Privacy Policy

Introduction

PaLevel ("we", "our", or "us") operates the PaLevel mobile application and website, a platform connecting hostel landlords and university students in Malawi. We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring transparency about how your personal information is collected, used, and protected.

1. Information We Collect

To provide our services, PaLevel collects the following categories of information:

a. Personal Identification Information

• Full name
• Email address
• Phone number
• Account credentials (username and encrypted password)
• National ID image (for identity verification)

b. Location Information

• Approximate device location (for finding nearby hostels)

c. Property & Media Information

• Photos of hostels and rooms uploaded by landlords
• Property descriptions, amenities, and pricing

d. Transaction Information

• Booking history and payment records
• Payment method details (processed securely through PayChangu)

2. How We Use Your Information

• User Identification & Verification: Name, email, phone number, and National ID are used to verify landlords and users, prevent fraud, and maintain platform trust.
• Communication: To contact users regarding account activity, bookings, subscriptions, and important notifications.
• Location-Based Services: Location data is used to display hostels and properties that are geographically close to users.
• Payments & Subscriptions: Account credentials are used to securely facilitate payments for student bookings and rent payments to landlords through PayChangu.
• Platform Operations: To manage listings, bookings, and user interactions.
• Improvement & Analytics: To understand how users interact with our platform and improve our services.

3. Data Sharing

PaLevel does not sell user data.

We may share data only:

• With trusted payment service providers (PayChangu) to process transactions securely
• With service providers that support app functionality (hosting, analytics, security)
• When required by law or legal obligation
• With your consent

All third parties are required to protect user data in compliance with applicable laws.

4. Data Retention

We retain personal information only for as long as necessary to:

• Provide services
• Fulfill legal and regulatory obligations
• Resolve disputes and enforce agreements
• Users may request account and data deletion at any time

5. User Rights

Users have the right to:

• Access their personal information
• Request corrections to inaccurate data
• Request deletion of their account and personal data
• Withdraw consent where applicable
• Export their data in a portable format

Requests can be made using the contact information below.

6. Data Security

PaLevel applies appropriate technical and organizational security measures, including:

• Encrypted communication (HTTPS)
• Secure authentication mechanisms (JWT tokens)
• Restricted access to sensitive information
• Regular security audits and updates

While we strive to protect user data, no digital system is completely secure.

7. Children's Privacy

PaLevel is not intended for children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children. If such data is discovered, it will be removed immediately.

8. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Users will be notified of material changes through the app or other appropriate means. The "Last updated" date at the top of this page will reflect the latest changes.

9. Contact Information