PRIVACY POLICY AND REFUND POLICY

PRIVACY POLICY

1. Introduction

Academia Sync ("the App", "we", "our", or "us") is a mobile application designed to help South African learners manage assignments, timetables, and study progress while staying aligned with the official Department of Basic Education's Annual Teaching Plans (ATPs).

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal information when you use Academia Sync. We are committed to protecting your privacy and complying with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) of South Africa.

By using Academia Sync, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.

2. Contact Information

For privacy-related questions, data access requests, or concerns, please contact us:

Business Name: Academia Sync

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +27 68 574 3979

South Africa

Information Officer: Lefa Sekhoela, [email protected]

3. Information We Collect

a) Account Information

When you create an account, we collect:

• Your name
• Email address
• Grade level
• School name
• Selected subjects

Account data is managed securely through Supabase Authentication with industry-standard encryption.

b) Usage Data

We collect anonymized usage analytics to improve app performance and user experience:

• Features accessed and frequency of use
• Session duration and app interaction patterns
• Assignment completion rates and study patterns

c) Content You Create

When you use the app, you may create:

• Assignments and tasks
• Study notes and progress tracking
• File attachments (images, PDFs, documents)
• Timetables and schedules

d) Payment Information

When you make in-app purchases or subscribe to premium features:

• We DO NOT store your credit card, debit card, or banking details on our servers
• Payment processing is handled securely by Paystack, our certified payment processor
• We receive only transaction confirmation data (transaction ID, amount, date, and status)
• Your full payment credentials remain exclusively with Paystack and are protected by PCI-DSS standards

4. How We Use Your Information

We use collected information to:

• Provide and maintain app functionality, including account authentication
• Sync your data across your multiple devices
• Deliver curriculum content aligned with South African ATPs
• Process payments and manage subscriptions
• Send important account notifications (password resets, payment confirmations)
• Analyze app usage to improve features and fix bugs
• Detect and prevent fraudulent transactions or unauthorized access

5. How We Store and Protect Your Data

We implement industry-standard security measures:

Backend Storage: We use Supabase as our secure cloud-hosted backend. Supabase provides:

• Encrypted data transmission (HTTPS/TLS)
• Encrypted data storage at rest
• Role-based access control
• Regular security audits and updates

Local Storage: Data stored locally on your device uses AsyncStorage, which is sandboxed and accessible only by Academia Sync.

Password Security: All passwords are hashed using bcrypt encryption and are never stored in plain text.

Data Retention: We retain your data as follows:

• Active accounts: Data retained for duration of account activity
• Inactive accounts (no login for 2 years): Data deleted automatically
• Deleted accounts: Personal data permanently erased within 30 days

6. Sharing of Information

Academia Sync does NOT sell or rent your personal information. We share data only in these limited circumstances:

a) Service Providers

We share data with trusted third parties who help us operate the app:

• Supabase (authentication and database hosting)
• Paystack (payment processing)
• YouTube API (educational video content)
• Analytics providers (anonymized usage data only)

b) Legal Requirements

We may disclose information if required by South African law or valid legal process, including:

• Court orders or subpoenas
• Law enforcement requests
• Protection of our legal rights
• Prevention of fraud or security threats

c) Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or asset sale, your data may be transferred. You will be notified of any such change.

7. Your Rights Under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA)

As a South African user, you have the following rights:

• Access: Request a copy of all personal data we hold about you
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data
• Deletion: Request deletion of your account and associated data
• Objection: Object to processing of your data for specific purposes
• Restriction: Request temporary restriction of data processing
• Portability: Receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format
• Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent to data processing at any time

To exercise these rights, contact our Information Officer using the contact details in Section 2. We will respond within 30 days.

8. Children's Privacy

Academia Sync is designed for high school learners aged 13 and above. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 without verified parental consent.

If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child under 13 has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately at [email protected], and we will delete such information within 7 days.

9. Third-Party Services

Academia Sync integrates with third-party services. We are not responsible for their privacy practices:

• YouTube API: Subject to Google Privacy Policy (https://policies.google.com/privacy)
• Paystack: Subject to Paystack Privacy Policy (https://paystack.com/privacy)

10. International Data Transfers

Your data is primarily stored on servers located within South Africa or the European Union. If data is transferred outside South Africa, we ensure adequate safeguards are in place as required by POPIA.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Changes will be posted within the app and on our website. Material changes will be communicated via email.

Continued use of Academia Sync after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

12. Complaints and Dispute Resolution

If you believe we have mishandled your personal information, you may:

1. Contact us directly using the details in Section 2
2. Lodge a complaint with the South African Information Regulator:

Information Regulator (South Africa)
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.justice.gov.za/inforeg/

REFUND POLICY

1. General Refund Terms

Academia Sync is committed to customer satisfaction. This Refund Policy outlines the terms under which refunds are granted for in-app purchases and premium subscriptions.

2. Eligibility for Refunds

a) 3-Day Money-Back Guarantee

First-time premium subscribers are eligible for a full refund if requested within 3 days of the initial purchase date, provided:

• This is your first premium subscription purchase
• You have not violated our Terms of Service
• The request is submitted via the proper channels (see Section 4)

b) Service Disruptions

You may be eligible for a pro-rata refund if:

• The app experiences extended downtime (more than 48 consecutive hours) due to technical issues on our end
• A critical feature you subscribed for becomes unavailable without prior notice
• You experience a documented billing error

3. Non-Refundable Items and Situations

Refunds will NOT be granted in the following cases:

• Subscription renewals (automatic or manual) after the initial 3-day period
• Purchases made more than 30 days ago
• Change of mind or buyer's remorse after 3 days
• Account suspension or termination due to Terms of Service violations
• Failure to use the service due to personal circumstances
• Incompatibility with your device (if device meets minimum published requirements)
• Dissatisfaction with free features or content

4. How to Request a Refund

To request a refund:

1. Send an email to: [email protected]
2. Include the following information:
   • Your full name and registered email address
   • Transaction ID or payment receipt
   • Date of purchase
   • Reason for refund request
   • Any supporting documentation (for service disruption claims)
3. Subject line: "Refund Request - [Your Email Address]"

5. Refund Processing Timeline

Request Review: We will review your refund request within 15 business days and notify you of approval or denial via email.

Processing Time: Approved refunds will be processed within 7-10 business days from approval.

Refund Method: Refunds are issued to the original payment method used for purchase (credit card, debit card, or bank account).

Bank Processing: Depending on your financial institution, it may take an additional 3-5 business days for the refund to appear in your account.

6. Subscription Cancellations

How to Cancel: You may cancel your subscription at any time through the app settings.

Effect of Cancellation: Cancelling your subscription will prevent future charges. You will retain access to premium features until the end of your current billing period.

No Partial Refunds: Cancellation does NOT entitle you to a refund for the current billing period.

7. Disputed Charges and Chargebacks

Before initiating a chargeback with your bank, please contact us at [email protected]. Most billing issues can be resolved quickly without involving your financial institution.

If you initiate a chargeback without contacting us first:

• Your account may be suspended pending investigation
• You may lose access to premium features
• Evidence of service delivery will be provided to your bank

8. Contact Information for Refunds

For all refund inquiries:

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +27 68 574 3979

Business Hours: Wednesday-Saturday, 03:00pm-05:00pm

9. Changes to This Refund Policy

We reserve the right to modify this Refund Policy at any time. Changes will be communicated via email and posted in the app. Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.