# Security SOS Privacy Policy **Last updated: 28 September 2026** Security SOS is a university safety and emergency reporting application provided by **Espy Technologies**. This Privacy Policy explains how Security SOS collects, uses, stores, and shares information when you use the application. ## 1. Information We Collect Depending on the features you use, Security SOS may collect the following information: ### Account Information When you create or use an account, we may collect: * Name * Email address * University and campus information * Account and authentication information * User role or account status ### Location Information Security SOS may collect your device's location when you use safety features that require location information. Location may be used to: * Send your location to authorized university security personnel when you activate an SOS * Share your location with selected trusted contacts when you use Safe Journey * Provide location information associated with an incident report * Help authorized personnel respond to a reported safety incident Location sharing through Safe Journey is intended to operate only while the feature is active, subject to the settings and controls provided in the application. ### Incident Reports When you submit an incident report, you may provide: * A description of the incident * Incident category * Location information * Photographs * Videos, where supported * Information indicating that an incident is related to gender-based violence (GBV) GBV-related reports are treated as confidential and are made available to authorized personnel responsible for handling such reports. ### Device and Technical Information The application and services supporting it may process technical information necessary to provide and secure the service, including information associated with your device, application installation, authentication, push notifications, and service operation. ## 2. How We Use Information Information collected through Security SOS may be used to: * Provide emergency and safety services * Process SOS alerts * Process incident reports * Process confidential GBV reports * Provide location information when a safety feature requires it * Facilitate Safe Journey functionality * Notify authorized university security personnel * Notify authorized personnel responsible for GBV reports * Send service-related push notifications * Authenticate users and maintain account security * Maintain, troubleshoot, and improve the application * Protect the application and its users from misuse or security threats We do not use information collected through Security SOS for purposes unrelated to providing, securing, and improving the service unless otherwise disclosed or required by law. ## 3. How Information Is Shared Security SOS may share information with authorized parties when necessary to provide the safety services requested by the user. Depending on the feature used, information may be made available to: * Authorized university security or campus administrators * Authorized GBV officers for GBV-related reports * Trusted contacts selected by the user when the user activates location sharing or Safe Journey features * Service providers that provide infrastructure necessary to operate Security SOS * Government, law-enforcement, or emergency authorities where disclosure is required by law or is necessary to respond to a lawful request or emergency We do not sell users' personal information. Access to sensitive safety information is restricted to authorized personnel and is subject to the application's access controls. ## 4. Firebase and Service Providers Security SOS uses services provided by Google Firebase to support functionality such as authentication, database services, file storage, hosting, cloud functions, and notifications. Information processed through these services may include account information, incident reports, location information, uploaded media, device-related information, and notification information depending on the features used. These services are used to operate and secure Security SOS. ## 5. Photos and Videos If you choose to attach a photograph or video to an incident report, the selected media may be uploaded to the Security SOS service and made available to authorized personnel responsible for responding to the report. The application does not access your photo or video library for purposes unrelated to features that you choose to use. ## 6. Location Permissions Security SOS may request access to your device location. You can control location permissions through your device settings. If you deny or revoke location access, certain features that depend on location information may not function correctly. Location information is used for safety-related functionality such as SOS alerts, incident reporting, and Safe Journey where applicable. ## 7. Push Notifications Security SOS may use push notifications to communicate safety-related alerts and service notifications. Push notification services may process device or notification identifiers necessary to deliver these notifications. You can manage notification permissions through your device settings. ## 8. Data Security We take reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect information processed through Security SOS against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. However, no electronic transmission or storage system can be guaranteed to be completely secure. ## 9. Data Retention Information may be retained for as long as reasonably necessary to provide the service, respond to safety incidents, maintain security, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and maintain appropriate operational records. Retention periods may vary depending on the type of information and the purpose for which it was collected. ## 10. Children's Privacy Security SOS is intended for use by university students, staff, and other authorized university users. It is not specifically directed at children. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children where such collection is prohibited by applicable law. ## 11. Your Choices and Rights Depending on applicable law, you may have rights concerning your personal information, including rights to request access to, correction of, or deletion of certain information. You may also manage certain permissions through your device settings. Requests concerning personal information or privacy can be directed to: **Espy Technologies** Email: **[admin@espytechnologies.co.za](mailto:admin@espytechnologies.co.za)** Website: **https://espytechnologies.co.za** ## 12. Changes to This Privacy Policy We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes to Security SOS, our services, or applicable legal requirements. When changes are made, the updated policy will be published on this page and the "Last updated" date will be changed accordingly. ## 13. Contact Us If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or how Security SOS handles information, please contact: **Espy Technologies** Email: **[admin@espytechnologies.co.za](mailto:admin@espytechnologies.co.za)** Website: **https://espytechnologies.co.za** **Security SOS** Powered by ESPY Technologies