This Cookie Policy explains how Travel Safely RSA uses cookies and similar technologies on the Business Portal website (www.travelsafelyrsa.co.za) and in the Travel Safely RSA mobile application. We aim to be transparent about what we collect and why.
1. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files placed on your device by a website when you visit it. Similar technologies include local storage (data stored in your browser) and device identifiers used by mobile apps. These technologies help services function correctly, remember your preferences, and provide analytics to improve performance.
2. Technologies Used on the Website (www.travelsafelyrsa.co.za)
- Session storage (browser) — the Business Portal registration form uses your browser's temporary session storage to retain form data if you switch between the Register and Login tabs. This data is cleared automatically when you close your browser tab. No personal information is transmitted to our servers via this mechanism.
- Local storage (browser) — the website map stores one small flag in your browser’s local storage to remember that you have dismissed its intro tour. It contains no personal information and is not sent to our servers. You can clear it in your browser’s site data settings.
- Browser location (optional) — if you choose “use my location” on the website map, your browser asks for permission first. It is not a cookie, and you can withdraw permission in your browser settings.
- Google Maps — the website map and place pages load the Google Maps JavaScript API. Google may set cookies or similar identifiers and log your IP address when it does; see Google’s Privacy Policy.
- Vercel server logs — our hosting provider, Vercel, automatically logs standard web server access data including your IP address, browser type, operating system, referring URL, and pages visited. These logs are used solely for security monitoring and performance analysis. Vercel's data retention policy applies to these logs.
- Google Analytics (optional) — only if you tap Accept on the cookie notice, we load Google Analytics (measurement ID G-6W67VNBXRQ). It sets cookies (such as
_ga) and records anonymised information about your visit, such as pages viewed, approximate location, browser and device type. IP addresses are anonymised. If you tap Decline, or make no choice, it is not loaded and no analytics cookies are set. - No advertising cookies — we do not use third-party advertising networks or remarketing pixels on this website, and we do not use Google Analytics for advertising.
- Google Fonts — this website loads the Inter typeface from Google Fonts. When your browser requests the font, Google may log your IP address. See Google's Privacy Policy for details.
3. Technologies Used in the Mobile App
- Firebase Authentication tokens — a secure token is stored locally on your device to keep you signed in between app sessions. This token is essential for the app to function and cannot be disabled without signing out.
- Firebase Firestore local cache — recently viewed data (markers, listings) is cached locally to improve performance and allow limited offline access. This cache contains no additional personal information beyond what is visible in the app.
- Firebase Analytics — anonymous, aggregated usage data (screens visited, feature usage frequency) is collected to help us understand how the app is used and prioritise improvements. No personally identifiable information is linked to analytics events.
- Firebase Crashlytics — if the app crashes, a report is automatically generated containing device model, OS version, app version, and the stack trace at the time of the crash. This is used solely for debugging. Your email address and personal content are not included in crash reports.
- On-device rating counters — a few small values (first-use date, count of positive moments, date of last review prompt) are kept in the app’s local storage to decide when to offer the Google Play review prompt. They are never uploaded and are removed on uninstall.
- Google Maps SDK cache — map tile images are cached locally on your device by the Google Maps SDK to reduce data usage and improve map loading speed. This cache is managed entirely by Google Maps and is subject to Google's privacy policies.
- Google Maps Navigation SDK cache — recent routes, waypoints, and navigation state are cached locally during and after a navigation session to support rerouting and session recovery. Cleared on app uninstall or sign-out.
4. Essential vs. Optional Technologies
Essential (required for the service to function):
- Firebase Authentication tokens — without these, you cannot stay signed in.
- Firestore local cache — required for core app performance.
- Google Maps SDK and Navigation SDK cache — required for map and navigation functionality.
- Browser session storage on the website — used only for the registration form tab state.
- Browser local storage on the website — used only to remember that the map intro tour and this cookie notice were dismissed.
Optional (can be limited or disabled):
- Google Analytics on the website — only loaded if you accept it; you can decline on the cookie notice, or clear this site’s data in your browser to be asked again.
- Firebase Analytics — you may opt out by adjusting your device's advertising or app tracking settings (iOS: Settings → Privacy → Tracking; Android: Settings → Google → Ads).
- Firebase Crashlytics — you may opt out by contacting us at hello@travelsafelyrsa.co.za and we will disable crash reporting for your account.
5. Third-Party Privacy Policies
The following third-party providers process data in connection with our services. Their own privacy policies govern how they handle your data:
- Google Firebase — firebase.google.com/support/privacy
- Google Maps Platform — policies.google.com/privacy
- Vercel — vercel.com/legal/privacy-policy
- Google Fonts and Google Maps JavaScript API — policies.google.com/privacy
- Google Analytics — support.google.com/analytics/answer/6004245
6. Data Retention
- Firebase Authentication tokens expire after a period of inactivity or when you sign out.
- Firestore local cache is cleared when you sign out or uninstall the app.
- Firebase Analytics and website Google Analytics data is retained for up to 14 months before automatic deletion.
- Firebase Crashlytics data is retained for up to 90 days.
- Vercel server logs are retained in accordance with Vercel's retention policy.
7. Your Choices
- Website: The cookie notice lets you accept or decline Google Analytics. Your choice is remembered in your browser; clear this site’s data to be asked again. To clear session storage, close the browser tab or clear your browser's site data.
- App — sign out: Signing out of the app clears your authentication token and Firestore cache from your device.
- App — uninstall: Uninstalling the app removes all locally stored app data including tokens and cached content.
- App — analytics opt-out: Adjust your device's app tracking settings as described in section 4 above.
8. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy to reflect changes in the technologies we use or applicable regulations. Material changes will be communicated via an in-app notification. The updated policy will be posted on this website with a revised date.