Privacy Policy
Last Update: 11 January 2025
1. Introduction
At Woxi, your privacy is a top priority. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your personal information when you access or use our platform, including our website and mobile application.
By using Woxi, you agree to the terms outlined in this Privacy Policy. We are committed to complying with all applicable data protection laws, including South Africa's Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), to ensure that your personal data is handled securely and responsibly.
This policy applies to all users of our platform, including clients seeking services and service providers offering their expertise. Please read it carefully to understand how we protect your information and your rights regarding your data.
2. Information We Collect
At Woxi, we collect various types of information to ensure the functionality, efficiency, and reliability of our platform. The information we collect falls into the following categories:
2.1 Personal Information
This is information that identifies you as an individual. We collect this information when you voluntarily provide it during registration, booking a service, or contacting us. Examples include:
Contact Details: Full name, email address, phone number.
Account Information: Username, password, and profile details.
Payment Information: Billing address, credit/debit card details, or other payment method details.
Service History: Records of services booked or provided through the platform.
2.2 Non-Personal Information
This is information that does not directly identify you and is collected automatically when you use our platform. Examples include:
Device Information: Type of device, operating system, browser type, and version.
Usage Data: Pages viewed, time spent on the platform, navigation paths, and other actions taken.
Location Data: General geographic location based on IP address or device settings (if enabled).
2.3 Information from Third Parties
In some cases, we may collect information about you from third-party sources to enhance our services or verify your identity. Examples include:
Social Media: Information shared with us when you use social media login options.
Background Checks: Data from verification services (for service providers) to ensure trust and safety.
Payment Processors: Transaction details for orders placed on the platform.
2.4 Cookies and Tracking Technologies
We use cookies, web beacons, and similar technologies to collect information about your activity on our platform. This helps us:
Recognize you when you return to our platform.
Customize your user experience.
Track website performance and improve functionality.
Why We Collect This Information
We collect the above information to:
Facilitate seamless connections between clients and service providers.
Process bookings, payments, and other transactions securely.
Improve our platform’s functionality and user experience.
Communicate updates, promotions, or important notifications.
Comply with legal obligations and ensure the safety of all users.
3. How We Use Your Information
At Woxi, we prioritize using your personal information responsibly and transparently. Below are the ways we utilize the information you provide to enhance your experience on our platform:
Facilitating Service Bookings
To match you with the most suitable service providers based on your requirements.
To enable seamless communication between you and the service providers.
Processing Transactions
To securely process payments and manage billing for services.
To ensure accurate records for refunds, cancellations, or other financial transactions.
Providing Customer Support
To address inquiries, resolve complaints, and improve user satisfaction.
To provide assistance with account management and service-related issues.
Improving Platform Functionality
To analyze user behavior and preferences for platform optimization.
To develop new features, improve usability, and enhance your overall experience.
Ensuring Security and Fraud Prevention
To verify the identities of users and service providers.
To monitor and prevent unauthorized access, fraud, or misuse of our platform.
Sending Updates and Notifications
To keep you informed about your service requests, bookings, and payments.
To notify you about changes to our terms, policies, or other important updates.
Marketing and Promotional Purposes
To send promotional offers, discounts, or service recommendations tailored to your interests (with your consent).
To improve our marketing strategies by understanding customer trends and preferences.
Compliance with Legal Obligations
To comply with applicable laws, regulations, and legal processes.
To cooperate with law enforcement or regulatory authorities when required.
4. Sharing Your Information
At Woxi, we value your trust and are committed to handling your personal information responsibly. We may share your information with third parties in the following situations:
4.1. Service Providers
To deliver our services, we may share your information with trusted third-party providers, including:
Payment Processors: To facilitate secure transactions and payments.
Verification Partners: To authenticate user identity and ensure platform security.
Logistics or Operations Partners: For scheduling or managing service delivery.
All service providers are contractually obligated to protect your information and use it only for the intended purpose.
4.2. Service Providers Listed on the Platform
When you book a service through Woxi, we share the necessary details (e.g., your name, contact information, and service request) with the selected service provider to facilitate your booking and ensure quality service delivery.
4.3. Legal Obligations
We may disclose your personal information if required to do so by law or if we believe such action is necessary to:
Comply with legal processes or enforceable government requests.
Protect the rights, property, or safety of Woxi, its users, or the public.
Investigate and address fraudulent or unlawful activities.
4.4. Business Transfers
In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of all or a portion of Woxi’s assets, your information may be transferred as part of the business transaction. In such cases, we will notify you before your personal information becomes subject to a different privacy policy.
4.5. Marketing and Advertising Partners
With your consent, we may share limited, anonymized data with marketing or advertising partners to improve our services and provide you with relevant offers.
4.6. Aggregated or Anonymized Data
We may share aggregated or anonymized information that does not directly identify you with third parties for research, analytics, or other purposes.
4.7. Your Control Over Sharing
Where applicable, you have the right to opt out of specific sharing practices, such as:
Sharing information with marketing partners.
Providing data for non-essential analytics.
To manage your preferences, contact us at privacy@woxi.co.za or update your settings in your Woxi account.
5. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
At Woxi, we use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience on our platform, provide personalized services, and gather insights into how our platform is used. This section explains what cookies are, the types we use, and how you can manage your cookie preferences.
What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files stored on your device (computer, smartphone, or tablet) when you visit a website. They help us recognize your device, remember your preferences, and provide a seamless user experience.
Types of Cookies We Use
Essential Cookies
These cookies are necessary for the proper functioning of our platform. They enable features like secure login, navigation, and booking services. Without these cookies, our platform may not perform as intended.
Performance and Analytics Cookies
These cookies collect information about how users interact with our platform, such as pages visited, time spent, and error messages encountered. This data helps us analyze platform performance and improve functionality.
Functional Cookies
Functional cookies remember your preferences, such as language settings and saved login details, to provide a more personalized experience.
Targeting and Advertising Cookies
We use these cookies to deliver tailored advertisements based on your interests and browsing behavior. These cookies may also limit the number of times you see an ad and measure the effectiveness of our advertising campaigns.
Third-Party Cookies
Certain features on our platform, such as embedded content, social media sharing, or payment processing, may use cookies from third-party providers. These cookies are governed by the privacy policies of the respective providers.
Why We Use Cookies
To maintain the functionality of the platform.
To remember your preferences and enhance your user experience.
To provide personalized recommendations and content.
To analyze and improve platform performance.
To deliver targeted advertisements and marketing campaigns.
How to Manage Cookies
You can control and manage cookies through your browser settings or by adjusting preferences in our cookie management tool (if applicable). Please note:
Disabling essential cookies may affect the functionality of our platform.
You can typically delete cookies or block certain types of cookies through your browser.
To learn more about managing cookies, visit www.aboutcookies.org.
Tracking Technologies
In addition to cookies, we may use other technologies such as:
Web Beacons: Small graphic files that monitor user activity on specific pages.
Pixels: Code snippets that track conversions and measure the effectiveness of campaigns.
Analytics Tools: Tools like Google Analytics help us understand platform usage and improve services.
Your Consent
By using our platform, you consent to our use of cookies and tracking technologies as described in this Privacy Policy. If you have any questions or concerns about our use of cookies, please contact us at privacy@woxi.co.za.
6. Data Security
At Woxi, we take the security of your personal information seriously and implement a range of measures to protect it from unauthorized access, loss, misuse, or alteration.
Measures to Protect Your Data
Encryption:
All sensitive data, including payment information and personal details, is encrypted using industry-standard protocols such as SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) during transmission.
Secure Storage:
Your data is stored on secure servers with robust physical and digital safeguards, including firewalls and intrusion detection systems, to prevent unauthorized access.
Access Control:
Access to your personal information is restricted to authorized personnel only. These individuals are bound by strict confidentiality agreements and trained in data protection practices.
Regular Security Audits:
We conduct regular assessments of our systems and practices to identify and address potential vulnerabilities.
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):
For enhanced security, we encourage users to enable 2FA for their accounts to prevent unauthorized access.
Third-Party Security:
We work only with trusted third-party service providers who comply with data protection standards and use secure systems to process your information.
Your Role in Data Security
While we strive to protect your information, it is important that you take precautions to secure your account:
Use strong, unique passwords and update them regularly.
Avoid sharing your login credentials with others.
Notify us immediately if you suspect unauthorized access to your account.
Limitations of Data Security
Despite our best efforts, no system can be completely secure. By using Woxi, you acknowledge and accept that we cannot guarantee absolute security of your data.
Reporting Security Issues
If you notice any security vulnerabilities or breaches, please contact us immediately at security@woxi.co.za. Your feedback helps us continuously improve our systems and keep your information safe.
7. User Rights
At Woxi, we are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring transparency about how we handle your personal information. As a user of our platform, you have the following rights:
1. Right to Access Your Information
You have the right to request a copy of the personal information we hold about you. This includes:
Information you provided to us directly.
Data collected during your use of our platform.
How to Access:
To request your personal data, please contact us at privacy@woxi.co.za. We may ask for additional information to verify your identity before processing your request.
2. Right to Correct or Update Your Information
If any of your personal information is inaccurate, outdated, or incomplete, you have the right to request corrections.
How to Update:
You can update most of your personal information directly through your account settings. For further assistance, contact us at support@woxi.co.za.
3. Right to Request Deletion of Your Information
You have the right to request that we delete your personal data in the following situations:
The information is no longer necessary for the purposes it was collected.
You withdraw your consent for specific data processing activities.
You object to our use of your data for marketing or other purposes.
Limitations:
We may retain certain information for legal or regulatory compliance, fraud prevention, or dispute resolution.
How to Request Deletion:
Submit a deletion request by emailing privacy@woxi.co.za.
4. Right to Withdraw Consent
You have the right to withdraw your consent for the collection or use of your personal information at any time. For example:
Opting out of receiving marketing emails or notifications.
Disabling cookies and tracking technologies.
How to Withdraw Consent:
Adjust your preferences in your account settings or contact us at privacy@woxi.co.za.
5. Right to Object to Processing
You may object to the processing of your personal data for specific purposes, including:
Direct marketing.
Profiling or automated decision-making.
How to Object:
Send an objection request to privacy@woxi.co.za specifying the processing activity you wish to stop.
6. Right to Data Portability
You have the right to request your personal information in a structured, commonly used, and machine-readable format. This allows you to transfer your data to another service provider where feasible.
How to Request Portability:
Contact privacy@woxi.co.za to initiate the process.
7. Right to Lodge a Complaint
If you believe your rights have been violated, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the relevant data protection authority.
In South Africa, you may contact the Information Regulator:
Email: complaints.IR@justice.gov.za
Website: www.justice.gov.za/inforeg
We encourage you to contact us first at privacy@woxi.co.za so we can address your concerns directly.
8. Right to Restrict Processing
You have the right to request that we limit the processing of your data in certain circumstances, such as:
You contest the accuracy of the information.
You object to the processing but do not wish to have your data deleted.
How to Request Restrictions:
Contact privacy@woxi.co.za with details about the restriction you are requesting.
8. Retention of Information
At Woxi, we are committed to retaining your personal information only for as long as it is necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy or as required by applicable laws and regulations.
1. How Long We Keep Your Data
We retain personal information based on the following principles:
Service Delivery: Data is retained for the duration of your use of our platform to provide and improve services.
Legal and Regulatory Compliance: We may retain certain information to comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, or enforce our agreements.
Business Requirements: Data may be kept for as long as needed for legitimate business purposes, such as maintaining accurate financial and transactional records.
2. Criteria for Retention Periods
The length of time we retain your information depends on factors such as:
The type of information and its sensitivity.
Whether the information is necessary for providing ongoing services.
Legal requirements for record-keeping (e.g., tax or accounting laws).
3. Secure Data Disposal
When your personal information is no longer needed, we will securely delete, anonymize, or destroy it in accordance with applicable laws and industry standards.
4. User Control Over Retention
You have the right to request the deletion of your personal information at any time.
Certain data may be retained if required by law or for legitimate business purposes even after account closure or deletion requests.
9. International Data Transfers
At Woxi, we understand the importance of safeguarding your personal information. As part of our services, your personal data may be transferred to and processed in countries outside of South Africa. This may occur if we or our third-party service providers need to store or process data in other jurisdictions to provide our services efficiently.
Where Your Data May Be Transferred
Your data may be transferred to countries that may not have data protection laws that are as comprehensive as those in South Africa. However, we take all reasonable steps to ensure that your data is protected regardless of where it is stored or processed. These countries may include, but are not limited to:
[List of countries, if any]
Safeguards for International Transfers
To protect your personal data when it is transferred internationally, we ensure that we comply with all relevant data protection laws, including the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) in South Africa, and take the necessary measures to safeguard your data. These measures may include:
Implementing standard contractual clauses or data protection agreements with third parties, as required by applicable data protection laws.
Ensuring that any third-party service providers that process your personal data adhere to strict confidentiality and security standards, including adequate safeguards for international transfers.
Your Rights in Relation to International Transfers
By using our platform and services, you consent to the transfer of your personal data to other countries, as outlined in this Privacy Policy. If you have concerns about how your data is handled or wish to inquire about specific data transfers, please contact us using the details provided below.
We take your privacy seriously and will continue to take all reasonable steps to ensure that your personal information is processed securely, no matter where it is stored or accessed.
For any further questions or to request more information about our international data transfer practices, please feel free to contact us at privacy@woxi.co.za.
10. Privacy of Minors
At Woxi, we are committed to protecting the privacy of all our users, especially minors. Our services are intended for individuals who are at least 18 years old, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from individuals under the age of 18.
If we discover that we have inadvertently collected personal information from a minor, we will take immediate steps to delete such information from our records. If you believe that a minor has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately at privacy@woxi.co.za, and we will take appropriate action to remove the information.
By using our platform, you confirm that you are at least 18 years of age or have the consent of a legal guardian to use our services.
11. Changes to this Privacy Policy
Woxi reserves the right to update or modify this Privacy Policy at any time, in order to reflect changes to our practices, legal requirements, or for other operational reasons. When we make significant changes to this Privacy Policy, we will notify you by updating the "Effective Date" at the top of the policy and, where appropriate, by sending a notification to your registered email address or providing a notice through our platform.
We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy regularly to stay informed about how we are protecting your personal information. Your continued use of our services after any changes or revisions to this Privacy Policy will constitute your acceptance of those changes.
If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or its updates, please feel free to contact us using the details provided in the "Contact Information" section.