1. Introduction

Gradyzer (“we,” “our,” or “us”) is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our Portal Cloud 9 WordPress plugin and related services.

By using Portal Cloud 9 or accessing our website at gradyzer.com, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

When you interact with our services, we may collect:

• Account Information: First name, username, email address, and password (encrypted) when you create a Gradyzer account or purchase a license
• Payment Information: Billing details processed through secure third-party payment processors (we do not store credit card information)
• Support Communications: Information you provide when contacting our support team
• License Information: License credentials used for authentication

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

Portal Cloud 9 may collect certain information automatically:

• Plugin Usage Data: Version number, WordPress version, and WooCommerce version for compatibility checks
• License Validation Data: License credentials sent to gradyzer.com every 20 minutes for validation (only if you have activated a premium license)
• Website Analytics: Standard web server logs (IP address, browser type, pages visited) on gradyzer.com

2.3 Information Stored Locally

The following data is stored on your WordPress database and is not transmitted to Gradyzer:

• User account information (customers, vendors, administrators)
• Product details and inventory
• Order information and transaction history
• Customer favourites and wishlists
• Internal messages between customers and vendors
• Phone contact view counts and analytics
• Dashboard preferences (dark/light mode)
• Custom avatars and profile information

3. How We Use Your Information

3.1 Plugin Functionality

We use your information to:

• Provide core plugin functionality (dashboard, products, orders, messaging)
• Enable user authentication and access control
• Process and manage e-commerce transactions
• Facilitate communication between customers and vendors
• Display personalized dashboard experiences

3.2 License Validation

For premium license holders, we use your license credentials to:

• Validate your license status
• Enable premium features (enhanced pagination, advanced analytics)
• Provide automatic plugin updates
• Deliver priority support

3.3 Customer Support

We use your contact information to:

• Respond to support inquiries
• Troubleshoot technical issues
• Provide product updates and announcements
• Improve our products and services

3.4 Legal Compliance

We may use your information to:

• Comply with legal obligations
• Protect our rights and property
• Prevent fraud and abuse
• Enforce our Terms of Service

4. Data Storage and Security

4.1 Local Storage

Portal Cloud 9 stores most user data locally on your WordPress server. You maintain full control over this data, including:

• Choosing your hosting provider
• Implementing your own backup procedures
• Controlling database access and security
• Deciding data retention policies

4.2 Gradyzer Server Storage

We store the following information on our servers:

• License credentials (first name, username, encrypted password)
• Email addresses for license holders
• Payment transaction records (processed by third-party payment processors)
• Support ticket history

4.3 Security Measures

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your data:

• SSL/TLS encryption for data transmission
• Secure password hashing (bcrypt/Argon2)
• Regular security updates and patches
• Access controls and authentication
• Secure payment processing through PCI-DSS compliant processors
• Regular security audits and monitoring

5. Third-Party Services

5.1 License Validation Service

Portal Cloud 9 connects to our license validation service at gradyzer.com for premium license holders:

• Data Sent: License credentials (username, password)
• Frequency: Every 20 minutes (background check)
• Purpose: Validate license status and enable premium features
• Optional: The plugin works fully without a license (trial mode)

5.2 Payment Processors

We use third-party payment processors to handle transactions:

• PayPal
• Stripe
• M-Pesa (for Kenya)

These services have their own privacy policies. We do not store credit card information on our servers.

5.3 WordPress.org

Portal Cloud 9 is available on WordPress.org. When you download the plugin from WordPress.org, their privacy policy applies.

6. Data Sharing and Disclosure

6.1 We Do NOT Sell Your Data

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes.

6.2 When We May Share Information

We may share your information only in the following circumstances:

• With Your Consent: When you explicitly authorize us to share information
• Service Providers: With trusted third-party service providers who assist in operating our services (payment processors, hosting providers)
• Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or governmental authority
• Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets (users will be notified)
• Safety and Security: To protect the rights, property, or safety of Gradyzer, our users, or the public

7. Your Rights and Choices

7.1 Access and Control

You have the right to:

• Access: Request a copy of your personal data
• Correction: Update or correct inaccurate information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal data (subject to legal obligations)
• Export: Export your data in a machine-readable format
• Opt-Out: Unsubscribe from marketing communications

7.2 Data Portability

Portal Cloud 9 includes built-in data export functionality. Users can export their account data from the dashboard at any time.

7.3 Account Deletion

Users can request account deletion from the dashboard. Administrators will review and process deletion requests within 30 days.

7.4 Cookie Preferences

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Note that disabling cookies may affect plugin functionality.

8. Children’s Privacy

Portal Cloud 9 is not intended for use by children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us at support@gradyzer.com.

9. Data Retention

9.1 Local Data

Data stored on your WordPress installation is retained according to your own data retention policies. You control when and how to delete this data.

9.2 Gradyzer Server Data

We retain data on our servers as follows:

Data Type	Retention Period
License credentials	Duration of license + 1 year
Payment records	7 years (legal requirement)
Support tickets	3 years
Analytics data	26 months
Marketing emails	Until unsubscribe

10. International Data Transfers

Gradyzer operates from Kenya. If you are accessing our services from outside Kenya, your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in Kenya or other countries where our service providers operate.

By using our services, you consent to the transfer of your information to countries outside your country of residence, which may have different data protection laws.

11. GDPR Compliance (European Users)

If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA), you have additional rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR):

• Legal Basis: We process your data based on consent, contract performance, legal obligations, and legitimate interests
• Data Subject Rights: Access, rectification, erasure, restriction, portability, and objection
• Supervisory Authority: You have the right to lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority
• Data Protection Officer: Contact support@gradyzer.com for GDPR-related inquiries

12. CCPA Compliance (California Users)

If you are a California resident, you have rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA):

• Right to Know: What personal information we collect and how we use it
• Right to Delete: Request deletion of your personal information
• Right to Opt-Out: We do not sell personal information
• Right to Non-Discrimination: We will not discriminate against you for exercising your rights

13. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by:

• Posting the new Privacy Policy on this page
• Updating the “Last Updated” date
• Sending an email notification for material changes (to license holders)
• Displaying a notice in the WordPress admin panel

Your continued use of Portal Cloud 9 after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

14. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us: