Effective date: 24 August 2026
Last updated: 24 August 2026
1. Introduction
TOLK (“TOLK”, “we”, “us” or “our”) is a multilingual messaging and communication application designed to help users communicate across different languages. We respect user privacy and are committed to protecting personal information in accordance with applicable privacy and data-protection laws, including the Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013 (“POPIA”) where applicable.
2. Information We May Collect
- Name or profile name
- Mobile telephone number and email address, where provided
- Profile photograph
- Preferred language and user settings
- Device and application information
- Contacts, where permission is granted
- Messages and communication-related data required to provide the service
- Images, documents, audio, video and other files voluntarily shared
- Location information when the user chooses to share location
- Diagnostic, crash, security and performance information
3. Messaging and Translation
TOLK provides private messaging and multilingual translation. Where end-to-end encryption is enabled, message content is protected according to the technical implementation of the service. Translation may require message content to be processed by TOLK technology or authorised technology service providers solely to provide the requested translation function.
4. How We Use Information
- Create and maintain user accounts
- Provide messaging, translation, voice and video communication
- Enable document, media and optional location sharing
- Provide invitations, notifications and customer support
- Maintain security, prevent misuse and troubleshoot technical issues
- Improve application reliability and performance
- Comply with applicable legal and regulatory obligations
TOLK does not sell users’ personal information.
5. Device Permissions
TOLK may request access to contacts, camera, microphone, photos, files or location when required for a feature selected by the user. Permissions can be managed through device settings.
6. Information Sharing
Personal information may be processed by authorised service providers such as cloud-hosting, translation, communications, security, analytics or infrastructure providers where necessary to operate TOLK. Information may also be disclosed where required by law or a lawful authority.
7. Security
TOLK uses reasonable administrative, organisational and technical safeguards intended to protect personal information against unauthorised access, loss, misuse, alteration or disclosure. No electronic system can be guaranteed to be completely secure.
8. Data Retention
Personal information is retained only for as long as reasonably necessary to provide the service, maintain security, resolve disputes and comply with legal or regulatory obligations. Information no longer required will be deleted, anonymised or otherwise disposed of appropriately.
9. User Rights
Depending on applicable law, users may request access to, correction of, restriction of processing of, or deletion of their personal information, and may withdraw consent where processing is based on consent.
10. International Processing
Some technology service providers may process information outside the user’s country. Where this occurs, reasonable measures will be taken to ensure appropriate protection in accordance with applicable law.
11. Changes to This Policy
This Privacy Policy may be updated periodically to reflect changes in TOLK functionality, technology, legal requirements or data-processing practices. The latest version will be published on this page.