Privacy Policy

Last modified: July 2, 2025

We at Softmeet, operated by Softtechz Technology PTY LTD (together with our affiliates, "Softmeet", "we", "our" or "us") respect your privacy and are strongly committed to keeping secure any information we obtain from you or about you. This Privacy Policy describes our practices with respect to Personal Information we collect from or about you when you access Softmeet and its affiliates' websites (collectively, the "Site"), or use Softmeet and its affiliates' products and services, including application programming interfaces, associated software, tools, developer services, data and documentation (collectively, the "Services").

IMPORTANT: DATA USAGE AND STORAGE NOTICE

Softmeet operates a hybrid data model to provide both free and premium services:

Data-Free Services (Stored on Softmeet Servers)

The following services are provided data-free where applicable network agreements exist:

• Text messaging and chat - Stored in our South African servers
• Basic profile information (text-based)
• Website navigation and browsing
• User authentication and login
• Account management functions

Data-Required Services (Third-Party Cloud Storage)

The following services require active data connection and are stored with third-party cloud providers:

• Image uploads and viewing - Stored on DigitalOcean Spaces
• Video uploads and viewing - Stored on DigitalOcean Spaces
• Voice note recording and playback - Stored on DigitalOcean Spaces
• File sharing and downloads - Stored on DigitalOcean Spaces
• Video and voice calls - Processed through Agora.io services
• Profile pictures and cover photos - Stored on DigitalOcean Spaces
• Marketplace media content - Stored on DigitalOcean Spaces

By using media features, you acknowledge that these services require active data connection and will consume your data allowance.

1. COLLECTION OF YOUR INFORMATION

We may collect information about you in a variety of ways. We automatically collect certain information about persons from their smartphone or other device when they use, access, or interact with our Services.

Personal Data

Demographic and other personally identifiable information (such as your Name, Profile Picture, Phone Number, and payment information) that you voluntarily provide to us when choosing to participate in various activities related to the Application, such as chat, posting messages, marketplace transactions, affiliate programs, sending feedback, and responding to surveys.

Storage Locations:

Text-based personal data: Stored on Softmeet servers in South Africa
Profile pictures and media: Stored on DigitalOcean Spaces (requires data to access)
Financial information: Stored securely with encrypted payment processors

Personal Information Provided Directly

• Full name and display name
• Password (encrypted and hashed using industry-standard protocols)
• Email address
• Phone number (for authentication purposes only)
• Organization name (optional)
• Text messages (stored on Softmeet servers - data-free access where applicable)
• Contact list (local device only, never uploaded to servers)
• Files, Audio, Video & Gallery (stored on DigitalOcean Spaces - requires data)
• Payment and banking information (for marketplace and affiliate services)
• Identity verification documents (when required for compliance)
• Transaction history and financial records

Information Collected Automatically

• Device information (type, operating system, unique device identifiers)
• Usage analytics and interaction patterns
• IP address and general location data
• Network and connectivity information
• Application performance and error logs
• Session duration and frequency of use

Third-Party Cloud Storage (DigitalOcean)

Media files including images, videos, audio recordings, and documents are stored with DigitalOcean Spaces, a third-party cloud storage provider with global data centers. This storage:

• Requires active internet connection to access
• Uses your data allowance when uploading or viewing
• Is subject to DigitalOcean's terms of service and privacy policy
• Provides enhanced performance and global accessibility
• Implements enterprise-level security measures

Contact List Permissions

Softmeet requests permission to sync with your device Contact List to allow you to select contacts to start chats with. Your Contact List is never uploaded to our servers or third-party services. Individual contacts are checked against our database locally to see if they're registered users, but the full contact list remains on your device only.

Audio & Video Recording Permissions

Required for voice/video calling through Agora.io services and voice message recording. These services require active data connection and will consume your data allowance.

Phone Number

Only collected for OTP authentication purposes. Transmitted securely to OTP generation systems using end-to-end encryption protocols.

