MAATLA Privacy Policy
MAATLA Privacy Policy
Last updated: 26 June 2026
MAATLA (we, us) provides a WhatsApp-based health support service for South African families. This policy explains what personal information we collect, why, how we handle it, and your rights. We process personal information in line with the Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013 (POPIA).
MAATLA (we, us) provides a WhatsApp-based health support service for South African families. This policy explains what personal information we collect, why, how we handle it, and your rights. We process personal information in line with the Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013 (POPIA).
Who we are
Who we are
MAATLA is operated by MAATLA, business registration in progress with CIPC. For any privacy question, contact our Information Officer at [your email].
MAATLA is operated by MAATLA, business registration in progress with CIPC. For any privacy question, contact our Information Officer at [your email].
What information we collect
What information we collect
When you use MAATLA, we may collect: your name, your WhatsApp phone number, the phone numbers of family members you choose to link to your account, the chronic condition or medication category you ask us to support you with, your medication check-in responses, and, where you use them, your location at the time of an emergency request and basic medical profile details you choose to share such as allergies or blood type.
When you use MAATLA, we may collect: your name, your WhatsApp phone number, the phone numbers of family members you choose to link to your account, the chronic condition or medication category you ask us to support you with, your medication check-in responses, and, where you use them, your location at the time of an emergency request and basic medical profile details you choose to share such as allergies or blood type.
Some of this is health information, which POPIA treats as a special category of personal information. We only collect it because you have asked us to help you manage your health, and we only use it for that purpose.
Some of this is health information, which POPIA treats as a special category of personal information. We only collect it because you have asked us to help you manage your health, and we only use it for that purpose.
Why we collect it
Why we collect it
We use your information to send medication reminders and health voice notes, to run weekly check-ins, to alert a family member you have nominated if doses are missed, to deliver health lessons, and, in the emergency features, to connect you to help and share your location with responders. We do not use your health information for advertising, and we do not sell it.
We use your information to send medication reminders and health voice notes, to run weekly check-ins, to alert a family member you have nominated if doses are missed, to deliver health lessons, and, in the emergency features, to connect you to help and share your location with responders. We do not use your health information for advertising, and we do not sell it.
How we store and process it
How we store and process it
MAATLA is built on third-party services that help us run the platform. Your information may be processed by:
MAATLA is built on third-party services that help us run the platform. Your information may be processed by:
Twilio, which powers our WhatsApp messaging. N8N, which runs our automated message workflows. Google (Google Sheets), which we currently use to store account and check-in records.
Twilio, which powers our WhatsApp messaging. N8N, which runs our automated message workflows. Google (Google Sheets), which we currently use to store account and check-in records.
These providers act as our processors. Some of them store or process data on servers outside South Africa. POPIA allows this where the provider is subject to comparable data protection rules, and we choose established providers for this reason. As MAATLA grows, we are moving to a dedicated secure database to strengthen how your information is protected.
These providers act as our processors. Some of them store or process data on servers outside South Africa. POPIA allows this where the provider is subject to comparable data protection rules, and we choose established providers for this reason. As MAATLA grows, we are moving to a dedicated secure database to strengthen how your information is protected.
Who we share it with
Who we share it with
We share your information only in these situations: with a family member you have specifically nominated, with emergency responders or medical professionals when you trigger an emergency request, and with the service providers listed above who help us operate. We do not share your information with anyone else without your consent, unless the law requires us to.
We share your information only in these situations: with a family member you have specifically nominated, with emergency responders or medical professionals when you trigger an emergency request, and with the service providers listed above who help us operate. We do not share your information with anyone else without your consent, unless the law requires us to.
How long we keep it
How long we keep it
We keep your information for as long as you use MAATLA. If you leave the service, you can ask us to delete your information and we will do so, unless we are legally required to keep certain records.
We keep your information for as long as you use MAATLA. If you leave the service, you can ask us to delete your information and we will do so, unless we are legally required to keep certain records.
Your rights
Your rights
Under POPIA you have the right to ask what information we hold about you, to correct it, to ask us to delete it, and to withdraw your consent at any time. You can stop using MAATLA at any point by messaging STOP on WhatsApp. To exercise any of these rights, contact us at Info@MaatlaHealthcare.com.
Under POPIA you have the right to ask what information we hold about you, to correct it, to ask us to delete it, and to withdraw your consent at any time. You can stop using MAATLA at any point by messaging STOP on WhatsApp. To exercise any of these rights, contact us at Info@MaatlaHealthcare.com.
Children
Children
MAATLA is intended for adults. We do not knowingly create accounts for children without the consent of a parent or guardian.
MAATLA is intended for adults. We do not knowingly create accounts for children without the consent of a parent or guardian.
Changes to this policy
Changes to this policy
We may update this policy as MAATLA develops. We will post the updated version here with a new date.
We may update this policy as MAATLA develops. We will post the updated version here with a new date.
Contact
Contact
For any question about your information or this policy, contact Info@MaatlaHealthcare.com
For any question about your information or this policy, contact Info@MaatlaHealthcare.com