Privacy Policy

Last updated: September 2026

1. Information We Collect

When you use Maarg to report footpath issues, we collect the following information:

  • Photos of footpath issues you submit
  • Location data (when you share your location)

By default, we do not store your phone number. WhatsApp is used only for communication, and your number is not saved or linked to your reports — unless you opt in to updates (see Section 2).

2. Phone Numbers (Not Stored by Default)

By default, we do not store or log your WhatsApp/mobile number. Reports are tied to a one-way hash, not to your number.

  • No database storage by default: your number is not written to our database when you report.
  • No application logging: we do not log phone numbers in our application logs.
  • No public sharing: our social posts and dashboard never include phone numbers.

The one exception — opt-in updates. If you choose to follow a report (by replying FOLLOW on WhatsApp, or using a “Get updates” link), we store your number so we can message you about progress. When you opt in:

  • Your number is encrypted at rest and used only to send updates you asked for.
  • It is never shared with anyone and never shown publicly.
  • You can remove it anytime by replying STOP — this deletes your stored number.

Reports themselves are saved without personal identifiers. We only retain what we need to act on the issue (for example: the photo, approximate location/city/locality, issue type, status, and timestamps).

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information to:

  • Process and categorize footpath issue reports
  • Forward reports to relevant municipal authorities
  • Escalate issues on social media (Twitter/X) when necessary
  • Send you updates about the status of your reports
  • Aggregate anonymized data for public dashboards

4. Information Sharing

We may share your report information (photos and location) with:

  • Municipal authorities responsible for footpath maintenance
  • Public social media posts (Twitter/X) for escalation purposes

Your identity is never revealed publicly. Reports are anonymous, and your phone number is never shared — even if you've opted in to updates, it is stored only to message you and is never included in anything we post or share.

5. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your data, including:

  • Encrypted data transmission (HTTPS)
  • Secure cloud storage (AWS)
  • No personal identifiers stored by default — a phone number is saved only if you opt in to updates, and then encrypted
  • Subscriber numbers are encrypted at rest and deleted when you unsubscribe
  • Public reports cannot be traced back to individuals

6. Data Retention

Report data is retained for a period necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy. You may request deletion of your data by contacting us at hello@maarg.me.

7. Your Rights

You have the right to:

  • Access your submitted reports
  • Request deletion of your data
  • Unsubscribe from updates anytime (reply STOP), which deletes your stored number

8. Contact Us

For any privacy-related questions or concerns, please contact us at: hello@maarg.me