Privacy Policy

Version 2.1 • Effective: September 2026

👋 Welcome to 251SMS

At 251SMS, we take your privacy seriously. This policy explains how we handle your personal information when you use our platform. We've written it in plain language — no legal jargon, just clear information about what we do with your data.

Whether you're sending your first SMS or managing thousands of messages through our API, you trust us with your information. We respect that trust and work hard to protect it.


1. Who We Are

Company Name: WABEKA ICT SOLUTIONS

TIN Number: 0019295802

Platform: 251SMS Enterprise Messaging Platform

📍 Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

📧 Email: info@251sms.com

📞 Phone: +2519615153553

🌐 Website: https://251sms.com


2. Our Regulatory Credentials & Commitment

We are proud to operate with full regulatory compliance in Ethiopia. The following credentials demonstrate our commitment to security, transparency, and legal operation:

📶 Ethio Telecom Authorized Partner

We are an authorized partner of Ethio Telecom, delivering reliable SMS services across Ethiopia.

✓ Meets Ethio Telecom's stringent partner requirements

📜 ECA Licensed Operator

We hold a license from the Ethiopian Communications Authority (ECA).

✓ Authorized to provide telecom services in Ethiopia

🛡️ INSA Security Audit Certified

Our system has been tested and certified by the Information Network Security Administration (INSA).

✓ Passed rigorous national cybersecurity assessment

🔄 Bi-Annual Security Audits

We audit our system security every six (6) months.

✓ Continuous improvement beyond minimum requirements

✅ Why This Matters to You

  • Your data is in trusted hands — Licensed, certified, and regularly audited by Ethiopia's top authorities.
  • We are accountable — As an ECA licensee, we comply with the Personal Data Protection Proclamation.
  • Our systems are tested — INSA certification means independent security verification.
  • We never rest — Bi-annual audits ensure we continuously identify and address vulnerabilities.

3. Quick Overview

Your QuestionOur AnswerWhat data do you collect?Account details, message content, payment info, and usage dataWhy do you need it?To send your messages, manage your account, and improve our serviceDo you share my data?Only with telecom operators to deliver your messages, and with trusted payment processorsCan I delete my data?Yes, anytime — just contact usIs my data safe?Encryption, access controls, monitoring, and regular security auditsDo you sell my data?Absolutely NOT — we never sell or rent your personal information

4. Information We Collect

We collect different types of information to provide, maintain, and improve our service.

A. Information You Give Us Directly

What We CollectWhy We Need ItAccount Information (Name, email, phone, organization)Create and manage your account, verify identity, communicateBilling & Payment Details (Billing address, payment method, transaction history)Process payments, generate invoices, prevent fraudSMS Content (Messages, recipient numbers, timestamps)Deliver messages, troubleshoot, maintain delivery logsSupport Communications (Emails, chat, call notes)Help you when you need assistanceAPI Credentials (API keys, tokens, integration settings)Enable secure programmatic access

B. Information We Collect Automatically

What We CollectWhy We Need ItDevice & Browser Info (IP address, browser type, OS)Optimize service, detect suspicious activityUsage Data (Pages visited, features used, time spent)Understand usage patterns, improve platformCookies (Small files stored on your browser)Remember preferences, keep you logged in securely

C. Information from Third Parties

WhoWhat We ReceiveEthio Telecom & Other Telecom ProvidersDelivery reports, network status, message routingPayment ProcessorsPayment confirmations, transaction IDs, billing statusService IntegrationsData from third-party apps you connect (with your permission)

5. How We Use Your Information

PurposeHow We Use Your DataService DeliverySend SMS, manage your account, ensure platform works properlyPayment ProcessingHandle payments, subscriptions, refundsCustomer SupportAnswer questions, troubleshoot, provide technical assistanceSecurity & ComplianceDetect fraud, prevent abuse, comply with ECA & Ethio Telecom requirementsImprovementAnalyze usage, develop new features, enhance performanceCommunicationsService updates, payment reminders, promotional offers (with consent)Regulatory ReportingProvide compliance reports to INSA and ECA as required by law

6. Legal Basis for Processing

Under the Ethiopian Personal Data Protection Proclamation No. 1321/2024, we process your personal information only when we have a valid legal reason:

Legal BasisWhen We Use ItContractual NecessityWhen we need your data to provide the service you requestedLegal ObligationWhen required by law (tax, regulatory, ECA requirements)Legitimate InterestImproving our platform, preventing fraud, ensuring securityConsentFor marketing communications and optional data collection

