Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Welcome to Hlomo ("we," "our," or "us"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our AI-powered community platform, including our website at hlomo.com and our WhatsApp Business integration services.

By using our services, you consent to the data practices described in this policy. If you do not agree with this policy, please do not use our services.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

• Account Information: Name, email address, phone number when you register
• Profile Information: Community details, preferences, and settings
• Communication Data: Messages, chat content, and interaction history
• WhatsApp Data: Chat exports you voluntarily share for analysis
• Feedback: Survey responses, support inquiries, and user feedback

2.2 Information Automatically Collected

• Usage Data: How you interact with our platform, features used, time spent
• Device Information: IP address, browser type, device type, operating system
• Analytics Data: Performance metrics, error logs, and usage patterns
• Cookies: Session identifiers and preferences

3. How We Use Your Information

3.1 Primary Uses

• Service Delivery: Provide AI-powered community analysis and insights
• Communication: Send notifications, updates, and support responses
• Personalization: Customize your experience and recommendations
• WhatsApp Integration: Enable two-way communication via WhatsApp Business API

3.2 AI Processing

• Community Analysis: Process chat data to generate engagement insights
• Sentiment Analysis: Analyze communication patterns and community health
• Intent Recognition: Classify user inquiries for appropriate responses
• Recommendation Engine: Suggest community improvements and strategies

4. Data Sharing and Disclosure

4.1 Third-Party Service Providers

• Google AI (Gemini): For AI processing and analysis (Google's privacy policy applies)
• Firebase: For data storage and authentication (Google's privacy policy applies)
• WhatsApp Business API: For messaging services (Meta's privacy policy applies)
• Analytics Providers: For performance monitoring and optimization

4.2 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required to do so by law or in response to valid requests by public authorities, court orders, or legal processes.

5. Data Security

• Encryption: All data transmitted using industry-standard SSL/TLS encryption
• Access Controls: Strict authentication and authorization procedures
• Data Minimization: We collect only necessary data for service provision
• Regular Audits: Periodic security assessments and updates

6. Data Retention

• Account Data: Retained while your account is active
• Chat Analysis Data: Processed and deleted within 30 days unless explicitly saved
• Analytics Data: Aggregated data retained for 2 years for service improvement
• Legal Compliance: Some data may be retained longer if required by law

7. Your Rights

7.1 Data Subject Rights

• Access: Request access to your personal data
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate data
• Deletion: Request deletion of your data (see Data Deletion page)
• Portability: Request export of your data in machine-readable format
• Objection: Object to certain processing activities

7.2 Exercising Your Rights

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at:
Email: privacy@hlomo.com
Response Time: We will respond within 30 days

8. International Data Transfers

Your data may be transferred to and processed in countries other than South Africa. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for such transfers, including standard contractual clauses and adequacy decisions.

9. Children's Privacy

Our services are not intended for children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you become aware that a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the new policy on this page and updating the "Last Updated" date. Your continued use of our services after any changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

11. Contact Information

12. Governing Law

This Privacy Policy is governed by the laws of South Africa, including the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA). Any disputes will be resolved in the courts of South Africa.