Geo-Location Information

Collected only when you explicitly choose to share your location in chat messages. Location sharing requires active data connection and is never collected without your explicit consent.

Financial and Transaction Data

For marketplace and affiliate services, we collect:

• Bank account details for payments and withdrawals
• Transaction history and payment records
• Tax identification numbers (where required by law)
• Identity verification documents for compliance
• Commission and earnings data

2. USE OF YOUR INFORMATION

We use collected information for the following purposes:

Service Delivery

• Text-based communication services (data-free where applicable)
• Media storage and delivery through DigitalOcean Spaces (requires data)
• Real-time communication through Agora.io (requires data)
• Marketplace transaction processing and escrow services
• Affiliate program management and commission tracking

Account Management

• User authentication and account security
• Identity verification for financial services
• Customer support and technical assistance
• Account recovery and password resets

Business Operations

• Payment processing and financial transactions
• Fraud prevention and security monitoring
• Legal compliance and regulatory reporting
• Tax reporting and documentation

Service Improvement

• Analytics and usage pattern analysis
• Performance optimization and bug fixes
• New feature development and testing
• User experience enhancement

Legal and Compliance

• Compliance with applicable laws and regulations
• Response to legal requests and court orders
• Investigation of potential violations
• Protection of our rights and interests

3. DATA STORAGE AND PROCESSING LOCATIONS

Softmeet Servers (South Africa)

• Text messages and chat history
• User account information (non-media)
• Application logic and databases
• Authentication data
• Financial transaction records
• Affiliate program data

DigitalOcean Spaces (Global Data Centers)

• All uploaded media files (images, videos, audio)
• Profile pictures and cover photos
• Shared files and documents
• Marketplace product images
• Access requires active internet connection and consumes user data

Agora.io Services (Global)

• Real-time video and voice call processing
• Requires active internet connection and consumes user data

Payment Processors (Various Locations)

• Encrypted payment and banking information
• Transaction processing data
• Compliance and verification records

4. DISCLOSURE OF YOUR INFORMATION

Third-Party Service Providers

We share information with trusted third-party providers:

DigitalOcean Spaces:

• Media files for storage and global delivery
• Subject to DigitalOcean's privacy policy and terms
• Located in multiple global data centers for optimal performance

Agora.io:

• Real-time communication data for voice/video calls
• Subject to Agora's privacy policy and terms
• Global service with servers worldwide

Payment Processors:

• Banking and payment information for transaction processing
• Identity verification data for compliance
• Subject to PCI DSS and financial industry security standards

Other Service Providers:

• Email delivery services for notifications
• Analytics providers for service improvement
• Customer service platforms
• Legal and compliance service providers

Legal Disclosures

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

• Comply with legal processes, court orders, or government requests
• Enforce our Terms of Service and other agreements
• Protect the rights, property, or safety of Softmeet, users, or others
• Investigate fraud, security breaches, or other violations
• Respond to emergency situations

Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, user information may be transferred as part of the transaction. We will notify users of any such transfer and any changes to this Privacy Policy.

User Interactions

• Text conversations: Visible only to conversation participants
• Media sharing: Delivered through DigitalOcean infrastructure
• Profile information: Basic details visible to other users as configured
• Marketplace transactions: Relevant information shared between buyers and sellers
• Public content: Information you choose to make publicly available

5. DATA USAGE TRANSPARENCY

What Consumes Your Data:

• Uploading or viewing images, videos, files
• Voice note recording and playback
• Video/voice calls through Agora.io
• Downloading shared files
• Loading profile pictures and media content
• Accessing marketplace product images
• Streaming or downloading any media content

What Doesn't Consume Your Data (where data-free agreements exist):

• Text messaging and chat
• Basic profile browsing (text only)
• Website navigation
• Account management functions
• Basic marketplace browsing (text-based listings)

Note: Data-free access depends on specific agreements with network providers and may not be available on all networks or in all regions.

