Empyrean International ("Empyrean", "we", "our", "us") operates a social platform that includes a news feed, live streaming, reels, direct messaging and group calls, a marketplace and business pages, status/stories, a digital wallet (EMPY token), donor/grant tools, and an SOS/emergency-assistance feature. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, who we share it with, and the choices you have.

By creating an account or using Empyrean, you agree to the collection and use of information as described here.

1. Information We Collect

Provided by you:

• Account information: full name, username, email address, phone number, and profile photo. Passwords are handled by Firebase Authentication — we never see or store raw passwords.
• Identity verification (KYC): if you use wallet, payout, or grant-disbursement features, a government-issued ID and related verification information, to comply with financial and anti-fraud regulations.
• Content you post or send: posts, comments, reels, live-stream video/audio, status updates, direct messages, group chat messages, gifts, and any photos, videos, or files you upload.
• Payment information: wallet funding, EMPY token purchases, and payments are processed by our licensed payment processor, Flutterwave. Empyrean does not collect or store your full card or bank account number. In-app EMPY token purchases on the Android app will use Google Play Billing, in line with Google Play policy for digital goods.
• SOS/emergency requests: details you submit, and, if you choose to share it, your location. Contact details on SOS reports are never shown publicly — visible only to authorized admin reviewers.

Collected automatically:

• Device and usage data (device type, OS, app version, IP address, general usage patterns).
• A push-notification token (Firebase Cloud Messaging), used to deliver notifications you have permitted.
• Approximate location only where a specific feature needs it (e.g. an SOS report you submit); we do not track location in the background.

2. How We Use Your Information

• To create and maintain your account and authenticate you securely.
• To operate core features: feed, live streaming, messaging/calls, marketplace, wallet, reels, status, and SOS reporting.
• To process payments, token purchases, and — for approved NGOs/administrators — grant or donation disbursements.
• To send transactional emails and permitted push notifications.
• To detect and prevent fraud, abuse, and violations of our Terms.
• To respond to SOS/emergency submissions and support requests.
• To comply with legal, tax, and financial-regulatory obligations, including KYC requirements tied to wallet and payout features.

We do not sell your personal information.

3. How Information Is Shared

We share information only as needed to operate the service, with service providers including: Google Firebase (authentication, database, storage, push notifications), Agora (live audio/video), Cloudinary (media hosting), Flutterwave (payment processing), SendGrid (transactional email), and Render (server hosting) — each contractually restricted to using your data solely to provide their service to us. We may also disclose information to comply with a legal obligation, to protect rights, property, or safety, or with your consent.

4. Advertising

We use Google AdSense to display ads on our platform. Google and its partners may use cookies and similar technologies (including the advertising ID on Android) to serve ads based on your visits to this and other sites, and to measure ad performance. This does not include your Empyrean account content, messages, or wallet activity. You can review or adjust your ad personalization settings at adssettings.google.com, and see Google's own practices at policies.google.com/technologies/partner-sites.

5. Data Retention

We retain your information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide the service. If you delete your account, we delete or anonymize your personal data within a reasonable period, except where required to retain records (e.g. financial transactions) for legal purposes.

6. Your Rights

• Access and update most profile information directly in Settings.
• Request deletion of your account and associated data directly from Settings > Delete Account in the app, or by contacting us below. Deletion requests are processed within 30 days, except for records we are legally required to retain (e.g. financial transaction records).
• Disable push notifications at any time in your device settings.
• Decline to share location, though this may limit certain features.

7. Data Security

We use encrypted connections (HTTPS/TLS), Firebase Authentication, and access-restricted admin tooling to protect your information. No system is 100% secure.

8. Children's Privacy

Empyrean is not directed at, and is not intended to be used by, anyone under 18 years old. We require every account holder to confirm they are 18 or older when they register, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from anyone under 18. If we learn that an account belongs to someone under 18, we will disable the account and delete the associated personal information.

Child sexual abuse and exploitation (CSAE): Empyrean has zero tolerance for child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and any content or behavior that sexualizes, endangers, or exploits a minor, anywhere on the platform. Any such content is removed as soon as we become aware of it, the associated account is permanently disabled, and we report it to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) and/or relevant law enforcement, as required by law. To report suspected CSAM or a child-safety concern, use the in-app Report option on the content or account, or email support@joinempyrean.com — reports involving imminent danger to a child should also go to local law enforcement directly.

9. Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy from time to time. Material changes will be noted here and, where appropriate, within the app.

