Data & Privacy Policy

At GroundWork, we respect your privacy. This policy outlines how we collect, use, and protect your data when you use our civic reporting platform.

1. Information We Collect

To provide an effective municipal service, we collect the following types of data:

• Account Information: Names, email addresses, and phone numbers provided during registration (for Residents and Workers).
• Location Data: When submitting a report, we collect geolocation coordinates (Latitude/Longitude) to pinpoint the issue.
• User-Generated Content: Descriptions of civic issues and any images uploaded as proof of the fault or proof of work.
• System Preferences: Notification settings, such as "muted wards," are stored to tailor your experience.

2. How We Use Your Data

Your data is used strictly for operational and municipal purposes:

• Routing Reports: Location data is used to automatically map issues to the correct municipal ward and dispatch relevant workers.
• Communication: Email addresses and phone numbers are used to send status updates on reports you've submitted or wards you track.
• Analytics: Aggregated, anonymised data is used to generate performance reports (e.g., resolution times, issue density) for administrators.

3. Data Sharing & Security

Your personal information is never sold to third parties. Data is shared only with authorised municipal personnel (Administrators and Field Operatives) necessary to resolve the reported issues.

We utilise secure, encrypted databases to store your information. Images uploaded to the platform are converted to secure Base64 formats and tied strictly to their respective Report IDs.

4. Your Rights

Under applicable data protection laws, you have the right to:

• Request access to the personal data we hold about you.
• Correct or update inaccurate information via your Profile settings.
• Request the deletion of your account and associated personal data (note that civic reports themselves may be anonymised and retained for municipal public record).

5. Cookies & Local Storage

GroundWork uses local storage (e.g., saving your Resident ID or Role) to maintain your login session and save your preferences (like notification mutes). We do not use third-party tracking cookies.