Privacy Policy

1. About this policy

This Privacy Policy explains how GuardianSync collects, uses, stores, shares and protects personal information when people visit our website, create or manage an account, register as a helper, apply for verification, search for helpers, purchase an access pass, contact support or otherwise use the GuardianSync platform.

We process personal information in accordance with applicable South African law, including the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 (“POPIA”). This policy should be read together with our Terms and Conditions and any notices presented when information is collected.

2. Who we are

GuardianSync is the trading name of Parademics Guardian Sync (Pty) Ltd, a company registered in South Africa under registration number 2025/544890/07. For personal information processed through the GuardianSync platform, Parademics Guardian Sync (Pty) Ltd is generally the responsible party as contemplated by POPIA.

GuardianSync provides a platform that helps households discover and contact independent helpers. GuardianSync does not employ helpers merely because they create or maintain a profile on the platform.

3. Information we collect

The personal information we collect depends on how you use GuardianSync and may include:

• Account and identity information: name, surname, email address, telephone number, account type, login credentials and identifiers associated with your account.
• Household information: location, search preferences, selected services, saved helpers, access-pass records, enquiries, complaints and support communications.
• Helper profile information: profile photographs, service categories, service areas, experience, skills, languages, availability, work history, references and other information submitted for publication on a helper profile.
• Verification information: identity details, identity documents, photographs, supporting documents, reference information and verification review records. Some verification information may constitute special personal information and is handled with additional care.
• Transaction information: payment status, transaction reference, access-pass selection and related billing records. Payment-card details may be collected directly by a payment provider rather than GuardianSync.
• Technical and usage information: IP address, browser type, device information, pages visited, dates and times of access, diagnostic information, cookie identifiers and security logs.
• Communications: messages sent to us, support requests, complaint information, feedback and records of communications where reasonably necessary.

Please do not submit personal information that is not reasonably required for the relevant GuardianSync service.

4. How we collect information

We collect information directly from you when you register, complete a profile, upload documents, make a purchase, submit a form, contact support or communicate with us. We may also collect information automatically through cookies, server logs and similar technologies when you use the website.

Where appropriate and lawful, we may receive information from references you nominate, payment service providers, identity or verification service providers, publicly available sources, or another person acting with your authority. If you provide information about another person, you must be authorised to do so and must ensure that the person is appropriately informed.

5. How we use information

We may use personal information to:

• create, authenticate, administer and secure accounts;
• publish and maintain helper profiles and make them searchable;
• provide search, favourites, access-pass and contact-unlocking functionality;
• review verification applications and display an appropriate verification status;
• process and reconcile payments and transactions;
• respond to enquiries, complaints, privacy requests and support needs;
• send service messages, security notices and important platform updates;
• detect, investigate and prevent fraud, misuse, security incidents or unlawful conduct;
• operate, analyse, maintain and improve the platform and user experience;
• comply with legal duties, lawful requests and the establishment, exercise or defence of legal claims.

We will not use personal information for a materially incompatible purpose without an appropriate legal basis and, where required, further notice or consent.

6. Grounds for processing

Depending on the circumstances, we process personal information because it is necessary to perform a contract or take requested steps before entering into one; because processing is required or permitted by law; because it protects a legitimate interest of you, GuardianSync or a third party; because it is necessary to protect a legitimate interest of the data subject; or because you have consented.

Where we rely on consent, you may withdraw it at any time. Withdrawal does not affect processing that was lawful before withdrawal and may affect our ability to provide a feature that requires the information.

7. Sharing personal information

We do not sell personal information. We may share only the information reasonably necessary with:

• households and helpers as part of the platform’s profile, search and contact-access functionality;
• service providers that support hosting, communications, payments, analytics, security, verification and customer support, subject to appropriate contractual and security safeguards;
• professional advisers, insurers, auditors or prospective parties to a legitimate corporate transaction where confidentiality protections apply;
• regulators, courts, law-enforcement bodies or other authorities where required or permitted by law;
• other persons when you direct us to share the information or give valid consent.

