Privacy Policy
Effective Date: 26 June 2025
LeakAlert is committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the secure handling of your personal information. This policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your data when you use our platform for water leakage detection and reporting.
1. Information We Collect
- Location Data: We collect your device’s latitude and longitude to accurately pinpoint reported leaks. Your address may be derived using geolocation services.
- Multimedia Data: Photos or videos you upload when reporting leaks, used for verification purposes.
- Report Details: Any descriptions, timestamps, or other information you provide in your report.
- Device & Usage Data: We may collect anonymized device and usage statistics to improve platform performance and security.
- Account Data: If you create an account, we collect your registration information (such as email or authentication provider details).
2. How We Use Your Information
- To process and verify leak reports, including AI analysis of uploaded media.
- To display report locations and statuses on municipal dashboards.
- To notify you and relevant authorities about report progress and outcomes.
- To improve our platform, develop new features, and ensure system security.
- To comply with legal obligations and respond to lawful requests.
3. Data Sharing & Disclosure
- Your report data (including location and media) may be shared with municipal authorities and emergency response teams for the purpose of leak verification and repair.
- Aggregated, anonymized data may be used for analytics, reporting, or research, but will not identify individuals.
- We do not sell your personal information to third parties.
- We may disclose information if required by law or to protect the rights, property, or safety of users and the public.
4. Data Security & Storage
- All data is securely stored using Microsoft Azure cloud infrastructure with industry-standard security protocols.
- Access to personal data is restricted to authorized personnel only.
- We implement encryption, regular backups, and monitoring to prevent unauthorized access and data loss.
5. Data Retention
- We retain personal data only as long as necessary for the purposes outlined in this policy or as required by law.
- Users may request deletion of their personal reports, subject to legal and operational requirements.
6. Your Rights & Choices
- You may access, update, or request deletion of your personal data by contacting us.
- You may choose not to provide certain information, but this may affect your ability to submit or track reports.
- You can opt out of non-essential communications at any time.
7. Children’s Privacy
LeakAlert is intended for use by individuals aged 16 and older. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 16. If you believe that a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us so we can take appropriate action.
8. Changes to This Policy
We may update this privacy policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. Significant changes will be communicated via the platform or email notification.
9. Contact Us
If you have any questions or concerns about this privacy policy or how your data is handled, please contact us at support@leakalert.co.za.