7. How Long We Keep Your Data

Type of DataRetention PeriodWhy We Keep ItAccount InformationDuration of account + 5 years after terminationLegal, regulatory, business purposesSMS Content & Delivery LogsUp to 12 monthsTroubleshoot delivery, respond to inquiriesTransaction & Billing Records7 yearsTax compliance, financial auditingSupport CommunicationsUp to 3 yearsMaintain interaction historyUsage & Analytics DataUp to 24 monthsUnderstand usage patterns, improve featuresSecurity Audit Records5 yearsINSA compliance standards

8. Your Rights

Under Ethiopian law (Personal Data Protection Proclamation), you have the following rights over your personal information:

RightWhat It MeansHow to Exercise ItRight to AccessSee what personal information we hold about youinfo@251sms.comRight to RectificationCorrect inaccurate or incomplete informationContact us with corrected informationRight to DeletionRequest permanent deletion of your dataSubject: "Delete My Account"Right to RestrictionLimit how we process your dataContact with specific requestRight to ObjectObject to processing for direct marketingUse "Unsubscribe" link in emailsRight to Data PortabilityGet a copy of your data in a usable formatRequest data exportRight to Withdraw ConsentWithdraw permission for optional processingAdjust preferences in settingsRight to Lodge a ComplaintFile a complaint with ECAContact ECA directly

⏱️ Request Timeline: We will respond within 30 days of verifying your identity.

🔐 Identity Verification: We may ask for identification to prevent unauthorized access to your account.

Account Deactivation vs. Deletion

ActionWhat HappensReversible?DeactivationAccount temporarily frozen. Data preserved.✅ Yes — contact us to reactivateDeletionAccount and all data permanently removed.❌ No — permanent and irreversible

9. Data Security

We take security seriously. Here's how we protect your information:

Security MeasureDescriptionEncryption in TransitTLS/SSL encryption for all data between browser and serversEncryption at RestIndustry-standard encryption for stored dataAccess ControlsOnly authorized personnel with legitimate business needFirewall ProtectionWAF and IP-level firewallsAPI SecurityHTTPS and secure authentication requiredMonitoring & AuditingContinuous monitoring for security incidentsFraud DetectionMechanisms to detect and prevent fraudIncident ResponsePlan to address data breaches promptly🛡️ INSA-Certified SecuritySystems tested and certified by Information Network Security Administration🔄 Bi-Annual AuditsComprehensive security audits every six months📋 Compliance ReportingAnnual reports to INSA as required

🔐 Your Responsibility: Security is a shared responsibility.

  • ✅ Use a strong, unique password
  • ✅ Enable two-factor authentication (available on request)
  • ✅ Never share your credentials with anyone
  • ✅ Log out when using shared devices
  • ✅ Notify us immediately if you suspect unauthorized access

10. Information Sharing & Disclosure

We never sell or rent your personal information.

A. Third-Party Service Providers

Provider TypeWhat They DoWhy We Share DataEthio Telecom & Other OperatorsRoute and deliver SMSCore service — we can't send SMS without themPayment ProcessorsProcess payments and subscriptionsHandle transactions securelyCloud InfrastructureHost and store platform dataKeep service running 24/7Analytics ServicesHelp understand platform usageImprove user experienceCustomer Support ToolsManage support ticketsRespond to inquiries efficiently

All service providers are contractually obligated to protect your data and use it only for the specific tasks we hire them to do.

B. When We're Legally Required

  • Required by Ethiopian law, court order, or government authority
  • Requested by the Ethiopian Communications Authority (ECA) for regulatory purposes
  • Requested by INSA for cybersecurity investigations
  • Required by Ethio Telecom for partner compliance verification
  • Necessary to enforce our Terms of Service or protect our rights

C. Business Transfers

In the event of a merger or acquisition, your information may be transferred to the new owner. We'll notify you before this happens.

D. Aggregated Data

We may share anonymized, statistical data that does not identify you personally for research or marketing purposes.


11. SMS Content Policy

As an authorized Ethio Telecom partner and ECA licensee, we comply with all Ethiopian communications regulations.

