Welcome to GoBook.ng. Your privacy and data security are fundamental to everything we do. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, protect, and share your personal information when you use our platform.
We are committed to transparency and complying with applicable data protection laws in Nigeria. By using GoBook.ng, you consent to the practices described in this policy.
1. Overview
GoBook.ng ("we," "us," or "our") operates an online platform connecting guests with accommodation providers in Nigeria. This Privacy Policy applies to all users of our website, mobile application, and related services.
Our Privacy Commitment: We will never sell your personal data to third parties. We only use your information to provide and improve our services, and we protect it with industry-leading security measures.
This policy covers:
- What personal information we collect and why
- How we use and protect your information
- When and with whom we share your data
- Your rights regarding your personal information
- How to contact us with privacy concerns
2. Information We Collect
2.1 Information You Provide Directly
We collect information you voluntarily provide when using our platform:
| Data Type | Examples | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Account Information | Name, email, phone number, password | Account creation and authentication |
| Profile Information | Profile photo, preferences, bio | Personalize your experience |
| Booking Information | Guest names, dates, special requests | Process reservations |
| Payment Information | Card details, billing address | Process transactions securely |
| Communications | Messages, reviews, support inquiries | Facilitate communication and support |
| Host Information | Property details, bank account, ID | Verify hosts and process payments |
2.2 Information Collected Automatically
When you use our platform, we automatically collect certain information:
- Device Information: Device type, operating system, browser type, unique identifiers
- Usage Information: Pages viewed, features used, search queries, booking history
- Location Data: IP address, approximate location (with your permission)
- Cookies & Tracking: See our Cookies section for details
2.3 Information from Third Parties
We may receive information from:
- Payment processors (transaction status, fraud detection)
- Social media platforms (if you choose to connect your account)
- Identity verification services (for host verification)
- Analytics providers (aggregated usage statistics)
3. How We Use Your Information
We use your personal information for the following purposes:
3.1 Service Delivery
- Process and manage bookings
- Facilitate communication between guests and hosts
- Process payments and issue receipts
- Send booking confirmations and reminders
- Provide customer support
3.2 Platform Improvement
- Analyze usage patterns to enhance user experience
- Develop new features and services
- Conduct research and analytics
- Test and troubleshoot issues
3.3 Safety & Security
- Verify user identities and prevent fraud
- Detect and prevent security threats
- Enforce our Terms of Service
- Protect against illegal activities
- Resolve disputes between users
3.4 Marketing & Communication
- Send promotional offers and updates (with your consent)
- Personalize recommendations
- Conduct surveys and request feedback
- Share news about platform features
Your Control: You can opt out of marketing communications at any time through your account settings or by clicking "unsubscribe" in our emails.
3.5 Legal Compliance
- Comply with applicable laws and regulations
- Respond to legal requests and court orders
- Protect our legal rights and interests
- Enforce our policies and agreements
4. How We Share Your Information
We only share your personal information in the following circumstances:
4.1 With Other Users
When you make a booking:
- Hosts receive: Your name, phone number, and booking details necessary to fulfill your reservation
- Guests see: Property information, host name, and contact details
- Public reviews: Your name and review content are visible to all users
4.2 Service Providers
We share data with trusted third-party service providers who help us operate our platform:
- Payment processors: Paystack, Flutterwave (for secure payments)
- Cloud hosting: For data storage and platform infrastructure
- Analytics providers: Google Analytics (for usage insights)
- Communication services: Email and SMS delivery providers
- Customer support: Help desk software providers
Vendor Requirements: All service providers are contractually required to protect your data and use it only for the services they provide to us.
4.3 Legal Requirements
We may disclose your information when required by law or to:
- Comply with legal processes (subpoenas, court orders)
- Enforce our Terms of Service
- Protect the rights, property, or safety of GoBook.ng, users, or the public
- Detect, prevent, or address fraud or security issues
4.4 Business Transfers
If GoBook.ng is involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred. We will notify you of any such change and choices you may have.
4.5 With Your Consent
We may share your information with other parties when you explicitly consent to such sharing.
