This policy explains what personal information The Local Cities (“we”, “us”) collects when you use our website and services, why we collect it and the choices you have. It should be read together with our Terms & Conditions.
1. Information we collect
- Account details — your name, email address, phone number and password (stored only as a secure hash) when you register.
- Business information — details business owners publish in their listings, such as name, photos, address, opening hours and contact details.
- Reviews and messages — reviews you post and messages you send us through the contact form.
- Location — only when you choose “Near me”/“Use my location”, your browser shares your approximate position so we can sort places by distance. It is stored in your own browser for up to 30 minutes and is not linked to your account.
- Usage data — basic technical information such as IP address, browser type and the listings you view, used to keep the service secure and to show businesses how many people view their listing.
2. How we use your information
- To provide and improve the platform, including search and directions.
- To verify your email address and keep your account secure (for example with one-time sign-in codes).
- To moderate listings and reviews and prevent fraud and spam.
- To reply to your questions and, if you subscribe, to send occasional newsletters (you can unsubscribe at any time).
3. Sharing
We do not sell your personal information. Public listing and review content is visible to everyone. We share data with service providers that help us run the platform (such as hosting, email delivery and map tiles from OpenStreetMap) only as needed, or when required by law.
4. Cookies and local storage
We use a session cookie to keep you signed in, and your browser’s local storage to remember your recent location choice. We do not use advertising cookies.
5. Security and retention
We protect your data with encrypted connections, hashed passwords and access controls. We keep information only for as long as your account is active or as needed for the purposes above and our legal obligations.
6. Your rights
Depending on where you live (including under Rwanda’s Law No. 058/2021 on the protection of personal data and privacy), you may request access to, correction of, or deletion of your personal data, and object to certain processing. Contact us using the details below.
7. Contact
Email support@thelocalcities.com or call +250 788 317 614. Address: Kigali, Rwanda.