Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

This Privacy Policy explains how Wejerat Archive ("we," "us," or "our") collects, uses, shares, and protects personal information when you use wejerat.com and related services (the "Service"). We publish this policy so visitors, account holders, and anyone who shares our pages on social media can understand our practices in a transparent way.

By using the Service, you acknowledge that you have read this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, please discontinue use of account features or the Service as appropriate. For terms that govern use of the platform, see our Terms of Service.

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The effective date at the top of this page will change when we do, and we may provide additional notice for material changes where required.

2. Data controller / contact

The data controller responsible for personal information processed through the Service is the organization operating Wejerat Archive for wejerat.com. For privacy inquiries, contact: legal@wejerat.com.

3. Information we collect

3.1 You provide to us

• Account information: such as display name, email address, credentials (stored using industry-standard hashing on the server via our authentication provider), role, and profile details you choose to add;
• User Content: text, comments, submissions, and media you upload when permitted, including content that may be published publicly;
• Communications: messages you send to us (for example, support or legal requests).

3.2 Automatically collected

• Technical and usage data: such as IP address, approximate location derived from IP, browser type, device type, referring URLs, pages viewed, and timestamps;
• Cookies and similar technologies: as described below.

4. Cookies and authentication

We use cookies and similar technologies that are necessary to operate the Service — for example, to maintain secure sessions (including HttpOnly session cookies where configured) and to protect against abuse. We may use additional cookies for preferences or analytics as described in our cookie banner or settings if we offer those controls.

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Blocking essential cookies may prevent sign-in or other features from working correctly.

5. How we use personal information

We use personal information to:

• Provide, maintain, secure, and improve the Service;
• Create and manage accounts, roles, and editorial workflows;
• Publish public content and display comments or attributions as intended;
• Detect, prevent, and respond to fraud, abuse, and security incidents;
• Comply with legal obligations and enforce our Terms;
• Communicate with you about the Service, including operational notices (we avoid marketing unless you have opted in where required).

We use personal information only for the purposes described in this policy and in ways that are reasonably necessary to operate Wejerat Archive as a public cultural and historical archive, including reviewing submissions and publishing approved content.

6. Sharing and processors

We do not sell your personal information. We share information only as described below or with your direction.

• Service providers: vendors that host infrastructure, store data, deliver media (for example, cloud storage or image delivery providers such as Cloudinary when enabled), analyze security logs, or help us operate the Service, bound by confidentiality and data-processing terms;
• Public content: submissions, articles, comments, and other content that we review and approve for publication will be publicly accessible. Public pages may be viewed, shared, indexed by search engines, or embedded as link previews — this is inherent to a public website;
• Legal and safety: when required by law, legal process, or to protect rights, safety, and security;
• Business transfers: in connection with a merger, acquisition, or asset sale, subject to appropriate safeguards.

7. Retention

We retain personal information for as long as needed to provide the Service, fulfill the purposes described in this policy, comply with law, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements. Public archival content may remain visible unless removed in line with our moderation and legal obligations. Technical logs may be retained for a limited period for security.

8. Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures designed to protect personal information. No method of transmission over the Internet is 100% secure; we encourage you to use a strong, unique password and protect your devices.

9. International transfers

We may process and store information in Ethiopia and in other countries where our service providers operate. When information is processed outside your country, we take reasonable steps to protect it and to require our service providers to do the same.

10. Your rights and choices

Depending on your location, you may have rights to access, correct, delete, or restrict processing of your personal information, to data portability, to object to certain processing, or to withdraw consent where processing is consent-based. You may also lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority.

To exercise rights, contact legal@wejerat.com. We may need to verify your identity before fulfilling requests. Some rights may be limited if they would conflict with freedom of expression, lawful publication, or our legal obligations.

11. Children

The Service is not directed to children under the age where parental consent is required in your jurisdiction. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children in violation of applicable law. If you believe we have collected information from a child in error, contact us and we will take appropriate steps.

12. Third-party links and social sharing

The Service may contain links to third-party sites or embeds. This policy does not apply to those sites. When you share a link to wejerat.com on a social network, that platform may collect information according to its own privacy policy.

13. Contact

Privacy questions or requests: legal@wejerat.com.