Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is committed to protecting your privacy and personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our DTI Tracking and Consumer Portal System.

By using our system, you consent to the data practices described in this policy. If you do not agree with the terms of this Privacy Policy, please do not use our services.

2. Information We Collect

We collect information you provide directly to us, such as when you create an account, register as a consumer or retailer, or contact us for support. This may include:

• Personal Information: Name, email address, username, date of birth, gender, and contact information
• Location Data: Barangay and location information for service delivery
• Account Information: Login credentials, preferences, and account settings
• Business Information: Store details, business registration codes, and retailer information
• Usage Data: Information about how you use our system, including pages visited and features used

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Provide, maintain, and improve our services
• Process registrations and manage user accounts
• Verify user identities and prevent fraud
• Send important notifications and updates about our services
• Respond to your inquiries and provide customer support
• Comply with legal obligations and regulatory requirements
• Analyze usage patterns to enhance system performance

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information only in the following circumstances:

• Legal Requirements: When required by law or to comply with legal processes
• Government Agencies: With other government agencies as required for official business
• Service Providers: With trusted third-party service providers who assist in system operations
• Consent: When you have given explicit consent for specific sharing
• Protection: To protect the rights, property, or safety of DTI, users, or the public

5. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:

• Encryption of sensitive data in transit and at rest
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Access controls and authentication mechanisms
• Secure data storage and backup procedures
• Staff training on data protection practices

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law. When we no longer need your information, we will securely delete or anonymize it.

7. Your Rights and Choices

You have certain rights regarding your personal information, including:

• Access: Request access to your personal information we hold
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal requirements)
• Portability: Request a copy of your data in a structured format
• Objection: Object to certain processing of your information

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided below.

8. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience on our system. Cookies help us:

• Remember your login preferences and settings
• Improve system performance and functionality
• Analyze usage patterns and system performance
• Provide personalized content and features

You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences, though disabling cookies may affect system functionality.

9. Children's Privacy

Our system is not intended for children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware that we have collected personal information from a child under 13, we will take steps to delete such information promptly.

10. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or applicable laws. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the updated policy on our system and updating the "Last updated" date. Your continued use of our services after such changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.