6. YOUR DATA RIGHTS

Access and Portability

• Request a copy of your personal data in a structured, machine-readable format
• Access your account information through account settings
• Download your data for transfer to another service

Correction and Updates

• Update your account information through account settings
• Contact support to correct inaccurate information
• Modify privacy preferences and communication settings

Deletion Rights

• Delete your account and associated data
• Request removal of specific data categories
• Exercise "right to be forgotten" where applicable

Account Management

You may review, update, or delete your account information by:

• Logging into account settings
• Contacting support@softmeet.co.za
• Using in-app data management tools

Data Deletion

Upon account termination:

• Text data: Removed from Softmeet servers within 30 days
• Media files: Removed from DigitalOcean Spaces within 30 days
• Financial records: Retained for legal compliance periods (minimum 5 years)
• Some information may be retained for: Legal compliance, fraud prevention, investigation assistance, and tax reporting requirements

Opting Out

• Media services: Choose not to upload or view media (text communication remains available)
• Marketing communications: Opt out through account settings or contact us
• Push notifications: Disable in device settings
• Data collection: Limit certain data collection through privacy settings
• Third-party sharing: Opt out of non-essential third-party data sharing

7. SECURITY MEASURES

We implement comprehensive technical, administrative, and organizational security measures:

Technical Safeguards

• Encryption: Data encrypted in transit and at rest using industry-standard protocols
• Access controls: Multi-factor authentication and role-based access
• Network security: Firewalls, intrusion detection, and monitoring systems
• Regular security audits: Vulnerability assessments and penetration testing

Administrative Safeguards

• Employee training: Regular security awareness and privacy training
• Background checks: Screening for personnel with access to sensitive data
• Incident response: Documented procedures for security breach response
• Data minimization: Collection and retention of only necessary data

Organizational Safeguards

• Privacy by design: Privacy considerations built into system development
• Vendor management: Due diligence and contracts with third-party providers
• Compliance monitoring: Regular assessment of privacy and security practices
• Documentation: Maintained records of processing activities

Storage Security

• Softmeet servers: Enterprise-level security with encrypted storage
• DigitalOcean: Enterprise-level cloud security with global compliance certifications
• Agora.io: End-to-end encrypted communication protocols
• Payment systems: PCI DSS compliant payment processing

Important: No security system is 100% secure. While we implement industry-standard security measures, you use our services at your own risk and should take appropriate precautions to protect your information.

8. INTERNATIONAL DATA TRANSFERS

Your data may be transferred internationally to provide our services:

Data Locations

• Text data: Primarily stored in South Africa
• Media data: Stored globally via DigitalOcean for optimal performance
• Call data: Processed globally through Agora.io network
• Payment data: Processed in various jurisdictions as required

Transfer Safeguards

• Adequacy decisions: Transfers to countries with adequate data protection
• Standard contractual clauses: EU-approved data transfer mechanisms
• Binding corporate rules: Internal policies ensuring data protection
• Certification programs: Adherence to international privacy frameworks

By using our services, you explicitly consent to these international transfers and processing.

9. DATA RETENTION

We retain your information for different periods based on the type of data and legal requirements:

Account Data

• Active accounts: Retained while account remains active
• Deleted accounts: Most data deleted within 30 days
• Legal compliance: Some data retained for 5-7 years as required by law

Communication Data

• Text messages: Retained until account deletion or user deletion
• Media files: Retained until user deletion or account termination
• Call logs: Basic metadata retained for service improvement (no content)

Financial Data

• Transaction records: Retained for minimum 5 years for tax and legal compliance
• Payment information: Retained as required for payment processing and compliance
• Identity verification: Retained as required by financial regulations

Marketing Data

• Opt-out requests: Permanently retained to honor your preferences
• Analytics data: Aggregated and anonymized after 2 years

10. CHILDREN'S PRIVACY

We are committed to protecting children's privacy and do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 years of age (or the applicable age of digital consent in your jurisdiction).

