About WhatsApp
Privacy & Messaging Policy

WhatsApp & SMS Privacy Policy

How Tuqio collects, uses, shares, and protects personal data when you engage with us via the WhatsApp Business Platform and SMS for event invitations, pledges, bar orders, transport, venue discovery, and store requests.

Effective: 18 November 2025 · Scope: Tuqio platform, WhatsApp automations, SMS communications, guest/host interactions
Chat on WhatsApp Email privacy@tuqio.co.tz

At a Glance

What this covers

Using WhatsApp Business and SMS to communicate with Tuqio for event setup, invitations, pledges, orders, transport, venue discovery, and support.

  • ✔ Guests replying to event invites or pledge requests
  • ✔ Hosts coordinating services or purchases
  • ✔ Store, bar, and logistics conversations
  • ✔ SMS reminders and event-day notifications

Our commitments

  • ✔ Use only what we need to deliver the request
  • ✔ Align with WhatsApp Business Terms & Data Processing Terms
  • ✔ Comply with applicable SMS / TCPA-aligned consent requirements
  • ✔ Respect opt-outs instantly and delete on request where feasible
  • ✔ Protect data with encryption in transit and access controls

Your controls

  • ✔ Ask for a copy or correction of your data
  • ✔ Opt out of WhatsApp messages at any time
  • ✔ Reply STOP to any SMS to unsubscribe immediately
  • ✔ Request deletion where law and business needs allow
  • ✔ Contact us directly for privacy questions or complaints

Data Collection

Data we collect when you use WhatsApp or SMS with Tuqio

We collect only the data required to fulfill your request and operate the Tuqio experience.

Information you share

  • Contact details: phone number, name, and optional email address
  • Event context: event type, date/time, venue preferences, guest list details, seating or transport needs
  • Engagement details: RSVP/pledge amounts, menu or bar orders, store product selections, delivery notes
  • Support conversations: screenshots, clarifications, or feedback you send via WhatsApp or SMS

Information we generate or receive

  • Message logs and timestamps to operate WhatsApp and SMS flows and comply with audit requirements
  • Automation state: which template, button, or quick reply you used, and whether a message was delivered or read
  • SMS delivery receipts: sent, delivered, and failed statuses from our SMS gateway provider
  • Device/technical data from WhatsApp (e.g., language, country code) needed to deliver the service
  • Payment or settlement status where relevant (no card data is collected through WhatsApp or SMS)

Data Use

How we use your data

All use of your data is limited to delivering and improving the Tuqio event experience.

Primary uses — WhatsApp

  • Deliver digital event invitations, RSVPs, pledges, and reminders to guests via WhatsApp
  • Coordinate offline bar orders, menus, tabs, and payments during events
  • Arrange logistics: transport, venue selection, seating assignments, and staffing
  • Handle store orders, confirmations, and delivery or pickup updates
  • Provide support, troubleshooting, and service quality follow-ups

Primary uses — SMS

  • Send event invitation alerts when guests may not use WhatsApp or have limited data
  • Deliver RSVP confirmation and pledge acknowledgement messages
  • Send event-day reminders: event start time, venue address, and gate instructions
  • Provide transport ETA updates and pickup/drop-off notifications
  • Deliver one-time passcodes (OTPs) for QR code or guest check-in verification
  • Send post-event thank-you messages and feedback requests

Legal bases

  • Performance of a contract or to take steps at your request
  • Legitimate interests in operating and improving Tuqio services in ways that respect your rights
  • Compliance with legal or regulatory obligations (e.g., responding to lawful requests)
  • Consent where required, including for marketing or additional data you choose to share

What we do NOT do

  • We do not sell or rent your phone number or WhatsApp contact to third parties
  • We do not send unsolicited promotional SMS without your explicit prior consent
  • We do not use your contact details for any purpose unrelated to your Tuqio event or service request
  • We do not share your data with advertisers or data brokers

SMS Messaging

SMS-specific practices

Tuqio uses SMS as a complement to WhatsApp, especially in lower-connectivity environments common across Tanzania and East Africa.

Consent & opt-in

  • Your phone number is collected when an event host adds you as a guest or when you contact Tuqio directly
  • By providing your number you consent to receive transactional SMS messages related to that event (invites, reminders, OTPs, logistics)
  • We obtain explicit consent before sending any promotional or marketing SMS campaigns
  • Consent is recorded with a timestamp and the channel through which it was obtained

Opt-out & STOP

  • Reply STOP to any Tuqio SMS to unsubscribe from all future SMS messages immediately
  • We will send one final confirmation message: "You have been unsubscribed from Tuqio SMS."
  • Opt-out requests are processed within 24 hours and honoured for all subsequent campaigns
  • You can also email privacy@tuqio.co.tz or message us on WhatsApp to opt out
  • Opting out of SMS does not affect your WhatsApp or email communications, and vice versa

Message frequency & content

  • Transactional SMS: sent only when triggered by your event (invitation, reminder, OTP, update)
  • Marketing SMS: maximum 2–4 messages per month if you have opted in to receive them
  • Every message includes the sender name "Tuqio" and a clear opt-out instruction
  • We do not send SMS between 9 pm and 7 am local Tanzania time without explicit request

SMS service providers

  • SMS messages are delivered through licensed gateway providers (e.g., Africa's Talking or equivalent) under data processing agreements
  • Providers process your phone number and message content only to route the SMS; they do not use it for any other purpose
  • We review provider security and compliance practices before engaging them
  • No SMS content containing sensitive personal data (health, financial, identity) is sent via plain SMS

WhatsApp Messaging

WhatsApp-specific practices

How we work with WhatsApp

  • We use the WhatsApp Business Platform to deliver event invites, pledges, bar orders, transport updates, and store confirmations
  • Message templates are approved by WhatsApp where required; we avoid spam and keep content contextual to your event
  • We do not sell or rent your WhatsApp number; it is used only for Tuqio event and service purposes
  • If you are a guest, your responses are shared with the event host to fulfill their event obligations
  • We do not collect device-level identifiers beyond what WhatsApp provides to deliver the message

Children and sensitive data

  • Tuqio is not directed to children under 13; if we learn we have such data, we delete it
  • We do not intentionally request sensitive data (health, religion, biometric data) via WhatsApp or SMS
  • Please avoid sending sensitive details; if provided, we will handle only as necessary to support the event
  • Users under 18 should have a parent or guardian's consent before engaging with Tuqio services

Data Governance

Sharing, storage, and retention

Who we share with

  • WhatsApp/Meta as required to deliver messages through the WhatsApp Business Platform
  • SMS gateway providers who route your messages under confidentiality and data processing agreements
  • Service providers who help us host, secure, or analyse the platform under confidentiality obligations
  • Event hosts or their delegates when you are a guest responding to their event communications
  • Authorities where required by law or to protect rights, safety, or security

Storage, transfers, and retention

  • Data is stored in reputable cloud infrastructure with access controls and audit logging
  • Cross-border transfers follow WhatsApp/Meta safeguards and contractual protections where required
  • SMS logs are retained for up to 12 months for dispute resolution and compliance, then deleted
  • WhatsApp message content is retained for the event lifecycle plus 90 days, then deleted or de-identified
  • We delete or de-identify data on request, subject to legal obligations

Your Rights

Your choices and rights

Control your messages

  • Reply "STOP" to any SMS or tell us to pause WhatsApp communications; we respect opt-outs promptly
  • Update your details (name, phone, email) by messaging us or via your host
  • Request a copy of your data processed via WhatsApp or SMS and corrections where inaccurate
  • Request deletion; we will remove data that is not required for legal, security, or settlement purposes

Security practices

  • Encryption in transit, strong authentication, and role-based access for our staff
  • Template approval and message safeguards required by WhatsApp Business policies
  • SMS gateway providers are contractually bound to protect your data and restrict access
  • Monitoring for misuse, spam, or unauthorized access to WhatsApp and SMS flows
  • Limited internal access to only those who need it to support you or your event

Contact & Requests

Questions or requests?

Reach out for data access, corrections, opt-outs, or any concerns about how Tuqio uses WhatsApp or SMS messaging.

💬 Chat on WhatsApp privacy@tuqio.co.tz

Tuqio Events · privacy@tuqio.co.tz · +255 759 445 422 · Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

If you have unresolved concerns, you may also contact your local data protection authority.

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