Privacy and Data Protection

Privacy Policy

How ITIKI Africa protects personal information, platform data and knowledge shared through its ecosystem.

Privacy Overview

ITIKI Africa respects the privacy of users, contributors, researchers, institutional partners and communities engaging with the ITIKI Platform.

This Privacy Policy explains how information shared through the platform may be collected, used, stored and protected. It also affirms ITIKI Africa’s commitment to responsible data governance, lawful processing of personal information, and ethical handling of Indigenous Knowledge systems.

Key Highlights

Protected

Privacy Commitment

Personal information is handled with care and used only for legitimate platform, communication, research and administrative purposes.

Responsible

Data Governance

ITIKI Africa applies reasonable technical and organisational safeguards to reduce risks of unauthorised access, misuse or disclosure.

Respectful

IK Ethics

Indigenous Knowledge is treated with cultural sensitivity, community respect and responsible use principles.

Information We Collect

Personal and platform information collected for legitimate ITIKI purposes.

When users register, contact ITIKI Africa, participate in platform activities, or engage with the ITIKI ecosystem, the platform may collect basic information such as name, email address, account role, institutional affiliation, contact details, access permissions and related communication records.

The platform may also collect limited technical information needed to operate and secure the system, including login activity, role-based access records, submitted forms, platform actions and system audit information.

How We Use Information

Information is used only for legitimate platform, research and administrative purposes.

Platform Administration

To manage user accounts, roles, permissions, access requests, system functions and secure use of the ITIKI Platform.

Operational Use

Communication

To respond to enquiries, support users, communicate with partners and coordinate platform-related activities.

User Support

Research Coordination

To support approved research, collaboration, reporting, knowledge exchange and responsible data-use processes.

Research Governance

System Improvement

To improve usability, strengthen data quality, monitor platform performance and maintain secure service delivery.

Platform Quality

Data Protection and Security

Reasonable safeguards are applied to protect information within the ITIKI ecosystem.

ITIKI Africa implements reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect information from unauthorised access, accidental loss, misuse, alteration or inappropriate disclosure. These measures may include role-based access control, authentication, system monitoring, audit logging, controlled access to administrative functions and secure data management practices.

While no digital platform can guarantee absolute security, ITIKI Africa is committed to continuously improving its safeguards in line with responsible data governance and institutional good practice.

Access Control

Platform access is managed through user roles and permissions.

Auditability

Administrative and system actions may be recorded for security and accountability.

Responsible Use

Data is used only for legitimate ITIKI-related purposes.

Indigenous Knowledge Ethics

Respect for community knowledge, cultural context and responsible use.

ITIKI Africa recognises that Indigenous Knowledge is not merely data. It is embedded in community histories, cultural practices, environmental relationships and lived experience. Any Indigenous Knowledge shared through or in connection with the platform must therefore be treated with respect, sensitivity and appropriate ethical care.

The platform is guided by principles of community respect, contextual integrity, responsible representation and avoidance of exploitation. Where Indigenous Knowledge contributes to research, modelling, analytics or decision-support systems, ITIKI Africa seeks to ensure that such use remains ethical, transparent and aligned with the purpose for which the knowledge was shared.

Sharing and Disclosure

Information is not sold and is shared only where there is a legitimate reason.

ITIKI Africa does not sell personal information. Information may be shared only where necessary for platform administration, approved collaboration, legal compliance, institutional reporting, technical support, research coordination or where the user has provided appropriate permission.

Where third-party service providers or institutional partners are involved, ITIKI Africa will seek to ensure that information is handled responsibly and only for the intended purpose.

Contact and Privacy Enquiries

Users may contact ITIKI Africa regarding privacy, data use or information handling.

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, the handling of personal information, data use, or Indigenous Knowledge ethics, please contact ITIKI Africa through the contact page.