If You Are Under 13

• Do not create an account or use our services
• Do not provide any personal information
• Ask a parent or guardian for permission before using any online service

If You Are a Parent or Guardian

• Monitor your child's online activities
• Contact us immediately if you believe your child has provided information: support@softmeet.co.za
• We will promptly delete any information collected from children under 13

Parental Controls

• Parents may request access to their child's information
• Parents may request correction or deletion of their child's data
• We may require verification of parental relationship before taking action

11. CHANGES TO PRIVACY POLICY

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or business operations.

Notification of Changes

• Minor changes: Posted on our website with updated date
• Material changes: Email notification to registered users
• Significant changes: Prominent notice and opportunity to review before acceptance

Your Options

• Continued use: Constitutes acceptance of revised policy
• Disagreement: You may delete your account before changes take effect
• Review period: Material changes include 30-day review period where possible

Version Control

• Previous versions available upon request
• Change log maintained for significant modifications
• Effective dates clearly indicated for all versions

12. LIABILITY AND DATA USAGE COSTS

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS

Data Usage Responsibility

• User responsibility: You are solely responsible for all data costs associated with media uploads, downloads, and viewing
• No liability: Softmeet is not liable for data charges incurred through use of DigitalOcean, Agora.io, or other third-party services
• Network dependent: Data-free access applies only to text-based features where network agreements exist
• Verification required: Users should verify data-free status with their network provider

Third-Party Service Limitations

• Independent services: DigitalOcean and Agora.io services are subject to their respective terms and privacy policies
• Availability: Service availability depends on third-party infrastructure beyond our control
• No responsibility: Softmeet is not responsible for third-party service outages, data costs, or privacy practices
• User agreements: Users are bound by third-party terms when using these services

Network Agreement Dependencies

• Provider specific: Data-free access depends on agreements between Softmeet and individual network providers
• Limited availability: Not all networks may offer data-free access to text services
• Subject to change: Data-free agreements may change without notice
• User verification: Users should independently verify data-free status

Privacy Incident Response

In the event of a data breach or privacy incident:

• Immediate response: We will take immediate steps to contain the incident
• Investigation: Thorough investigation to determine scope and cause
• Notification: Users and authorities notified as required by law
• Remediation: Appropriate measures taken to prevent future incidents

13. INTERNATIONAL COMPLIANCE

We are committed to compliance with applicable privacy laws and regulations:

South African Compliance

• POPIA: Protection of Personal Information Act compliance
• RICA: Regulation of Interception of Communications Act compliance
• Local data residency: Text data stored in South Africa where possible

International Standards

• GDPR: General Data Protection Regulation compliance for EU users
• Privacy frameworks: Adherence to international privacy principles
• Cross-border transfers: Appropriate safeguards for international data transfers

Regional Considerations

• Local laws: Compliance with applicable local privacy laws
• Cultural sensitivity: Respect for local privacy expectations
• Language: Key privacy information available in local languages where required

14. CONTACT INFORMATION

For questions about this Privacy Policy, to exercise your data rights, or to report privacy concerns:

General Inquiries

Softmeet - Softtechz Technology PTY LTD
Unit 7, 49 De Havilland Crescent, Persequor
Pretoria, South Africa
Email: support@softmeet.co.za
Website: https://softmeet.co.za

Privacy-Specific Inquiries

Data Protection Officer
Email: privacy@softmeet.co.za
Phone: [To be added]

Legal and Compliance

Legal Department
Email: legal@softmeet.co.za

Response Times

• General inquiries: 3-5 business days
• Privacy rights requests: 30 days maximum
• Urgent privacy concerns: 24-48 hours

This Privacy Policy is effective as of July 2, 2025, and supersedes all previous versions.

© 2025 Softtechz Technology PTY LTD. All rights reserved.