Privacy Policy

1. Who We Are

NextIQ Solutions (Pty) Ltd ("NextIQ", "we", "our", or "us") is a software company registered in South Africa. We operate the FoundNow platform for schools and the 4Mo mobile application. Our registered address and contact details are available on our Contact page.

2. Information We Collect

We collect personal information only where it is necessary to provide our products and services. The types of information we may collect include:

• Account information: Name, email address, phone number, and password when you create an account on FoundNow or 4Mo.
• Profile information: For FoundNow parent accounts — your child's name, grade, and school. For school admin accounts — your name, role, and school details.
• Usage data: Information about how you interact with our apps and platform, including log data, device type, app version, and feature usage.
• QR scan data: Records of when FoundNow QR labels are scanned, including timestamp and location within the school (as set by staff).
• Ratings data: Anonymous ratings submitted on 4Mo are associated with your account but used only in aggregate form for venue scoring.
• Contact form submissions: Information you provide when submitting our web contact form, including your name, email, and message.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the personal information we collect for the following purposes:

• To provide and operate the FoundNow and 4Mo services you have registered for.
• To send you notifications about found items (FoundNow) or app updates relevant to your account.
• To respond to enquiries submitted through our contact form or via email.
• To improve our products based on usage patterns and feedback.
• To comply with legal obligations, including the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).

We do not sell your personal information to third parties. We do not use your personal information for advertising profiling purposes.

4. Legal Basis for Processing (POPIA)

Under POPIA, we process personal information on the following grounds:

• Contractual necessity: Processing required to provide the services you have signed up for.
• Legitimate interest: Improving our products, preventing fraud, and maintaining security.
• Consent: Where we ask for your explicit consent, such as for optional communications.
• Legal obligation: Where we are required to process information to comply with applicable law.

5. Data Storage and Hosting

All personal information processed through NextIQ's products is stored on infrastructure located within the Republic of South Africa. We do not transfer personal data to countries outside South Africa except where required by law or with your explicit consent.

We implement technical and organisational security measures appropriate to the sensitivity of the data we hold, including encrypted connections (HTTPS), access controls, and regular security reviews.

6. Data Retention

We retain personal information for as long as necessary to provide our services and comply with legal obligations. Specifically:

• FoundNow account data is retained for the duration of the school's active subscription, plus 12 months thereafter, unless deletion is requested earlier.
• 4Mo account data is retained while your account is active. You may request account deletion at any time.
• Contact form submissions are retained for up to 24 months for support and reference purposes.

7. Your Rights (POPIA)

As a data subject under POPIA, you have the right to:

• Access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you.
• Correction: Request that we correct inaccurate or incomplete information.
• Deletion: Request that we delete your personal information, subject to legal retention obligations.
• Objection: Object to the processing of your personal information in certain circumstances.
• Complaint: Lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator of South Africa if you believe your rights under POPIA have been violated.

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at privacy@nextiq.co.za [placeholder]. We will respond within 30 days.

8. Cookies and Tracking

Our website uses essential cookies to ensure basic functionality (such as navigation). We do not use third-party advertising cookies or cross-site tracking technologies on our website. [Placeholder — update based on actual cookie implementation].

9. Children's Privacy

FoundNow is designed for use by parents (adults) on behalf of their children. We do not knowingly collect personal information directly from children. If a parent registers a child's details as part of the FoundNow labelling system, this information is used solely for the purpose of returning found items to the correct family.

4Mo is intended for users aged 18 and older. We do not knowingly collect information from users under 18.

10. Third-Party Services

Our products may use third-party services for specific functions (such as push notification delivery). Where we share data with third parties, we do so only to the extent necessary, under appropriate data processing agreements, and in accordance with POPIA. [Placeholder — list specific third-party processors when finalised].

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Where changes are material, we will notify users via the app or by email at least 14 days before the changes take effect. Your continued use of our services after that date constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

12. Contact & Data Queries

For any privacy-related questions, data access requests, or complaints, contact our Information Officer at:

• Email: privacy@nextiq.co.za [placeholder]
• Post: NextIQ Solutions (Pty) Ltd, Johannesburg, South Africa

You may also contact the Information Regulator of South Africa at www.justice.gov.za/inforeg/ if you have concerns that have not been resolved to your satisfaction.