5. Data Security Measures
We take the security of your personal information seriously and implement multiple layers of protection:
5.1 Technical Safeguards
- Encryption: 256-bit SSL/TLS encryption for all data transmission
- Secure Storage: Encrypted databases with restricted access
- Firewalls: Advanced network security to prevent unauthorized access
- Regular Audits: Security testing and vulnerability assessments
- Secure Payment Processing: PCI DSS compliant payment systems
5.2 Access Controls
- Limited employee access to personal data
- Multi-factor authentication for sensitive systems
- Regular access reviews and permission updates
- Strict confidentiality agreements for all staff
5.3 Your Role in Security
You can help protect your account by:
- Using a strong, unique password
- Not sharing your login credentials
- Logging out after using shared devices
- Reporting suspicious activity immediately
- Keeping your contact information up to date
Security Notice: While we implement robust security measures, no system is 100% secure. Please help us protect your account by following security best practices.
6. Cookies & Tracking Technologies
6.1 What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files stored on your device that help us improve your experience, understand how you use our platform, and provide personalized content.
6.2 Types of Cookies We Use
- Essential Cookies: Required for platform functionality (login, bookings, security)
- Performance Cookies: Help us understand how users interact with our platform
- Functional Cookies: Remember your preferences and settings
- Marketing Cookies: Track your interests to show relevant advertisements
6.3 Third-Party Cookies
We use third-party services that may set cookies:
- Google Analytics (website analytics)
- Social media platforms (share buttons)
- Payment processors (secure transactions)
- Advertising networks (relevant ads)
6.4 Managing Cookies
You can control cookies through:
- Your browser settings (block or delete cookies)
- Our cookie consent banner on first visit
- Your account privacy settings
Note: Blocking essential cookies may affect platform functionality.
7. Your Privacy Rights
You have the following rights regarding your personal information:
👁️ Access
Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you
✏️ Correction
Update or correct inaccurate information in your account
🗑️ Deletion
Request deletion of your personal data (with some exceptions)
📥 Portability
Receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format
⛔ Objection
Object to processing of your data for certain purposes
🚫 Opt-Out
Unsubscribe from marketing communications at any time
7.1 How to Exercise Your Rights
To exercise any of these rights:
- Email us at privacy@gobook.ng
- Update information directly in your account settings
- Contact our customer support team
We will respond to your request within 30 days. Some requests may require identity verification to protect your privacy.
7.2 Limitations
We may not be able to fulfill certain requests if:
- Required by law to retain information
- Necessary to complete transactions or provide services
- Needed to resolve disputes or enforce agreements
- Required for security or fraud prevention
8. Data Retention
We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to:
- Provide our services to you
- Comply with legal obligations
- Resolve disputes and enforce agreements
- Maintain business records
8.1 Retention Periods
- Active Accounts: Data retained while your account is active
- Closed Accounts: Most data deleted within 90 days, except where legally required
- Booking Records: Retained for 7 years for accounting and legal purposes
- Payment Information: Retained as required by financial regulations
- Marketing Data: Deleted immediately upon opt-out request
8.2 Anonymous Data
We may retain anonymized, aggregated data indefinitely for analytics and research purposes. This data cannot be used to identify you personally.
9. Children's Privacy
GoBook.ng is not intended for use by individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children.
Parents/Guardians: If you believe your child has provided personal information to us, please contact us immediately at privacy@gobook.ng, and we will delete the information.
Users must be at least 18 years old to:
- Create an account
- Make bookings
- List properties as a host
10. International Data Transfers
GoBook.ng primarily operates in Nigeria. However, some of our service providers may be located in other countries. When we transfer data internationally:
- We ensure adequate data protection measures are in place
- We use contractual safeguards to protect your information
- We comply with applicable data transfer regulations
By using our services, you consent to the transfer of your information to service providers in other countries.
11. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements.
11.1 Notification of Changes
When we make changes:
- We will update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page
- For material changes, we will notify you via email or platform notification
- We may require you to accept updated terms before continuing to use our services
11.2 Your Continued Use
Your continued use of GoBook.ng after changes to this Privacy Policy constitutes acceptance of the updated terms. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.
12. Contact Information
If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:
Data Protection Officer
- Email: privacy@gobook.ng
- General Inquiries: info@gobook.ng
- Phone: +234 813 930 1011
- WhatsApp: +234 813 930 1011
- Address: GoBook.ng, Lagos, Nigeria
We aim to respond to all privacy inquiries within 30 days.
Questions About Your Privacy?
We're here to help. Contact our privacy team for any questions or concerns.