Privacy Policy

1. Who We Are

This Privacy Policy explains how [COMPANY LEGAL NAME] ('VOT Stays', 'we', 'us') collects, uses and protects your personal data when you use the VOT Stays platform.

We handle personal data in line with the Personal Data Protection Act, 2022 of Tanzania. [CONFIRM: registration number with the Personal Data Protection Commission, if registered.]

2. Data We Collect

Account data: your name, email address, phone number, password (stored in encrypted form) and preferred language.

Booking data: the properties you book, your dates, number of guests, messages with hosts, and your booking and cancellation history.

Payment data: payment amounts, status and references, and the mobile money number used to pay. Payments are processed by our payment providers, and we never see or store your mobile money PIN.

Host data: for hosts, we also collect property details, photos, payout information and any documents needed to verify the listing.

Technical data: your IP address, browser and device type, and pages visited, collected through server logs and cookies.

3. How We Use Your Data

We use your data to create and manage your account, process bookings and payments, connect guests with hosts, send booking confirmations and important notices, handle refunds, publish reviews, prevent fraud, and keep the platform secure.

We process your data because it is needed to provide the service you asked for, to meet our legal obligations, or with your consent. We will only send you marketing messages if you agree, and you can opt out at any time.

4. Who We Share Data With

Hosts: when you book, the host receives your name, contact details and booking details so they can prepare for your stay.

Service providers: payment providers, hosting and email services that help us run the platform, under agreements that protect your data. [CONFIRM: list the main providers.]

Authorities: where the law requires it, for example tax authorities or a valid court order. We do not sell your personal data.

5. International Transfers

Some of our service providers may store or process data outside Tanzania. When this happens, we take steps required by law to make sure your data stays protected. [CONFIRM: where the servers are hosted.]

6. How Long We Keep Data

We keep account data while your account is open. Booking and payment records are kept for as long as tax and accounting laws require, currently [CONFIRM: number of years]. Server logs are deleted after [CONFIRM: number of days].

If you close your account, we delete or anonymise your personal data, except where we must keep it by law. Reviews you posted may remain, shown without your full name.

7. Your Rights

You have the right to access the personal data we hold about you, to correct it, to ask us to delete it, to object to certain uses, and to withdraw consent you have given.

To use these rights, contact us at [PRIVACY EMAIL]. We will reply within [CONFIRM: number of days]. If you are not satisfied, you can complain to the Personal Data Protection Commission of Tanzania.

8. Security

We protect your data with measures such as encrypted connections (HTTPS), encrypted passwords and restricted staff access. No system is completely secure, and if a breach affects your data we will notify you and the authorities as the law requires.

9. Cookies and Children

We use cookies to keep you signed in, remember your language and keep the platform secure. Our Cookie Policy explains this in more detail.

VOT Stays is not meant for people under 18, and we do not knowingly collect their personal data.

10. Changes and Contact

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. If we make significant changes, we will notify you by email or on the platform.

For any privacy question, contact [COMPANY LEGAL NAME], [POSTAL ADDRESS], [PRIVACY EMAIL].