Privacy Policy

Last Updated: January 11, 2025

At Homie, operated by K2024249025 (SOUTH AFRICA), we are committed to protecting your privacy and personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our platform, in compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) of South Africa and other applicable privacy laws.

Please read this privacy policy carefully. If you do not agree with the terms of this privacy policy, please do not access or use the platform.

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Personal Information

We collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us when you register on the platform, book services, or contact us. This may include:

Identity Information: Full name, date of birth, South African ID number, passport details
Contact Information: Email address, phone number, physical address
Financial Information: Banking details, payment card information, billing address
Profile Information: Profile photos, service preferences, cleaning requirements
Verification Information: Identity documents, proof of address, professional certifications (for Service Agents)
Communication Records: Messages, reviews, ratings, support communications

1.2 Automatically Collected Information

When you access our platform, we automatically collect certain information about your device and usage:

Device Information: Device type, operating system, browser type and version, unique device identifiers
Usage Information: Pages visited, time spent on pages, click patterns, search queries
Location Information: IP address-based location, GPS location (with permission)
Technical Information: Log files, cookies, web beacons, and similar technologies

1.3 Information from Third Parties

We may receive information about you from third parties, including:

Background check providers and verification services
Payment processors and financial institutions
Social media platforms (if you choose to connect your accounts)
Marketing partners and analytics providers

2. How We Use Your Information

We process your personal information for the following purposes, based on legitimate interests, contractual necessity, or your consent:

2.1 Service Provision

Creating and managing your account
Facilitating bookings and matching Clients with Service Agents
Processing payments and managing transactions
Providing customer support and resolving disputes
Verifying identity and conducting background checks

2.2 Communication

Sending service-related notifications and updates
Responding to your inquiries and support requests
Sending marketing communications (with your consent)
Conducting surveys and collecting feedback

2.3 Platform Improvement and Analytics

Analyzing usage patterns to improve our services
Developing new features and functionality
Conducting research and analytics
Personalizing your experience on the platform

2.4 Legal and Security Purposes

Complying with legal obligations and regulatory requirements
Preventing fraud, abuse, and illegal activities
Protecting the safety and security of users
Enforcing our Terms and Conditions
Responding to legal requests and court orders

3. Legal Basis for Processing (POPIA Compliance)

Under POPIA, we process your personal information based on the following legal grounds:

Consent: Where you have given clear consent for specific processing activities
Contract Performance: To fulfill our contractual obligations to provide services
Legitimate Interests: For our legitimate business interests, balanced against your privacy rights
Legal Compliance: To comply with South African laws and regulations
Vital Interests: To protect your vital interests or those of others

We may share your personal information in the following circumstances:

4.1 Service Facilitation

Between Users: We share necessary contact and service information between Clients and Service Agents to facilitate bookings
Public Reviews: Reviews and ratings may be publicly displayed (without revealing personal contact information)

4.2 Third-Party Service Providers

We share information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating our platform:

Payment Processors: To process payments and prevent fraud
Background Check Providers: To verify Service Agent credentials
Cloud Storage Providers: To store and manage data securely
Analytics Providers: To analyze platform usage and performance
Communication Services: To send notifications and support communications
Marketing Partners: To deliver targeted advertising (with your consent)

4.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information when required by law or to:

Comply with legal processes, court orders, or government requests
Enforce our Terms and Conditions
Protect our rights, property, or safety, or that of our users
Investigate and prevent fraud or illegal activities
Respond to emergencies involving personal safety

4.4 Business Transfers

In connection with a merger, acquisition, sale of assets, or other business transaction, your information may be transferred as a business asset, subject to appropriate confidentiality protections.

5. Data Security

We implement comprehensive security measures to protect your personal information:

5.1 Technical Safeguards

Encryption of data in transit and at rest using industry-standard protocols
Secure servers with regular security updates and monitoring
Multi-factor authentication for administrative access
Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments
Secure payment processing through PCI-compliant providers

5.2 Organizational Safeguards

Access controls limiting employee access to personal information
Regular staff training on privacy and security practices
Confidentiality agreements with employees and contractors
Incident response procedures for data breaches
Regular review and updating of security policies

Important: While we implement robust security measures, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security but are committed to protecting your information using industry best practices.

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law:

Active Accounts: Information is retained while your account is active
Inactive Accounts: Information may be retained for up to 7 years after account closure for legal and business purposes
Financial Records: Payment and transaction records are retained for 7 years as required by South African law
Legal Compliance: Some information may be retained longer to comply with legal obligations
Marketing Data: Marketing communications data is retained until you opt out or for 3 years, whichever is sooner

7. Your Privacy Rights (POPIA Rights)

Under POPIA and other applicable privacy laws, you have the following rights regarding your personal information:

7.1 Right of Access

You have the right to request confirmation of whether we process your personal information and to access that information, including details about how it's processed.

7.2 Right to Correction

You can request correction of inaccurate or incomplete personal information. You can update most information directly through your account settings.

7.3 Right to Deletion

You can request deletion of your personal information, subject to certain exceptions (such as legal compliance requirements or legitimate business interests).

7.4 Right to Object

You can object to processing of your personal information for direct marketing purposes or where processing is based on legitimate interests.

7.5 Right to Restriction

You can request restriction of processing in certain circumstances, such as when you contest the accuracy of the information.

7.6 Right to Data Portability

You can request to receive your personal information in a structured, commonly used format, or request that we transfer it to another service provider.

Where processing is based on consent, you can withdraw your consent at any time. This won't affect the lawfulness of processing before withdrawal.

7.8 How to Exercise Your Rights

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the information provided in Section 12. We will respond to your request within 30 days as required by POPIA.

8. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience on our platform. For detailed information about our use of cookies, please see our Cookie Policy.

Essential Cookies: Necessary for the platform to function properly
Performance Cookies: Help us understand how you use our platform
Functionality Cookies: Remember your preferences and settings
Marketing Cookies: Used to deliver relevant advertisements (with your consent)

You can control cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling certain cookies may affect the functionality of our platform.

9. International Data Transfers

Your personal information may be transferred to and processed in countries outside of South Africa, including countries that may not have the same level of data protection laws. When we transfer your information internationally, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, such as:

Standard contractual clauses approved by data protection authorities
Adequacy decisions recognizing equivalent protection levels
Certification schemes and codes of conduct
Your explicit consent for specific transfers

10. Children's Privacy

Our platform is not intended for individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately. If we discover that we have collected personal information from a child under 18, we will delete that information promptly.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. We will notify you of material changes by:

Posting the updated policy on our platform with a new "Last Updated" date
Sending you an email notification (if you have provided your email address)
Displaying a prominent notice on our platform
For significant changes, requesting your renewed consent where required by law

Your continued use of the platform after the effective date of the updated Privacy Policy constitutes your acceptance of the changes.

12. Contact Information

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

12.1 Data Protection Officer

Email: privacy@homie.co.za

General Contact: hello@homie.co.za

WhatsApp: +27 79 551 0425

Website: https://homie.co.za

Response Time: We will respond to privacy-related inquiries within 30 days

12.2 Regulatory Complaints

If you believe we have not adequately addressed your privacy concerns, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator of South Africa:

Information Regulator (South Africa)

Website: https://inforegulator.org.za

Email: complaints.IR@justice.gov.za

Phone: +27 12 406 4818

13. Company Information

Data Controller: K2024249025 (SOUTH AFRICA)

CIPC Registration: 2024/249025/07

Registered Address: As per CIPC records

Your Privacy Matters

We are committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information responsibly. This Privacy Policy reflects our commitment to transparency and compliance with South African privacy laws, including POPIA. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us.