Privacy Policy

Last Updated: September 2025

Effective Date: September 2025

1. Introduction

Ethermento LLC, doing business as THEOBEAN ("Company," "we," "us," or "our"), respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our platform, website, and services.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

• Contact Information: Phone numbers (for WhatsApp), email addresses
• Farmer Information: Name, location, farm details, production data
• Wallet Information: Blockchain wallet addresses (public)
• Communication Data: WhatsApp messages, support inquiries

2.2 Technical Information

• Usage Data: Platform interactions, feature usage, timestamps
• Device Information: IP address, browser type, device identifiers
• Blockchain Data: Transaction hashes, token balances (public blockchain data)

2.3 Farmer Program Data

• Production Records: Harvest documentation, photos, quantities
• Verification Data: Organic certifications, quality assessments
• Reward History: $NIBS distributions, earning activities

3. How We Use Your Information

3.1 Platform Operations

• Provide and maintain THEOBEAN services
• Process farmer registrations and verifications
• Distribute $NIBS rewards and manage token operations
• Enable WhatsApp communication and support

3.2 Communication

• Send platform updates and notifications via WhatsApp
• Provide customer support and respond to inquiries
• Share important announcements about the platform

3.3 Compliance and Security

• Verify farmer credentials and prevent fraud
• Comply with legal obligations and regulatory requirements
• Protect platform security and investigate violations

4. WhatsApp Communication

4.1 How We Use WhatsApp

• Farmer Onboarding: Registration, verification, and initial setup
• Reward Notifications: $NIBS distribution alerts and balance updates
• Support: Customer service and technical assistance
• Program Updates: Information about new features and opportunities

4.2 WhatsApp Data Handling

• Messages are processed through secure webhook endpoints
• We store message content only as necessary for service provision
• Phone numbers are used solely for platform communication
• You can opt-out by messaging "STOP" at any time

5. Information Sharing and Disclosure

5.1 We Do Not Sell Your Information

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

5.2 Limited Sharing

We may share your information only in these circumstances:

• Service Providers: Third-party services that help operate our platform (with strict confidentiality agreements)
• Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or regulatory authority
• Platform Security: To protect against fraud, abuse, or security threats
• Business Transfers: In connection with mergers, acquisitions, or asset sales (with notice)

5.3 Blockchain Transparency

Blockchain transactions are public by nature. Wallet addresses and transaction data are visible on the blockchain, but we do not publicly link these to personal identities.

6. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your information:

• Encryption: Data transmission and storage encryption
• Access Controls: Limited access to personal information
• Regular Audits: Security assessments and vulnerability testing
• Secure Infrastructure: Protected servers and databases

7. Data Retention

We retain your information only as long as necessary for:

• Providing platform services
• Complying with legal obligations
• Resolving disputes and enforcing agreements
• Maintaining security and preventing fraud

8. Your Privacy Rights

8.1 Access and Control

• Access: Request information about data we hold about you
• Correction: Update or correct inaccurate information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal requirements)
• Opt-Out: Unsubscribe from WhatsApp communications

8.2 Exercising Your Rights

To exercise your privacy rights, contact us at:

• Email: ethermento@proton.me
• WhatsApp: +1 (917) 254-5790

9. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information during international transfers.

10. Children's Privacy

Our platform is not intended for individuals under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18. If we become aware of such collection, we will delete the information promptly.

11. Cookies and Tracking

We use cookies and similar technologies to:

• Improve platform functionality and user experience
• Remember your preferences and settings
• Analyze platform usage and performance
• Provide security features

12. Third-Party Services

Our platform may integrate with third-party services:

• Blockchain Networks: Base, Ethereum (public blockchain data)
• WhatsApp Business API: For communication services
• Analytics Services: For platform improvement

These services have their own privacy policies, which we encourage you to review.

13. Changes to This Privacy Policy

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

• Posting the updated policy on our website
• Sending notifications via WhatsApp or email
• Updating the "Last Updated" date

14. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us:

• Email: ethermento@proton.me
• WhatsApp: +1 (917) 254-5790
• Legal Entity: Ethermento LLC (Delaware)
• Address: Available upon request for legal purposes