10. Contact Us

Questions or data requests: support@joinempyrean.com

2.1 Acceptance of Terms

By using our services, you agree to these Terms & Conditions. If you do not agree, please discontinue use immediately.

2.2 Services Provided

Empyrean offers:

• Humanitarian aid facilitation, including SOS/crisis reporting and NGO partnerships.
• EMPY, an in-app rewards system earned through platform activity such as likes and shares, redeemable for in-app benefits.
• Marketplace for goods and services, with Escrow-protected and Direct Trade options.
• Live-stream gifting and social engagement, including Reels, Groups, and Broadcast Channels.
• Direct and group messaging.
• Business Pages for verified organizations and vendors.
• A digital wallet for in-app purchases and NGO/grant transactions.

2.2a Eligibility & Minimum Age

You must be at least 18 years old to create an Empyrean account or use our services. By registering, you confirm that you are 18 or older. We do not knowingly allow anyone under 18 to hold an account; an account found to belong to someone under 18 will be disabled and the associated data deleted.

2.3 User Obligations

You agree to:

1. Provide accurate and truthful information, including confirming you meet the minimum age above.
2. Use the platform lawfully and ethically.
3. Respect community guidelines, avoiding hate speech, fraud, or exploitation.
4. Never upload, share, request, or solicit child sexual abuse material (CSAM), or any content that sexualizes, endangers, or exploits a minor — a permanent, zero-tolerance ban, immediate account termination, and a report to NCMEC and/or law enforcement, as described in our Privacy Policy's Children's Privacy section.
5. Not use EMPY or the wallet for illegal or unapproved financial activities.

2.4 Limitation of Liability

Empyrean will not be liable for:

• Third-party fraud or hacking incidents outside our control.
• Service interruptions caused by external factors.

3. Disclaimer

No Financial Advice: Content and tools provided by Empyrean are for informational and humanitarian purposes only, not as investment advice.

Third-Party Services: We are not responsible for the content, policies, or operations of external websites or partners linked from our platform.

4. Governing Law

This agreement is governed by the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, without regard to its conflict of law principles.

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1. Secure Escrow Transactions (Recommended)

The escrow system is our recommended method for most transactions, especially when buying from a seller you don't know or cannot meet in person. It protects both the buyer and the seller.

Eligibility:

• Both the Buyer and the Seller must be KYC-verified to use the escrow service.
• Listings eligible for escrow are clearly marked with an "Add to Cart (Escrow)" button and a " Verified Seller" badge.

Transaction Flow:

1. Buyer adds the item to the cart and proceeds to checkout.
2. Buyer pays the full amount into the Empyrean secure escrow wallet. The funds are held in trust by us.
3. We notify the Seller to ship the item.
4. The Buyer receives the item and has 48 hours to inspect it and click “Confirm Delivery” on the platform.
5. Once confirmed, we release the funds from escrow to the Seller's wallet.

Dispute Resolution:

If the item is not as described, the Buyer can click “Raise a Dispute” within the 48-hour window. An admin will mediate to arrange a return and refund. If the Buyer does not confirm or raise a dispute within the timeframe, funds are automatically released to the Seller.

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2. Direct Local Trades (Use with Caution)

This option is for users who can meet physically to inspect an item before buying (e.g., cars, real estate). This method bypasses the platform's checkout and escrow protection.

Eligibility:

• Available to all users, including those who are not yet KYC-verified.
• Listings from unverified sellers will only be available for Direct Trade.
• These listings are marked with a "Contact Seller Directly" button and an " Unverified Seller" badge.

Transaction Flow:

1. Buyer finds an item and clicks "Contact Seller Directly".
2. The platform reveals the seller's contact information (phone, email, address).
3. The Buyer and Seller arrange a meeting to inspect the item in person.
4. Payment is made directly from the Buyer to the Seller (e.g., via cash, bank transfer) completely outside of the Empyrean platform.

IMPORTANT RISK DISCLAIMER

Empyrean is NOT involved in and DOES NOT protect Direct Trade transactions. We will not be held responsible for any loss, fraud, or disputes arising from these trades.

For Your Safety:

• Always meet in a public, safe place.
• NEVER pay for an item before you have physically inspected it and are satisfied with its condition.
• Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true.
• Conduct all necessary due diligence. For high-value items like property, we strongly recommend involving legal counsel.

By choosing to "Contact Seller Directly," you acknowledge and accept these risks.