Privacy Policy

Last updated: April 2026

Open Locally ("we", "us", or "our") is a local business discovery platform for Christchurch, New Zealand. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your information when you use our website, Telegram bot, WhatsApp bot, or any other services we provide.

1. Information We Collect

We collect information you provide directly to us, including:

• Your name and contact details (when you register a business or contact us)
• Your phone number (when you message our WhatsApp or Telegram bot)
• Messages and queries you send to our bots
• Your approximate location (city/suburb), if you share it
• Business information you submit for listing

We also collect usage data automatically, such as pages visited, bot interactions, and device type, to help us improve our service.

2. How We Use Your Information

• To answer your questions and provide local business recommendations
• To display your business listing on our platform
• To send you relevant local deals, events, or updates (only if you opt in)
• To improve our platform and AI assistant
• To comply with legal obligations

3. WhatsApp and Telegram Bots

When you message our bots, your phone number and message content are processed to generate a response. Conversations may be stored to provide context across sessions and to improve our assistant. We do not share your personal messages with third parties except as required to operate the service (e.g. AI inference providers).

Our WhatsApp bot is powered by the Meta Cloud API. By messaging our WhatsApp number, you also agree to WhatsApp's Privacy Policy.

4. AI Processing

Queries sent to our bots may be processed by AI systems (including Anthropic Claude) to generate responses. We do not intentionally send sensitive personal information to these systems. AI providers process data under their own privacy policies and terms.

5. Data Sharing

We do not sell your personal information. We may share data with:

• Service providers who help us operate the platform (hosting, AI, analytics)
• Law enforcement or regulators when required by law

6. Data Retention

We retain your data for as long as necessary to provide the service. Bot conversation history is typically retained for 12 months. Business listings are retained until you request removal.

7. Your Rights

You have the right to access, correct, or delete your personal information. To make a request, contact us at the address below. We will respond within 20 working days.

8. Cookies

Our website uses minimal cookies for session management and analytics. You can disable cookies in your browser settings, though some features may not work correctly.

9. Children

Our services are not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy from time to time. We will post the updated version on this page with a revised date. Continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance.

11. Contact Us

For privacy questions or to exercise your rights, please contact: