Privacy Policy

FlowState Solutions ("we," "us," "our") operates The Local Loop App, connecting patrons with local venue specials and events. This policy explains what personal information we collect, why, and how it's protected. It's written to comply with South Africa's Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).

1. Browsing Without an Account

You do not need to create an account to browse specials or events on The Local Loop App. No personal information is collected from anonymous visitors browsing the public feed.

2. Information We Collect If You Create an Account

If you sign up as a Patron:

We collect only your email address and password.

If you sign up as a Venue Owner:

In addition to email and password, we collect your first name, surname, and cell phone number, along with details about the venue(s) you manage (business name, location, and specials/events you choose to post).

3. How We Use Your Information

• To create and secure your account (authentication and password recovery)
• To let Venue Owners manage and publish their specials and events
• To send account-related emails (verification codes, password resets, profile approval status)
• To review and approve Venue Owner profile submissions

We do not sell your personal information, and we do not use it for advertising.

4. Where Your Information Is Stored

Your information is stored using Supabase, with our primary database hosted in the West EU (Ireland) region, and transactional emails are sent via Resend. This means your information is processed outside South Africa, within the European Union. The EU maintains a comprehensive data protection framework (the GDPR), which we rely on as a relevant safeguard when assessing our compliance with POPIA's requirements for the cross-border transfer of personal information.

5. Security

Access to your data is restricted using Row-Level Security, meaning Venue Owners can only ever access their own venue and profile data, never another owner's. All data is transmitted using encrypted (HTTPS) connections, and passwords are never stored in plain text.

6. Cookies and Local Storage

We use your browser's local storage to keep you signed in between visits. We do not use advertising or tracking cookies, and we do not use third-party analytics tools.

7. Your Rights Under POPIA

You have the right to:

• Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you
• Request correction of inaccurate information
• Request deletion of your account and associated personal information
• Lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator of South Africa if you believe your information has been mishandled

To exercise any of these rights, contact us using the details below.

8. Children's Privacy

The Local Loop App is not directed at children. During account creation, every user is required to confirm that they are 18 years of age or older before their account can be created. We do not knowingly collect personal information from anyone under the age of 18.

9. Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy from time to time. Material changes will be reflected by updating the "Last updated" date above.

Contact Us

FlowState Solutions' designated Information Officer, registered with the Information Regulator of South Africa, is responsible for compliance with this policy and with POPIA. For any questions about this policy, your personal information, or to exercise any of the rights listed above, contact us at flowstate.gen+LLPenquiries@gmail.com.