1. Introduction
Swapply (“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 protect your data when you use our website (www.swapply.co.za) or related services (“the Service”).
By using Swapply, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, please discontinue using the Service.
2. Information We Collect
a) Information You Provide
- Account information: When you sign up, we collect your name, email address, and authentication details (e.g., Google login).
- Profile information: Details you choose to share on your public Swapply profile such as profile photo, location, and listed items.
- Communication: Any messages, emails, or feedback you send to us.
- Billing information: When you upgrade to Swapply Pro, payments are processed by PayFast. Swapply does not store your credit card or banking details; these are handled securely by PayFast in accordance with their own Privacy Policy.
b) Information Collected Automatically
- Usage data: We collect data about how you interact with the Service, including pages visited, actions taken, and device information.
- Cookies and analytics: We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance functionality, analyse usage, and deliver relevant content. See our Cookie Policy for more information.
3. How We Use Your Information
We use your information for the following purposes:
- To create and manage your user account
- To operate, improve, and personalise the Service
- To process Pro tier payments via PayFast
- To communicate updates, support messages, or marketing (where you have consented)
- To detect, prevent, and respond to fraud, security issues, or legal requests
4. Legal Basis for Processing
We process your personal information based on one or more of the following grounds:
- Your consent
- The performance of a contract (e.g., providing access to your Swapply account or Pro features)
- Compliance with legal obligations
- Our legitimate interests in improving and securing the Service
5. How We Share Information
We do not sell your personal information. We may share information only in the following limited cases:
- Service providers: With trusted third parties who assist in operating the Service, such as PayFast for payments and analytics providers (e.g., Google Analytics, Meta Pixel).
- Legal requirements: When required by law, regulation, or court order.
- Business transfers: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your data may be transferred as part of that transaction.
6. Data Retention
We retain personal information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide the Service. If you delete your account, we will remove or anonymise your data within a reasonable period, unless retention is required by law.
7. Data Security
We use industry-standard security measures to protect your data, including encryption, secure hosting, and access controls. However, no online platform can guarantee absolute security. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your login credentials.
8. Your Rights
Under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and other applicable laws, you have the right to:
- Access and request a copy of your personal information
- Request correction or deletion of inaccurate data
- Withdraw consent to data processing
- Object to direct marketing communications
To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at privacy@swapply.co.za.
9. International Transfers
If we transfer your information outside South Africa (for example, for analytics or cloud hosting), we ensure that the data is handled in compliance with applicable data protection standards.
10. Children’s Privacy
Swapply is not intended for use by individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal data from minors. If you believe we have inadvertently collected such information, please contact us for deletion.
11. Updates to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. When we do, we will revise the “Last updated” date above and notify users of significant changes where appropriate.
12. Contact Us
If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data handling practices, please contact us at:
Email: privacy@swapply.co.za
This Privacy Policy should be read together with our Terms of Service, Refund & Cancellation Policy, and Cookie Policy.
