Privacy Policy

Last Updated: December 7, 2025

GIGZ (Pty) Ltd ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our Platform. This policy complies with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) No. 4 of 2013 of South Africa.

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Personal Information: When you register or use our services, we collect:

• Full name and email address
• Phone number and contact details
• Physical address and location data
• Date of birth (for age verification)
• Profile photo and biographical information
• Government-issued ID (for Service Providers)
• Banking and payment information

1.2 Service Provider Verification Information:

• Identity documents (ID, passport, driver's license)
• Business registration documents
• Tax information (VAT number where applicable)
• Banking details and proof of bank account
• Proof of address
• Professional qualifications and certifications
• Portfolio samples and work history
• Background check results

1.3 Usage Information: We automatically collect:

• Device information (type, model, operating system)
• IP address and browser type
• Pages visited and features used
• Search queries and preferences
• Booking history and service requests
• Chat messages and communications
• Ratings and reviews

1.4 Location Data: With your permission, we collect:

• Real-time GPS location (for service tracking)
• Service addresses and saved locations
• Provider location during active bookings

1.5 Payment Information: We collect payment data necessary to process transactions, including card details, wallet balances, and transaction history. Payment card information is encrypted and processed securely by our payment partners.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

• Provide Services: Facilitate bookings, match you with providers, process payments, and enable communication
• Verification: Verify identities and credentials of Service Providers to ensure platform safety
• Customer Support: Respond to inquiries, resolve disputes, and provide assistance
• Platform Improvement: Analyze usage patterns, improve features, and develop new services
• Communication: Send booking confirmations, updates, newsletters, and promotional offers
• Safety and Security: Detect fraud, prevent abuse, and enforce our Terms of Service
• Legal Compliance: Comply with legal obligations, respond to lawful requests, and protect our rights
• Personalization: Provide personalized recommendations and relevant content

3. How We Share Your Information

3.1 With Service Providers: When you book a service, we share necessary information (name, phone, address, service details) with the assigned provider to fulfill your request.

3.2 With Customers: Service Providers receive customer contact information and booking details to provide services.

3.3 With Payment Processors: We share payment information with trusted payment partners (Yoco, PayFast) to process transactions securely.

3.4 With Service Providers: We work with third-party services for:

• Cloud hosting and data storage
• Email and SMS communications
• Analytics and performance monitoring
• Background check services (for provider verification)

3.5 Legal Requirements: We may disclose information when required by law, court order, or government request, or to protect our rights and safety.

3.6 Business Transfers: In case of merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred to the new entity.

3.7 Public Information: Profile information, ratings, reviews, and status updates you choose to make public will be visible to other users.

We do not sell your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes.

4. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures including:

• Encryption of data in transit and at rest
• Secure socket layer (SSL) technology
• Regular security audits and updates
• Access controls and authentication
• Secure data centers with backup systems
• Employee training on data protection

However, no method of transmission over the Internet is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your data, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

5. Your Data Rights (POPIA Compliance)

Under South African law, you have the right to:

• Access: Request a copy of your personal information we hold
• Correction: Update or correct inaccurate information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your data (subject to legal obligations)
• Objection: Object to processing of your data for certain purposes
• Portability: Receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format
• Restriction: Request limitation of processing in certain circumstances
• Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent for data processing at any time

To exercise these rights, contact us through Admin Messages or email privacy@gigz.co.za. We will respond within 30 days.

6. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to:

• Remember your preferences and settings
• Analyze platform performance and usage
• Provide personalized content and recommendations
• Enable security features

You can control cookie settings in your browser. Note that disabling cookies may limit platform functionality.

7. Location Data

7.1 Why We Collect Location:

• Match you with nearby Service Providers
• Calculate travel distances and times
• Enable real-time tracking during service delivery
• Improve service recommendations

7.2 Location Controls: You can:

• Enable/disable location services in device settings
• Choose when to share location (always, while using app, never)
• Manually enter addresses instead of using GPS

7.3 Provider Tracking: When a booking is "In Progress," providers' real-time locations are shared with customers for transparency and safety.

8. Communications and Marketing

8.1 Transactional Communications: We send essential communications about your bookings, account, and security.

8.2 Marketing Communications: With your consent, we send:

• Newsletters and platform updates
• Promotional offers and discounts
• Service recommendations
• Survey requests

8.3 Opt-Out: You can unsubscribe from marketing communications via the link in emails or by visiting Email Preferences in your account settings. Transactional emails cannot be disabled.

9. Children's Privacy

GIGZ is not intended for users under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect information from children. If we discover we have collected a child's information, we will delete it immediately.

10. Third-Party Links

Our Platform may contain links to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for their privacy practices. Please review their privacy policies before providing any information.

11. Data Retention

We retain your information for as long as necessary to:

• Provide services and maintain your account
• Comply with legal obligations (e.g., tax records for 7 years)
• Resolve disputes and enforce agreements
• Prevent fraud and abuse

After account deletion, we may retain anonymized data for analytics and service improvement.

12. International Data Transfers

Your data is primarily stored on servers in South Africa. If we transfer data internationally, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information in accordance with POPIA.

13. Content Moderation

We use automated tools and manual review to moderate content (messages, reviews, profile information) to detect and prevent inappropriate, offensive, or harmful content. Flagged content is reviewed by our team.

14. AI and Automated Decision-Making

We use AI for:

• Personalized service recommendations
• Smart search functionality
• Content moderation
• Fraud detection

You have the right to request human review of automated decisions that significantly affect you.

15. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of material changes via email or platform notification. The "Last Updated" date at the top indicates when changes were made.

16. Information Officer

As required by POPIA, our Information Officer is responsible for data protection compliance. Contact details:

• Name: GIGZ Information Officer
• Email: privacy@gigz.co.za
• Address: GIGZ (Pty) Ltd, South Africa

17. Complaints

If you believe we have violated your privacy rights, you may file a complaint with us at privacy@gigz.co.za or with the Information Regulator of South Africa at complaints.IR@justice.gov.za

18. Contact Us

For questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices:

• Email: privacy@gigz.co.za
• Platform: Use Admin Messages in your account
• Response Time: We aim to respond within 30 days

By using GIGZ, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy and consent to the collection and use of your information as described.