We respect your privacy and take it very seriously. This Privacy Policy explains how KerneLinks (Pty) Ltd collects, uses, and protects your personal information when you use the Kernections mobile app. We comply with the laws governing privacy and data protection in South Africa. By using the app, you consent to the practices described here.
Information We Collect
Personal Information
Information you voluntarily provide when using the app:
- Contact information (name, gender, personal links)
- Profile information (occupation, industry, skills, interests)
- Event-related information
- Location data (when opted-in)
- Communication data
- Security information (public encryption keys)
Automatically Collected Information
- Device information (IP address, device type, operating system)
- Usage data (app usage statistics and logs)
- Location data (country code and general location)
- Analytics data (app performance metrics)
Message and Notes Privacy
Chat messages and private notes are encrypted before they reach our servers. This is not a zero-knowledge system - as the operator of the app, we retain a technical means of decrypting this data (for example, to investigate abuse reports or comply with a legal request).
How Long We Keep Your Information
- Profile data (name, occupation, industry, bio, cities, topics, links): Until you delete your account, then kept in a restricted, archived form for 30 days as a record that the deletion happened, before being permanently erased
- Chat messages: Until the conversation expires (around 30 days), or account deletion, whichever is sooner
- QR scan analytics (who viewed or connected with your profile): Until you delete your account
- Contact details someone shared with you via QR exchange: Until you delete your account, since this is your own contact list
- Login requests (one-time WhatsApp codes): Deleted immediately after use, or automatically once expired if never used
How We Use Your Information
- To provide and improve our mobile app services
- To enable event discovery and networking features
- To facilitate secure communication between users
- To personalise your experience
- To send relevant updates and notifications
- To analyse usage patterns and improve functionality
- To comply with legal obligations
Data Sharing
We may share your information with:
- Other users (your public profile, and anyone who scans your QR code)
- Event organisers, for event management purposes
- Business partners (in case of mergers or acquisitions)
- Legal authorities (when required by law)
Our database and application servers are infrastructure we operate and control ourselves, not a third-party hosting service, so they aren't listed below. Service providers we use:
- Meta / WhatsApp Business Platform: Your phone number, one-time login codes - Delivering your WhatsApp login link
- AI matching service provider: Your occupation, industry, bio, and cities - Generating recommendations for people and events based on your profile
- Web push services (your browser or device vendor): A push notification address for your device - Delivering notifications
Data Security
We implement appropriate security measures including:
- Encryption of messages and notes before they reach our servers
- Secure data storage practices
- Regular security audits
- Access controls and authorisation
Your Rights Under POPIA
You have the right to:
- Access the personal information we hold about you
- Correct inaccurate or incomplete information
- Request deletion of your personal information
- Object to certain processing of your personal information
- Withdraw consent at any time, where processing is based on consent
- Lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator of South Africa
To exercise these rights, contact our Information Officer at info@kernelinks.com. We will respond within 30 days.
Children's Privacy
Our mobile app is not intended for individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we become aware that a child has provided personal data, we will take steps to delete it.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The updated version will be indicated by an updated date at the top of this page. We encourage you to review this policy regularly to stay informed.
By using our mobile app, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy.