud prevention obligations.
5.3. Data Security & Protection
We implement robust security measures to protect stored data from unauthorized access, alteration, or deletion.
5.4. Changes to This Policy
Koajo reserves the right to update this policy periodically. Users will be notified of significant changes through email or in-app notifications.
Data and Transaction Recordkeeping
Koajo retains records of all contributions, payouts, user verification, and related transaction metadata for up to 7 years in accordance with financial compliance obligations. This includes identity verification (KYC), pod participation history, and fee calculations.
These records are stored securely and are accessible only to authorized personnel for audit, fraud prevention, and regulatory compliance.
By using Koajo, you acknowledge and agree to the terms outlined in this policy.
To exercise these rights, contact us at operations@koajo.com.
6. Your Privacy Rights
Depending on your location, you may have rights to:
- Access, update, or correct your personal data.
- Request data deletion (subject to legal and regulatory constraints).
- Opt-out of marketing communications.
- Object to or restrict data processing in certain cases.
To exercise these rights, contact us at support@koajo.com.
By using Koajo, you acknowledge and agree to the terms outlined in this policy.
7. Cookies & Tracking Technologies
We use cookies to improve user experience, analyze trends, and track engagement. You can adjust cookie settings in your browser, but disabling cookies may affect platform functionality.
8. Third-Party Links & Services
Koajo may contain links to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for their privacy practices. Please review their policies before sharing personal information.
9. Children's Privacy
Koajo is not intended for individuals under 18. We do not knowingly collect data from minors. If we learn that a minor has provided personal data, we will delete it.
10. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Changes will be posted with a revised "Last Updated" date. Continued use of Koajo after updates constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.
11. Notice to California Users
This notice is provided in accordance with the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and other applicable California privacy laws. It supplements the information contained in Koajo's Privacy Policy and applies solely to individuals residing in the State of California. As a California resident, you have specific rights regarding your personal information, including:
- Right to Know - You may request information about the categories of personal information we collect, the purposes for which we use it, and the third parties with whom we share it.
- Right to Access - You may request access to the specific pieces of personal information we have collected about you.
- Right to Delete - You may request that we delete personal information we have collected from you, subject to certain legal exceptions.
- Right to Opt-Out - You may opt out of the sale or sharing of your personal information (Koajo does not sell your personal information).
- Right to Non-Discrimination - You have the right to not be discriminated against for exercising your privacy rights.
2. Categories of Personal Information We Collect:
Koajo collects personal information from California residents, including but not limited to:
- Identifiers (e.g., name, email address, SSN, phone number)
- Financial information (e.g., payment details, transaction history)
- Internet or device activity (e.g., browsing behavior on our platform)
- Geolocation data (if permitted by you)
How to Exercise Your Rights: To submit a request to access, delete, or opt-out, please contact us at support@koajo.com or visit koajo.com to verify your identity. We may require additional information from you.
Authorized Agents: You may designate an authorized agent to make a request on your behalf. We will require proof of authorization and verification of your identity.
Do Not Track Signals: Koajo does not respond to Do Not Track (DNT) signals at this time. This Privacy Policy will be updated to reflect our practices if we decide to respond to DNT signals in the future.
Updates to This Notice: We may update this notice periodically to reflect changes in our privacy practices. Any modifications will be effective upon posting.
For more details, please contact us at support@koajo.com.
Thank you for trusting Koajo.
12. Contact Us
For questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at: Koajo, LLC. Email: support@koajo.com