Privacy Policy

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Personal Information You Provide

We collect information that you voluntarily provide when using PropAI:

• Account Information: Name, email address, phone number, password
• Profile Information: Profile photo, bio, preferences
• Property Listings: Property details, photos, descriptions, pricing
• Communication Data: Messages, enquiries, support requests
• Payment Information: Banking details for commission payments (Advocates)
• Verification Documents: ID documents, proof of ownership (when required)

1.2 Information Collected Automatically

When you use PropAI, we automatically collect certain information:

• Device Information: IP address, browser type, operating system
• Usage Data: Pages viewed, time spent, clicks, search queries
• Location Data: General location based on IP address
• Cookies: Session data, preferences, analytics

1.3 Information from Third Parties

We may receive information from:

• Social media platforms (if you connect your account)
• Payment processors
• Analytics providers
• Marketing partners

2. How We Use Your Information

PropAI uses your information for the following purposes:

2.1 Specific Use Cases

• For Buyers: Show relevant property listings, save searches, send alerts
• For Sellers: Display listings, track views, manage enquiries
• For Advocates: Track referrals, calculate commissions, process payments

3. Sharing Your Information

3.1 When We Share Information

PropAI may share your information in the following circumstances:

• With Other Users: Your profile and listings are visible to other platform users
• Service Providers: Third-party vendors who help us operate (hosting, analytics, payment processing)
• Business Transfers: In case of merger, acquisition, or sale of assets
• Legal Requirements: When required by law or to protect our rights
• With Your Consent: When you explicitly authorize sharing

3.2 What We Don't Share

4. Data Security

4.1 Security Measures

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your information:

• Encryption: SSL/TLS encryption for data transmission
• Secure Storage: Encrypted databases and secure servers
• Access Controls: Limited employee access to personal data
• Regular Audits: Security assessments and vulnerability testing
• Password Protection: Hashed and salted password storage
• Monitoring: 24/7 system monitoring for suspicious activity

4.2 Your Responsibility

You can help protect your account by:

• Using a strong, unique password
• Not sharing your login credentials
• Logging out after each session on shared devices
• Reporting suspicious activity immediately

5. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

5.1 What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files stored on your device that help us provide and improve our services. We use the following types of cookies:

• Essential Cookies: Required for basic platform functionality
• Performance Cookies: Help us understand how users interact with the platform
• Functional Cookies: Remember your preferences and settings
• Marketing Cookies: Track your activity for targeted advertising

5.2 Managing Cookies

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Note that disabling certain cookies may affect platform functionality.

6. Your Privacy Rights

Under South African data protection laws (POPIA), you have the following rights:

• Right to Access: Request a copy of your personal information
• Right to Correction: Update or correct inaccurate information
• Right to Deletion: Request deletion of your personal data
• Right to Restriction: Limit how we use your information
• Right to Portability: Receive your data in a portable format
• Right to Object: Object to certain types of processing
• Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent at any time

6.1 How to Exercise Your Rights

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at privacy@propai.co.za. We will respond to your request within 30 days.

7. Data Retention

7.1 How Long We Keep Your Data

We retain your information for as long as necessary to:

• Provide our services to you
• Comply with legal obligations
• Resolve disputes and enforce agreements
• Maintain business records

7.2 Deletion Policy

When you delete your account:

• Your profile and listings are removed from public view immediately
• Personal data is deleted within 90 days
• Some data may be retained for legal or security purposes
• Anonymized data may be retained for analytics

8. Children's Privacy

PropAI is not intended for users 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, and we will delete it.

9. Third-Party Services

9.1 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.

9.2 Third-Party Integrations

We may integrate with third-party services such as:

• Google Analytics (website analytics)
• Payment processors (secure transactions)
• Email service providers (communications)
• Social media platforms (social sharing)

10. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries outside of South Africa. We ensure that appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your data in accordance with this Privacy Policy and applicable laws.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of material changes by:

• Posting the updated policy on our platform
• Sending an email notification to registered users
• Displaying a prominent notice on the platform

Your continued use of PropAI after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

12. Contact Us

12.1 Privacy Questions

If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

• Email: privacy@propai.co.za
• Phone: +27 XX XXX XXXX
• Address: Your Company Address

12.2 Data Protection Officer

For data protection inquiries, you can contact our Data Protection Officer at dpo@propai.co.za

12.3 Regulatory Authority

If you believe we have not addressed your concerns adequately, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator of South Africa:

• Website: www.justice.gov.za/inforeg
• Email: inforeg@justice.gov.za