Last updated: 7 June 2026
MySOS (Pty) Ltd (“MySOS”, “we”, “us”) operates the mySOS mobile app and related services. This policy explains what personal information we collect, why, and your rights. We process personal information in line with South Africa’s Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and, where applicable, the GDPR.
Information we collect
- Account details: your name, email address and mobile number.
- Emergency contacts: the names and phone numbers of the contacts you add or import from your device, so we can alert them in an emergency.
- Location: your GPS location, collected when you activate an emergency (SOS) or run an active Journey, and used to share your position with your emergency contacts and, for subscribers, our response partner. We do not track your location in the background outside of an active emergency or journey.
- Device information: a device identifier (UDID), device model, operating system and app version, and a push-notification token.
- Use of safety features: records of emergencies and journeys you create.
- Support messages: any information you send us when contacting support.
- Subscription status: if you subscribe to MySOS Premium, we store your subscription status. Card and payment details are handled directly by our payment provider, PayFast — we never see or store your card details.
How we use your information
- To provide the core service: raising emergencies, sharing your live location with your chosen contacts, journey check-in monitoring, and finding nearby help.
- To send you notifications related to your safety and account.
- To provide MySOS Premium (24/7 call-centre and dispatch) where subscribed.
- To respond to support requests and to operate, secure and improve the app.
How your information is shared
- With your emergency contacts: when you activate an emergency or journey, at your direction, so they can assist you.
- With our response partner (AURA): for MySOS Premium subscribers (and users on an organisation’s dedicated button), to operate the 24/7 call centre and dispatch medical or security response.
- With service providers acting on our behalf: e.g. PayFast (payments), hosting and messaging/push providers, who may only process data as instructed by us.
- When required by law, or to protect the safety of you or others.
We do not sell your personal information.
Data retention
We keep your personal information for as long as your account is active. When you delete your account, your personal information (profile, contacts, devices, locations) is deleted. Records of past emergencies and journeys are retained in anonymised form, with no link back to you, for safety, operational and legal purposes.
Your rights
You can access or update your details in the app at any time. You may delete your account and personal data from within the app (Settings → Delete account) or as described at https://mysos.co.za/delete-your-mysos-account/. Subject to POPIA/GDPR, you may also request access to, correction of, or deletion of your personal information, and lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator.
Security
We use appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your information, including encryption of data in transit. No method of transmission or storage is completely secure, but we work to protect your information.
Children
mySOS is not intended for children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect their personal information.
Permissions we use
- Location (while in use / foreground service): for SOS and journey tracking.
- Contacts: to let you add emergency contacts from your phone.
- Notifications: to alert you about your safety and account.
Changes to this policy
We may update this policy from time to time. Material changes will be posted on this page with a new “Last updated” date.
Contact us
MySOS (Pty) Ltd
Email: support@mysos.co.za
For privacy/POPIA queries, contact our Information Officer at the address above.
