Privacy Policy

Introduction

Welcome to Pokelela ("we," "our," or "us"). Pokelela is a delivery application that connects users across Zambia and students at the University of Zambia (UNZA) with fast, reliable delivery services. We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our mobile application and services.

Information We Collect

1. Personal Information You Provide

When you use Pokelela, we collect information that you provide directly to us:

• Account Information: Name, email address, phone number, password
• Profile Information: Profile picture, delivery preferences
• Payment Information: Payment card details, billing address (processed securely through third-party payment processors)
• Delivery Information: Delivery addresses, recipient details, special delivery instructions

2. Information Collected Automatically

When you use our app, we automatically collect certain information:

• Location Data: Real-time GPS location to facilitate deliveries, track orders, and provide location-based services
• Device Information: Device type, operating system, unique device identifiers, mobile network information
• Usage Data: App features used, time spent on app, order history, search queries
• Analytics Data: App performance, crash reports, and usage statistics through Firebase Analytics

3. Information from Third Parties

We may receive information from:

• Social Media: If you choose to connect your social media accounts
• Payment Processors: Transaction confirmation and payment status

How We Use Your Information

Service Delivery

• Process and fulfill delivery orders
• Match you with available delivery personnel
• Track delivery status and provide real-time updates
• Calculate delivery fees and distances
• Communicate order confirmations and updates

Account Management

• Create and manage your account
• Verify your identity
• Provide customer support
• Send important notices about our services

Improvement and Personalization

• Analyze usage patterns to improve our app
• Personalize your experience
• Develop new features and services
• Conduct research and analytics

Safety and Security

• Prevent fraud and abuse
• Ensure platform safety for all users
• Comply with legal obligations
• Resolve disputes

Communication

• Send order notifications and updates
• Provide customer support
• Send promotional messages (with your consent)
• Conduct surveys and gather feedback

Location Data

Data Sharing and Disclosure

We may share your information in the following circumstances:

With Delivery Personnel

• Your name, phone number, and delivery address are shared with assigned delivery personnel to complete your order
• Campus location information for UNZA deliveries

With Service Providers

• Payment processors (for transaction processing)
• Cloud storage providers (Firebase, Google Cloud)
• Analytics providers (Firebase Analytics)
• Customer support tools
• SMS and notification services

For Legal Reasons

• To comply with legal obligations
• To respond to lawful requests from authorities
• To protect our rights and safety
• To prevent fraud or illegal activities

Business Transfers

• In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets

With Your Consent

• When you explicitly agree to share information

Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your information:

• Encryption of data in transit (SSL/TLS)
• Secure storage using Firebase security rules
• Regular security assessments
• Access controls and authentication
• Secure payment processing through certified processors

However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security.

Data Retention

We retain your information for as long as necessary to:

• Provide our services
• Comply with legal obligations
• Resolve disputes
• Enforce our agreements

Account Deletion: You can request account deletion at any time. Upon deletion, we will remove your personal information within 30 days, except where retention is required by law.

Your Rights and Choices

You have the following rights regarding your information:

Access and Correction

• View and update your account information in the app settings
• Request a copy of your personal data

Deletion

• Request deletion of your account and associated data
• Delete specific information (e.g., saved addresses)

Opt-Out

• Unsubscribe from marketing emails
• Disable push notifications in app settings
• Withdraw consent for non-essential data processing

Location Services

• Enable or disable location services in device settings

To exercise these rights, contact us at: pokelelainitiative@gmail.com

Children's Privacy

Pokelela is not intended for users under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect information from children under 18. If you believe we have collected information from a child, please contact us immediately.

UNZA Student Services

For UNZA students using our service:

• Campus-specific delivery services are available
• Campus delivery may require campus location permissions
• We provide special student promotions and offers
• No student ID verification is required to use our services

Third-Party Services

Our app uses third-party services that may collect information:

• Firebase (Google): Authentication, database, analytics, and cloud messaging
• Google Maps: Location services and mapping
• Payment Processors: Secure payment processing

These services have their own privacy policies. We encourage you to review them:

• Google Privacy Policy
• Firebase Privacy

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to:

• Maintain your session
• Remember your preferences
• Analyze app usage
• Improve performance

You can manage cookie preferences through your device settings.

International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than Zambia, including where our service providers operate. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted in the app with an updated "Last Updated" date. Continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

We will notify you of significant changes via:

• In-app notification
• Email notification
• Push notification

Governing Law

This Privacy Policy is governed by the laws of the Republic of Zambia. Any disputes shall be resolved in accordance with Zambian law.

Your Consent

By using Pokelela, you consent to this Privacy Policy and agree to its terms.