1. Introduction

Executive IQ ("we", "us", "our") is committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains what data we collect, how we use it, with whom we share it, and the choices you have. By using the Service you consent to the practices described here.

2. Information We Collect

We collect information in the following categories:

• Account data — username, email address, and encrypted password provided at registration.
• Business data — company name, industry, financial figures, products, staff details, and any other information you enter into the platform.
• Usage data — pages visited, features used, session duration, browser type, device type, and IP address.
• Payment data — billing details are processed by our payment provider (Stripe). We do not store full card numbers.
• Communications — messages you send to our support team.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information to:

• Provide, operate, and improve the Service.
• Personalise your experience and generate AI-powered business insights.
• Process payments and manage your subscription.
• Send service-related notifications, security alerts, and support responses.
• Comply with legal obligations and enforce our User Agreement.
• Analyse aggregated, anonymised usage trends to develop new features.

4. Legal Basis for Processing

We process your personal data on the basis of (a) the performance of a contract (providing the Service to you), (b) your consent where required, (c) our legitimate interests in operating and improving the Service, and (d) compliance with legal obligations.

5. Sharing Your Information

We do not sell your personal data. We may share it with:

• Service providers — cloud hosting, payment processing, analytics, and customer support tools under data processing agreements.
• AI providers — anonymised or aggregated prompts may be processed by AI model providers to generate insights; no personally identifiable business information is used for model training.
• Legal authorities — when required by law, court order, or to protect the rights and safety of Executive IQ or its users.
• Business transfers — in connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, with appropriate confidentiality protections.

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal data for as long as your account is active or as necessary to provide the Service. After account deletion we delete or anonymise your personal data within 90 days, unless a longer retention period is required by law. Anonymised aggregated data may be retained indefinitely.

7. Security

We implement industry-standard security measures including encryption in transit (TLS), encryption at rest, access controls, and regular security reviews. However, no system is completely secure and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

8. Cookies & Tracking

We use essential cookies required for the Service to function and, where you have consented, analytics cookies to understand usage patterns. You may disable cookies in your browser settings, though this may affect functionality.

9. Your Rights

Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have the right to:

• Access the personal data we hold about you.
• Correct inaccurate or incomplete data.
• Request deletion of your personal data ("right to be forgotten").
• Object to or restrict certain types of processing.
• Request a portable copy of your data.
• Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent.

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at privacy@executive-iq.co.za. We will respond within 30 days.

10. International Transfers

Your data may be processed in countries other than your own. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for such transfers in accordance with applicable data protection laws.

11. Children's Privacy

The Service is not directed at individuals under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children. If you believe a child has provided us with personal data, please contact us and we will delete it promptly.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes by email or in-app notification. The updated policy will be effective from the date indicated at the top of this page.

13. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy, please contact our Privacy Team at privacy@executive-iq.co.za.