RescueDesk Privacy Policy
RescueDesk helps workshops and trade businesses reply on WhatsApp when they miss a phone call, so the caller can book in. This policy explains what personal information RescueDesk processes, why, and your rights under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).
1. Who is responsible
The business you phoned (for example, a motor workshop) is responsible for its customer relationship with you. RescueDesk processes your information on that business's behalf to run its booking messages. Contact either the business or RescueDesk using the details in section 9.
2. What we collect
- Your phone number, and the date and time of the missed call.
- Your WhatsApp profile name, if WhatsApp shares it.
- What you tell us in the conversation: the service you need, your vehicle, your preferred drop-off day, and any question you ask.
- Booking details and their status (confirmed, moved, cancelled).
We do not ask for ID numbers, banking details or payment information.
3. Why we use it
- To reply to your missed call on WhatsApp and help you book.
- To tell the business about your booking or question.
- To send you a reminder the day before your booking.
- To show the business simple totals, such as how many missed calls led to bookings.
We do not sell your information or use it for advertising.
4. Messages and opting out
When you call a business that uses RescueDesk and it can't answer, you may be asked to press 1 to get a WhatsApp. We only message you if you do, and only about that call and the booking that follows. Reply STOP at any time and we will not message you again. Reply START if you change your mind.
5. Who we share it with
- The business you phoned.
- Meta Platforms (WhatsApp), which carries the messages under its own terms and privacy policy.
- Our hosting and telephony providers, only as needed to run the service.
Some of these providers may store data outside South Africa. We only use providers that protect personal information to a standard comparable to POPIA.
6. How long we keep it
We keep booking conversations for up to 12 months after your last message, then delete them, unless the law requires us to keep them longer.
7. Security
Access to booking information is limited to the business and RescueDesk, protected by access controls, and sent over encrypted connections.
8. Your rights
You may ask what information we hold about you, ask us to correct or delete it, or object to how we use it. You may also complain to the Information Regulator of South Africa (inforegulator.org.za).
9. Contact
RescueDesk · Andre Van Schalkwyk · 8 Stellenryk Street, Stellenryk, Cape Town, 7550 · andre@rescuedesk.co.za
10. Changes
If we change this policy, we will update the effective date above.