Our operators may process information only for authorised purposes and must apply appropriate confidentiality and security measures.

8. Public profiles and contact access

Information intentionally added to a helper’s published profile may be visible to website visitors or registered users. Contact details may be made available to eligible households in accordance with the applicable access-pass rules. Helpers should avoid placing identity numbers, identity documents, financial information, home addresses or other unnecessary sensitive details in public profile fields.

A verification badge indicates that the applicable GuardianSync review process was completed; it is not a guarantee of future conduct, suitability or employment performance. Verification documents are not intended to be displayed publicly unless a specific document or detail is expressly designated for publication.

9. Cookies and analytics

GuardianSync may use necessary cookies or browser storage to keep users signed in, preserve security settings, remember preferences and enable core platform functions. We may use limited analytics or performance technologies to understand how the website is used and to improve reliability.

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Blocking necessary storage may prevent authentication, favourites or other platform features from working correctly. Where applicable law requires consent for non-essential technologies, we will request it before using them.

10. Information security

We use reasonable and appropriate technical and organisational safeguards designed to protect personal information against loss, damage, unauthorised destruction, unlawful access or unlawful processing. Measures may include access controls, authentication, encryption in transit where supported, logging, backups, staff or contractor confidentiality obligations and incident-response procedures.

No online service can guarantee absolute security. Users must protect their passwords and devices, avoid sharing authentication credentials and notify us promptly if they suspect unauthorised account access. Where a security compromise creates notification duties under applicable law, we will notify the Information Regulator and affected data subjects as required.

11. Retention

We retain personal information only for as long as reasonably necessary for the purpose for which it was collected, to provide the platform, maintain transaction and security records, resolve disputes, enforce agreements and meet legal or regulatory duties. Retention periods vary according to the information, account status, legal requirements and operational need.

When information is no longer required, we will delete, destroy, de-identify or restrict it as appropriate, subject to lawful exceptions. Backup copies may remain for a limited period until they are securely overwritten or deleted through normal backup cycles.

12. Cross-border processing

Some service providers may process or store information outside South Africa. Where personal information is transferred to another country, we will take reasonable steps to ensure that the transfer complies with POPIA, including by using recipients subject to appropriate legal protection, binding agreements or another permitted transfer basis.

13. Children’s information

GuardianSync accounts and helper registrations are intended for adults with legal capacity. The platform is not intended for children to create accounts or submit their own personal information. Information about childcare needs must be provided by a parent, guardian or other authorised adult and should be limited to what is reasonably necessary.

If we learn that a child submitted personal information without the required authority, we will take reasonable steps to investigate and delete or otherwise lawfully handle the information.

14. Your rights

Subject to POPIA and applicable limitations, you may request confirmation of whether we hold personal information about you; request access to that information; ask us to correct, update, delete or destroy information that is inaccurate, irrelevant, excessive, out of date, incomplete, misleading or unlawfully obtained; object to certain processing; withdraw consent where processing relies on consent; and complain about alleged interference with your personal information.

We may need to verify your identity before acting on a request. Some information may be retained where the law permits or requires it, including information needed for legal claims, fraud prevention, transaction records or the rights of another person. To exercise a right, contact support@guardiansync.co.za.

15. Direct marketing

We may send marketing communications where you have consented or where another lawful basis permits us to do so. You can opt out using the unsubscribe method in the communication or by contacting us. Opting out of marketing does not prevent us from sending necessary service, account, transaction, safety or legal messages.

16. Third-party links

The website may contain links to third-party websites or services. Their privacy practices are controlled by their own policies, and GuardianSync is not responsible for those practices. Review the relevant third party’s privacy information before providing personal information.

17. Changes to this policy

We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes to the platform, our practices or legal requirements. The revised version will be posted on this page with an updated “Last updated” date. Where a change materially affects users, we may provide an additional notice through the website, account or available contact details.

18. Questions and complaints

Please contact us first so that we can investigate and try to resolve a privacy concern. You also have the right to lodge a complaint with South Africa’s Information Regulator. Official complaint guidance and forms are available from the Information Regulator complaints page.

19. Contact us