Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

At Friends and Family Stays, 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 platform.

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

2. Information We Collect

We collect information that you provide directly to us, as well as information automatically collected when you use our Service.

2.1 Information You Provide

• Account Information: Name, email address, phone number, password
• Profile Information: Profile photo, bio, preferences
• Payment Information: Credit card details, banking information (processed securely by third-party payment processors)
• Property Information: For property owners - property details, photos, pricing, availability
• Booking Information: Reservation details, guest reviews, communication with hosts
• Identity Verification: Government-issued ID, business registration documents

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

• Usage Data: Pages viewed, features used, time spent on the platform
• Device Information: IP address, browser type, operating system, device identifiers
• Location Data: Approximate location based on IP address
• Cookies and Tracking: We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

• Service Delivery: To provide, maintain, and improve our platform and services
• Account Management: To create and manage your account
• Bookings and Payments: To process reservations and handle payments securely
• Communication: To send you updates, confirmations, and support messages
• Safety and Security: To verify identities, prevent fraud, and ensure platform safety
• Personalization: To customize your experience and provide relevant recommendations
• Analytics: To understand usage patterns and improve our Service
• Legal Compliance: To comply with legal obligations and enforce our Terms of Service

4. How We Share Your Information

We may share your information in the following circumstances:

• With Property Owners/Guests: To facilitate bookings and communication
• Service Providers: With third-party vendors who help us operate our platform (payment processors, hosting providers, analytics services)
• Legal Requirements: When required by law or to protect our rights and safety
• Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets
• With Your Consent: When you explicitly agree to share your information

We do not sell your personal information to third parties.

5. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information, including:

• Encryption of data in transit and at rest
• Secure authentication and access controls
• Regular security audits and monitoring
• Employee training on data protection
• Secure payment processing through PCI-compliant providers

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

6. Your Privacy Rights

You have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: Request access to your personal information
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal obligations)
• Data Portability: Request a copy of your data in a portable format
• Opt-Out: Unsubscribe from marketing communications
• Restrict Processing: Request restriction of how we process your data

To exercise these rights, please contact us at privacy@friendsandfamilystays.com.

7. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to provide our services, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements. When your information is no longer needed, we securely delete or anonymize it.

8. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to:

• Remember your preferences and settings
• Maintain your login session
• Analyze usage patterns and improve our Service
• Provide personalized content and recommendations
• Measure the effectiveness of our marketing campaigns

You can control cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling cookies may affect your ability to use certain features of our Service.

9. Children's Privacy

Our Service is not intended for children under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we become aware that we have collected information from a child without parental consent, we will take steps to delete that information.

10. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. We ensure that such transfers comply with applicable data protection laws and that appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page and updating the date at the top. Your continued use of the Service after such changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

12. Contact Us

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

13. POPIA Compliance (South Africa)

We comply with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and are committed to processing your personal information lawfully and in a reasonable manner that does not infringe on your privacy. You have the right to object to the processing of your personal information and lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator if you believe your rights have been violated.