Privacy Policy

AdvannoSmart (Pty) Ltd ("AdvannoSmart", "we", "us", or "our"), a subsidiary of AdvannoTech, is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our websites, mobile applications (including SmartKwam and ResiFind), and related services (collectively, the "Services").

1. Information We Collect

Personal Information

When you create an account, contact us, or use our Services, we may collect:

• Name, email address, and phone number
• Account credentials (encrypted)
• Device information and identifiers
• Location data (with your consent, for relevant features)
• Payment information (processed securely by third-party providers)

Usage Information

We automatically collect certain information when you use our Services:

• Device type, operating system, and browser type
• IP address and general location
• App usage patterns and feature interactions
• Crash reports and performance data

Smart Home Data (SmartKwam)

When using SmartKwam, we may collect data related to your connected smart home devices, including device status, automation routines, and usage patterns. This data is used solely to provide and improve the SmartKwam service.

Accommodation Data (ResiFind)

When using ResiFind, we may collect search preferences, booking history, reviews, and communication between students and property owners. This data is used to facilitate accommodation searches and bookings.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

• Provide, maintain, and improve our Services
• Process transactions and send related communications
• Send you updates, security alerts, and support messages
• Personalise your experience and provide relevant recommendations
• Monitor and analyse usage trends to improve our products
• Detect, prevent, and address technical issues and security threats
• Comply with legal obligations

3. How We Share Your Information

We do not sell your personal information. We may share your information with:

• Service Providers: Third-party companies that help us operate our Services (hosting, analytics, payment processing)
• Business Partners: Smart device manufacturers (SmartKwam) and property owners (ResiFind), only as necessary to provide the Services
• Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or governmental authority
• Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets
• With Your Consent: When you have given us explicit permission

4. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your personal information, including encryption in transit and at rest, secure authentication, regular security audits, and access controls. However, no method of electronic transmission or storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

5. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience, analyse usage patterns, and deliver relevant content. You can control cookie preferences through your browser settings. Essential cookies are required for the basic functionality of our Services.

6. Your Rights

In accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and other applicable data protection laws, you have the right to:

• Access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete personal information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information, subject to legal obligations
• Objection: Object to the processing of your personal information for direct marketing
• Portability: Request your data in a structured, commonly used format
• Withdrawal of Consent: Withdraw consent at any time where processing is based on consent

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at privacy@advannosmart.co.za.

7. Children's Privacy

Our Services are not directed to children 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 take steps to delete such information.

8. Third-Party Services

Our Services may contain links to third-party websites or integrate with third-party services (such as smart device platforms or payment processors). We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third parties. We encourage you to read their privacy policies before providing any personal information.

9. 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 will securely delete or anonymise it.

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 updated policy on our website and updating the "Last updated" date. Your continued use of our Services after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the updated policy.

11. Contact Us

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