PRIVACY POLICY How we protect and respect your privacy Last updated: January 2025 This policy applies to South African users INTRODUCTION Neighborly ("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 mobile application and services. INFORMATION WE COLLECT We collect information you provide directly to us and information we obtain automatically: Personal Information: Name, email, phone number, ID number, address Profile Information: Service categories, qualifications, experience, photos Location Data: Town, suburb, GPS coordinates for service matching Communication Data: Messages, reviews, ratings, dispute reports Device Information: Device type, operating system, unique device identifiers Usage Data: How you interact with our app, features used, time spent HOW WE USE YOUR INFORMATION We use the information we collect to: - Provide and maintain our platform services - Match service providers with clients based on location and needs - Facilitate communication and job completion - Verify user identities and service qualifications - Process payments through third-party providers - Send important updates and respond to your inquiries - Improve our services and develop new features - Ensure platform security and prevent fraud - Comply with legal obligations INFORMATION SHARING AND DISCLOSURE We may share your information in the following circumstances: - With other users: Service providers and clients as necessary for service provision - Service Providers: Third parties who help us operate our platform (hosting, analytics) - Legal Requirements: When required by law or to protect our rights - Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets - Consent: With your explicit permission DATA SECURITY We implement robust security measures to protect your information: - Encryption of data in transit and at rest - Secure cloud infrastructure with regular security audits - Access controls limiting employee access to personal data - Regular security training for our team - Incident response plan for data breaches - Regular backups with secure storage DATA RETENTION We retain your information for the following periods: - Account Data: As long as your account is active - Inactive Accounts: 3 years after last activity - Communication Records: 5 years for dispute resolution - Legal Requirements: As required by South African law - Marketing Data: Until you unsubscribe YOUR RIGHTS AND CHOICES Under South African law, you have the following rights: Access - Request a copy of your personal information Correction - Request correction of inaccurate information Deletion - Request deletion of your data ("right to be forgotten") Portability - Request your data in a portable format Objection - Object to processing in certain circumstances Withdraw Consent - Withdraw consent for data processing Complaint - Lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator COOKIES AND TRACKING TECHNOLOGIES We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience: - Essential Cookies: Required for platform functionality - Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how you use our app - Marketing Cookies: Used for targeted communications (with consent) - You can control cookie preferences through your device settings THIRD-PARTY SERVICES Our platform integrates with third-party services: - Payment Processors: For secure payment handling - Verification Services: For identity and qualification checks - Analytics Services: For platform improvement - Communication Services: For in-app messaging - These services have their own privacy policies INTERNATIONAL DATA TRANSFERS Your data is primarily stored in South Africa. Any international transfers are conducted in compliance with POPIA and include appropriate safeguards such as standard contractual clauses. CHILDREN'S PRIVACY Our services are not intended for individuals under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18. If we become aware that we have collected such information, we will delete it immediately. CHANGES TO THIS POLICY We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. We will notify you of material changes through: - In-app notifications - Email communications - Updates to our website - Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance CONTACT US If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices: Email: privacy@neighborly.co.za Phone: Available through the app support system Mail: [Physical address to be provided] Information Regulator: informationregulator.org.za COMPLAINTS PROCESS If you believe we have not adequately addressed your privacy concerns: - Contact our Privacy Officer at privacy@neighborly.co.za - Escalate to the Information Regulator of South Africa - Provide details of your complaint for investigation - We aim to resolve complaints within 30 days YOUR PRIVACY IS PROTECTED We are committed to protecting your personal information and complying with South African data protection laws. Your trust is important to us, and we handle your data with the utmost care and respect.