Last Updated: 2025
E-Hostel Link is a comprehensive platform connecting students with quality hostel accommodations. We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information while providing exceptional hostel booking services.
We collect various types of information to provide and improve our services: • Personal Information: Name, email address, phone number, date of birth, gender • Academic Information: University name, student ID, year of study, course details • Identity Verification (KYC): Government-issued ID documents, selfies for verification • Location Data: GPS coordinates, address information for location-based services • Payment Information: Credit/debit card details, mobile money information (processed securely) • Device Information: Device type, operating system, unique device identifiers • Usage Data: App interactions, preferences, search history, booking patterns • Communication Data: Messages, reviews, support interactions
We collect and use location information to: • Show nearby hostels and amenities • Provide accurate directions and navigation • Display location-based recommendations • Verify hostel locations and authenticity • Enable emergency location services if needed Location permissions can be managed in your device settings. Disabling location services may limit certain app features but will not prevent core functionality.
For security and fraud prevention, we implement Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures: • Document Verification: We may request government-issued ID cards, passports, or student IDs • Facial Recognition: Selfie verification to match with provided documents • Address Verification: Proof of address for enhanced security KYC data is encrypted, stored securely, and only accessible to authorized personnel. This process helps protect all users and maintain platform integrity.
We prioritize payment security with bank-level protection: • Secure Payment Processing: All transactions are processed through PCI DSS compliant payment gateway • Encryption: Payment data is encrypted using industry-standard encryption • Secure Channels: All payment communications use SSL/TLS encryption Our payment partners maintain their own privacy policies and security standards. We recommend reviewing their policies for complete information.
Your information is used to: • Provide hostel booking and management services • Process payments and financial transactions securely • Verify user identity and prevent fraud • Personalize your experience and recommendations • Send booking confirmations and updates • Provide customer support and resolve issues • Improve our services through analytics • Comply with legal and regulatory requirements • Ensure platform safety and security
We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience: • Essential Cookies: Required for basic app functionality and security • Performance Cookies: Help us understand app usage and improve performance • Functional Cookies: Remember your preferences and settings • Analytics Cookies: Provide insights into user behavior and app performance You can manage cookie preferences through your device settings. Note that disabling certain cookies may affect app functionality.
We use analytics to improve our services: • Usage Analytics: Track how features are used to improve user experience • Performance Monitoring: Monitor app performance and identify issues • A/B Testing: Test new features with user groups to optimize functionality • Crash Reports: Automatically collect crash data to fix bugs quickly • User Feedback Analytics: Analyze reviews and feedback for improvements Analytics data is aggregated and anonymized where possible. We use tools like Google Analytics, Firebase Analytics, and custom analytics systems.
We implement comprehensive security measures: • Access Controls: Role-based access authentication • Regular Audits: Periodic security assessments and penetration testing • Employee Training: Regular security awareness training for all staff • Incident Response: 24/7 monitoring and rapid incident response procedures • Compliance: Adherence to international security standards (ISO 27001, SOC 2) Despite our security measures, no system is 100% secure. We continuously monitor and improve our security practices.
We share information only when necessary: • Hostel Partners: Basic booking information shared with hostel owners • Payment Processors: Payment information shared with certified payment gateway • Service Providers: Trusted third parties who help operate our platform • Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or regulatory authorities • Safety Purposes: To protect users, prevent fraud, or ensure platform security • Business Transfers: In case of merger, acquisition, or asset sale • With Consent: When you explicitly authorize information sharing We never sell your personal information to third parties.
We retain your data based on legal and business requirements: • Active Accounts: Data retained while your account is active • Inactive Accounts: Data may be retained for up to 3 years after last activity • KYC Documents: Identity verification documents retained for 5 years as required by law • Marketing Data: Promotional preferences deleted immediately upon opt-out • Analytics Data: Aggregated usage data may be retained indefinitely Right to Deletion: • Data deletion completed within 30 days of request • Some data may be retained for legal compliance • Anonymized data may remain in analytics systems
You have comprehensive rights regarding your data: • Access: Request a copy of all personal data we hold about you • Rectification: Update or correct inaccurate personal information • Deletion: Request deletion of your personal data (subject to legal requirements) • Portability: Receive your data in a machine-readable format • Restriction: Limit how we process your personal data • Objection: Object to processing based on legitimate interests • Withdraw Consent: Revoke consent for specific data processing activities • Lodge Complaints: File complaints with data protection authorities To exercise these rights, contact us through the app or email support.
We are committed to protecting children's privacy: • Our service is intended for users 16 years and older • We do not knowingly collect data from children under 16 • If we discover data from users under 16, we will delete it immediately • Parents can contact us to request deletion of their child's data
Our app integrates with various third-party services: • Payment Gateways: PayChangu • Maps and Location: Google Maps • Analytics: Google Analytics, Firebase Analytics • Social Media: Optional social login integrations Each third-party service has its own privacy policy. We encourage you to review these policies when using external services.
We may update this privacy policy to reflect: • Changes in our services or business practices • New legal or regulatory requirements • Enhanced security measures or technologies • User feedback and privacy best practices We will notify you of significant changes through: • In-app notifications • Email notifications to registered users • Updates to the "Last updated" date • Prominent notices on our platform
For privacy-related questions or concerns: • Email: info@ehostellink.com For urgent privacy matters, please mark your communication as "URGENT - PRIVACY".