1. Introduction
Matchy ("we," "our," or "us") is 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, mobile applications, and services (collectively, the "Service").
By using Matchy, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy. We comply with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) of South Africa and other applicable data protection laws.
2. Information We Collect
2.1 Information You Provide
- Account Information: Name, email address, phone number, ID number, and facial verification data
- Property Information: Property details, photos, location data, pricing, and property descriptions
- Transaction Information: Offers, negotiations, communications, and transaction documents
- Professional Information: Business details, credentials, service categories, coverage areas, and rates
- Communication Data: Messages, chat history, and communications with other users
- Payment Information: Billing details, subscription information, and transaction records
2.2 Information Automatically Collected
- Device Information: Device type, operating system, unique device identifiers, and mobile network information
- Usage Data: Pages visited, features used, search queries, time spent, and interaction patterns
- Location Data: GPS coordinates, IP address, and location-based services data
- Technical Data: Log files, error reports, performance data, and crash reports
2.3 Information from Third Parties
- Information from social media platforms if you connect your account
- Verification data from professional licensing bodies
- Credit and background check information (with your consent)
3. How We Use Your Information
We use the collected information for the following purposes:
- Service Provision: To provide, maintain, and improve our platform and services
- User Authentication: To verify your identity and maintain account security
- Property Matching: To match buyers with relevant properties based on preferences and behavior
- Communication: To facilitate messaging between users and transaction coordination
- Transaction Management: To process offers, manage transactions, and coordinate professional services
- Professional Services: To connect users with verified professionals and manage job assignments
- Notifications: To send you updates, alerts, and important information about your account and transactions
- Analytics: To analyze usage patterns, improve features, and enhance user experience
- Security: To detect, prevent, and address fraud, security issues, and violations
- Legal Compliance: To comply with legal obligations, including POPIA and other regulations
- Marketing: To send promotional communications (with your consent) and personalize content
4. How We Share Your Information
We may share your information in the following circumstances:
4.1 With Other Users
- Property listings are visible to buyers and other users as intended
- Your profile information is shared when you communicate with other users
- Transaction information is shared with parties involved in the transaction
4.2 With Service Providers
- Cloud hosting and infrastructure providers
- Payment processors and financial service providers
- Analytics and monitoring services
- Customer support and communication tools
4.3 With Professionals
- When you engage professional services, relevant information is shared with the selected professional
- Professional profiles are visible to users seeking their services
4.4 Legal Requirements
- When required by law, court order, or government regulation
- To protect our rights, property, or safety, or that of our users
- In connection with legal proceedings or investigations
4.5 Business Transfers
- In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets
- Your information may be transferred to the acquiring entity
5. Data Security
We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your information:
- Encryption: AES-256 encryption for data at rest and TLS 1.2+ for data in transit
- Access Controls: Role-based access controls and authentication mechanisms
- Monitoring: Continuous monitoring for security threats and unauthorized access
- Backups: Regular secure backups across multiple regions
- Audit Trails: Comprehensive logging of all data access and modifications
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.
6. Your Rights Under POPIA
As a data subject, you have the following rights:
- Right to Access: Request access to your personal information we hold
- Right to Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
- Right to Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal obligations)
- Right to Object: Object to processing of your personal information for certain purposes
- Right to Restrict Processing: Request restriction of processing in certain circumstances
- Right to Data Portability: Request transfer of your data to another service provider
- Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent for processing where consent is the legal basis
- Right to Lodge a Complaint: Lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator
To exercise these rights, please contact us at privacy@matchy.co.za.
7. Data Retention
We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to:
- Provide our services and maintain your account
- Comply with legal obligations and regulatory requirements
- Resolve disputes and enforce our agreements
- Maintain transaction records for audit and compliance purposes
When you delete your account, we will delete or anonymize your personal information, except where we are required to retain it for legal or regulatory purposes.
8. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to:
- Remember your preferences and settings
- Analyze usage patterns and improve our services
- Provide personalized content and advertisements
- Ensure security and prevent fraud
You can control cookies through your browser settings, but this may affect the functionality of our platform.
9. 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 collected information from a child, please contact us immediately.
10. International Data Transfers
Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than South Africa. We ensure that appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information in accordance with this Privacy Policy and applicable data protection laws.
11. Third-Party Links
Our platform may contain links to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third parties. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any information.
12. 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 Privacy Policy on this page
- Updating the "Last Updated" date
- Sending you an email notification (for significant changes)
- Displaying a notice on our platform
Your continued use of our services after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
13. Contact Us
If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:
- Email: privacy@matchy.co.za
- Phone: +27 (0)11 123 4567
- Address: 123 Main Street, Sandton, Johannesburg, 2196, South Africa
For complaints under POPIA, you may also contact the Information Regulator: