Privacy Policy

Last Updated: March 6, 2026

Area 246 LLC ("Area 246," "we," "us," or "our") operates products that help businesses and communities access practical tools through platforms they already use. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your information when you use our products, including Cari and Bajan Buddy (collectively, "Services").

By using our Services, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Information You Provide

• Account Information: When you sign up for Cari, you provide business information such as your business name, type, location, and preferred currency.
• Transaction Data: For Cari users, this includes expense and revenue records you create, including merchant names, amounts, dates, categories, receipt images, client names, and payment methods.
• Calendar Data: If you use Cari's scheduling features, we collect event details including client names, appointment times, and service descriptions.
• Messages: All messages you send to our Services through WhatsApp are processed to understand your requests and provide responses.
• Contact Information: Your WhatsApp phone number, which is required to use our Services.

1.2 Information We Collect Automatically

• Usage Data: Information about how you interact with our Services, including message frequency, features used, and response times.
• Device Information: Basic technical information provided by WhatsApp, such as device type and operating system.
• Log Data: Server logs that may include timestamps, error messages, and system performance data.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Provide, operate, and maintain our Services
• Process your requests and transactions
• Improve and personalize your experience
• Understand how users interact with our Services
• Develop new features and functionality
• Communicate with you about service updates and support
• Detect, prevent, and address technical issues or fraudulent activity
• Comply with legal obligations
• Process payments and subscriptions (for Cari users)

3. AI and Natural Language Processing

Our Services use artificial intelligence and large language models (LLMs) to understand your messages and provide natural, conversational responses.

4. Third-Party Services

We work with third-party service providers to deliver our Services. These providers may have access to your information only to perform specific tasks on our behalf:

• WhatsApp Business API (Meta): All messages are transmitted through WhatsApp's infrastructure
• Cloud Infrastructure: We use third-party cloud hosting providers to host our systems, including compute, storage, and database services
• AI Services: We use third-party language model providers to process natural language requests
• Payment Processing (Stripe): For Cari users, Stripe processes subscription payments. We do not store your payment card information
• Google Services: For Cari users, we integrate with Google services including Calendar and Business Profile to manage scheduling, appointments, and business information
• Government Data Sources: Bajan Buddy accesses public government databases including PriceCheck Barbados for grocery pricing data

5. Data Retention and Storage

• Transaction Data: Cari transaction records are retained for as long as your account is active, plus a reasonable period for tax and accounting purposes
• Message Logs: Conversation histories are retained to provide service continuity and may be used to improve our Services
• Receipt Images: Stored securely in cloud storage for the duration of your account
• Export Files: CSV exports and download links expire automatically after 24 hours
• Account Data: Retained until you request deletion or your account is closed

6. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your information, including:

• Access controls and authentication requirements
• Secure cloud infrastructure
• Auto-expiring download links for sensitive exports

However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

7. Your Rights and Choices

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights:

• Access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you
• Correction: Request that we correct inaccurate or incomplete information
• Deletion: Request that we delete your personal information
• Export: Request a machine-readable copy of your data (Cari users can export transaction data directly through the product)
• Opt-Out: Stop using our Services at any time by ceasing to send messages
• Data Portability: Receive your data in a portable format

To exercise these rights, contact us at the information provided below.

8. Children's Privacy

Our Services are not intended for individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have inadvertently collected information from a child, please contact us immediately.

9. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence, including the United States, where our servers and third-party service providers are located. These countries may have data protection laws that differ from your country. We take steps to ensure your information receives adequate protection.

10. 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 new policy on this page and updating the "Last Updated" date. Your continued use of our Services after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.

11. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your information, please contact us:

• Email: privacy@area246.com
• Company: Area 246 LLC

12. Regional-Specific Information

For California Residents (CCPA/CPRA)

If you are a California resident, you have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA), including the right to know what personal information we collect, the right to deletion, and the right to opt-out of the sale or sharing of your personal information. We do not sell your personal information.

For European Economic Area (EEA) and UK Residents (GDPR)

If you are in the EEA or UK, you have rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), including the right to access, rectification, erasure, restriction of processing, data portability, and the right to object to processing. Our legal basis for processing your information includes:

• Contractual Necessity: Processing necessary to provide our Services
• Legitimate Interests: Improving our Services, fraud prevention, and business operations
• Consent: Where you have provided explicit consent
• Legal Obligation: Compliance with applicable laws