Privacy Policy

Last updated: 2025-09-06

Nova Messenger ("we", "our", "us") is committed to protecting your personal information in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 (POPIA) of South Africa. This policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your data.

1. Information We Collect

We collect the following personal information:

• Account Information: Name, email, phone number, institution affiliation
• Messages: Content sent through our platform for educational communication
• Usage Data: Login times, message timestamps, device information
• Educational Records: Course enrollment, student/lecturer status

2. Purpose of Processing

We process your information to:

• Provide messaging services between students and educators
• Maintain platform security and prevent abuse
• Comply with educational institution policies
• Improve our services and user experience

3. Legal Basis for Processing

We process your data based on:

• Consent: You consent when creating an account
• Contract: To provide our messaging services
• Legal Obligation: To comply with South African laws
• Legitimate Interest: To ensure platform security

4. Data Sharing

We only share your information with:

• Your educational institution (as required for service provision)
• Service providers who assist our operations (under strict confidentiality)
• Law enforcement (when legally required)

We do not sell your personal information to third parties.

5. Data Retention

We retain your data for:

• Active accounts: Duration of your enrollment plus 1 year
• Messages: 6 months after sending (unless required by institution)
• Archived data: As required by law or institutional policy

6. Your Rights under POPIA

You have the right to:

• Access your personal information
• Correct or update your information
• Object to processing of your information
• Request deletion of your information
• Withdraw consent at any time
• Lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator

7. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures including:

• Encryption of data in transit and at rest
• Regular security audits and updates
• Access controls and authentication
• Employee training on data protection

8. International Transfers

Your data is primarily stored in South Africa. Any international transfers will be done in compliance with POPIA requirements and with appropriate safeguards.

9. Children's Privacy

Users under 18 require parental/guardian consent. We do not knowingly collect information from children under 13 without parental consent.

10. Contact Information

Information Officer:
Email: info@novamessenger.com
Phone: [Institution Contact Number]
Address: [Institution Address]

Information Regulator:
Website: www.justice.gov.za/inforeg
Email: inforeg@justice.gov.za

11. Updates to This Policy

We may update this policy periodically. We will notify you of material changes via email or platform notification.