Prohibited Content

CategoryExamplesGamblingLottery promotions, betting, casino advertisingPolitical ContentCampaign messages, political endorsements, government criticismReligious ContentReligious promotion, proselytizing, religious hate speechAdult ContentInappropriate, obscene, or sexually explicit materialIllegal ActivitiesContent promoting violence, crime, or illegal actsUnsolicited MarketingMessages sent without explicit recipient consent

Sender ID Requirements

  • All Sender IDs must be pre-registered with Ethio Telecom
  • Registration takes approximately 10 working days
  • Only registered Sender IDs will be permitted
  • Using unregistered Sender IDs may result in suspension of your account

Marketing Messages

  • Opt-in required: Explicit consent from recipients before sending marketing messages
  • Opt-out required: Every marketing message must include a clear "STOP" or "UNSUBSCRIBE" option
  • Timing restriction: Marketing messages may only be sent between 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM EAT

Rate Limits

  • Maximum 10 messages per second per campaign
  • Maximum 500 messages per day for unregistered Sender IDs
  • Higher limits available for pre-registered Sender IDs

Content Monitoring

  • We monitor SMS content for compliance with ECA and Ethio Telecom regulations
  • We block or reject messages that violate this policy
  • We suspend accounts that repeatedly violate these terms

12. International Data Transfers

Your information may be stored on servers in Ethiopia or other countries where our service providers operate. Data protection laws in other countries may differ from Ethiopian law.

We take appropriate measures to protect your information when it's transferred internationally:

  • Using Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) with service providers
  • Ensuring adequate security measures are in place
  • Limiting transfers to countries with recognized data protection frameworks

By using our service, you consent to this international data transfer.


13. Data Breach Notification

Under Ethiopian law, we are required to notify the Ethiopian Communications Authority (ECA) within 72 hours of becoming aware of a personal data breach that poses a risk to your rights and freedoms.

If a breach is likely to result in a high risk to your rights and freedoms, we will also notify you directly.


14. Children's Privacy

Our service is not intended for individuals under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect information from anyone under 18.

If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately. We will take steps to delete this information promptly.


15. Cookies

We use cookies to improve your experience on our platform.

What Are Cookies? Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit a website. They help us remember you and make your experience smoother.

Cookie TypePurposeEssential CookiesRequired for service to work (login, session management)Preference CookiesRemember your settings and preferencesAnalytics CookiesHelp us understand how you use our platformSecurity CookiesHelp protect your account from fraud

Managing Cookies: You can control cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling essential cookies may prevent you from using certain features of our service.


16. Links to Other Websites

Our platform may contain links to third-party websites. This Privacy Policy only applies to 251SMS. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of other websites, and we encourage you to review their privacy policies.


17. Updates to This Privacy Policy

Type of ChangeNotification MethodMinor updatesPosting updated policy on websiteMajor changesEmail notification to registered addressCritical changesEmail + prominent notice on platform

The "Effective Date" at the top shows when the latest version was published. Continued use after the effective date means you accept the updated policy.


18. How to Contact Us

General Inquiries

📧 Email: info@251sms.com

📞 Phone: +2519615153553

🌐 Website: https://251sms.com

📍 Address: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

📋 TIN: 0019295802

Privacy-Specific Contacts

  • Data Protection Officer: Available upon request
  • Privacy Requests: info@251sms.com (access, deletion, correction)
  • Complaints: info@251sms.com (grievance redressal)

Regulatory Authorities

AuthorityRoleWebsiteEthiopian Communications Authority (ECA)Primary telecom and data protection regulatorhttps://www.eca.gov.etInformation Network Security Administration (INSA)National cybersecurity authorityhttps://www.insa.gov.et

19. Acknowledgment

By using the 251SMS platform, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to the practices described in this Privacy Policy.


📋 Quick Reference Card

Access my data

info@251sms.com

Correct my data

info@251sms.com

Delete my account

info@251sms.com (subject: "Delete My Account")

Deactivate my account

info@251sms.com (subject: "Deactivate My Account")

Unsubscribe from marketing

Click "Unsubscribe" in any marketing email

Report a security issue

info@251sms.com

File a complaint

info@251sms.com

Lodge a regulatory complaint

Contact ECA directly

© 2026 WABEKA ICT SOLUTIONS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Part of the 251SMS Enterprise Messaging Platform

📶 Authorized Ethio Telecom Partner • 📜 ECA Licensed • 🛡️ INSA Security Audit Certified • 🔄 Bi-Annual Audits

TIN: 0019295802