Privacy Policy

Quola ("we", "us", "our") operates a data collection platform that connects requester organisations with field data collectors across East Africa. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, share, and protect personal information when you use our platform, website, and mobile applications.

By using Quola, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy. If you do not agree, please do not use our services.

Information You Provide

• Account information: Name, email address, phone number, and password when you create an account
• Organisation details: Organisation name, country, city, and role (for requester accounts)
• Collector profile: Name, location, phone number, and identity verification details (for collector accounts)
• Payment information: Mobile money account details or bank account information for collector payouts
• Project data: Survey forms, submission data, photos, audio recordings, video, and GPS coordinates submitted through data collection projects
• Communications: Messages sent through our platform, support requests, and feedback

Information Collected Automatically

• Device information: Device type, operating system, browser type, and unique device identifiers
• Usage data: Pages visited, features used, timestamps, and interaction patterns
• Location data: GPS coordinates when collectors submit data (with explicit permission), IP-based approximate location
• Log data: IP address, access times, and referring URLs

We use the information we collect to:

• Provide, maintain, and improve the Quola platform and services
• Create and manage your account, authenticate your identity, and process payments
• Match collectors with relevant data collection projects based on location and skills
• Enable requester organisations to manage projects, review submissions, and ensure data quality
• Facilitate communication between platform participants
• Detect, prevent, and address fraud, abuse, and security issues — including duplicate accounts and fabricated submissions
• Send service-related notifications, project updates, and payment confirmations
• Analyse platform usage to improve our services and user experience
• Comply with legal obligations and enforce our terms

We do not sell your personal information. We share information only in the following circumstances:

With Requester Organisations

When collectors submit data for a project, the submission content (including photos, GPS coordinates, and form responses) is shared with the requester organisation that commissioned the project. Requester organisations do not receive collectors' personal contact details, payment information, or data from other projects.

With Service Providers

We work with third-party service providers for hosting, payment processing, analytics, and communication services. These providers access personal information only as needed to perform services on our behalf and are contractually bound to protect it.

For Legal Reasons

We may disclose information if required by law, legal process, or government request, or if we believe disclosure is necessary to protect our rights, the safety of our users, or the public.

Business Transfers

If Quola is involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, personal information may be transferred as part of that transaction. We will notify affected users of any change in ownership or use of personal information.

Quola's core function is enabling structured data collection. It's important to understand how data flows through our platform:

• Requester organisations design projects and define what data is collected. They are data controllers for the submission content they commission.
• Collectors gather data in the field according to project specifications. They should inform survey respondents about data collection purposes as required by applicable law.
• Quola processes and stores submission data on behalf of requester organisations. We act as a data processor for project submission content.

If you are a respondent whose data was collected through a Quola project, please contact the requester organisation directly regarding how your data is used.

We store data on secure cloud infrastructure with industry-standard protections including encryption in transit and at rest, access controls, and regular security assessments.

Data collected through our platform may be processed and stored in servers located outside the country where it was collected. By using our platform, you consent to the transfer and processing of data in accordance with this policy.

While we implement reasonable safeguards, no method of electronic transmission or storage is completely secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security of your information.

We retain personal information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide our services. Specific retention periods:

• Account data: Retained while your account is active and for a reasonable period after deletion to comply with legal obligations
• Project submission data: Retained according to the requester organisation's instructions and applicable data retention requirements
• Payment records: Retained as required by financial regulations and tax laws
• Log and analytics data: Retained for up to 24 months

Depending on your location and applicable law, you may have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete personal information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information, subject to legal retention requirements
• Portability: Request your data in a structured, machine-readable format
• Objection: Object to processing of your personal information for specific purposes
• Withdraw consent: Where processing is based on consent, you may withdraw it at any time

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at privacy@quola.io. We will respond within 30 days.

We use cookies and similar technologies to maintain sessions, remember preferences, and understand how our platform is used. You can control cookie settings through your browser. Disabling cookies may affect platform functionality.

Quola is not intended for use by anyone under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. All data collectors must be at least 18 years of age. If we learn that we have collected information from a child under 18, we will delete that information promptly.

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of material changes by posting the updated policy on our platform and updating the "Last updated" date. Continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.

If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, contact us at:

• Email: privacy@quola.io
• General enquiries: support@quola.io