PrivacyPolicy
PRIVACY POLICY – YOUNGMAIL
Effective Date: 1 October 2025
Last Updated: 16 October 2025
- INTRODUCTION
YoungMail (“YoungMail App”, “the App”) is a youth-focused digital news and educational content platform owned and operated by Zambia Daily Mail Limited (“ZDM”, “we”, “us”, “our”).
This Privacy Policy applies to:
- The YoungMail Android App (Google Play Store)
- Related services such as content submissions, support communications, and optional push notifications
We are committed to protecting the privacy, safety, and rights of all users, with enhanced safeguards for children and young people.
This policy explains clearly:
- What information we collect
- What information we do not collect
- Why and how data is used
- How data is protected and stored
- User rights and data deletion options
- Our compliance with Google Play, Apple App Store, GDPR, Zambia Data Protection Act, and child-protection standards (COPPA-aligned)
- DATA CONTROLLER
Owner & Data Controller:
Zambia Daily Mail Limited
Lusaka, Zambia
Privacy Contact:
📧 youngmail@daily-mail.co.zm
📞 +260 76 0662036
Subject line for requests:
“YoungMail Privacy Request”
- CORE PRIVACY COMMITMENTS (FOR STORE REVIEW)
YoungMail is designed using privacy-by-design and safety-first principles:
- No advertising
- No ad networks or ad SDKs
- No sale or monetization of personal data
- No behavioural profiling
- No cross-app tracking
- No background surveillance
- No sensitive personal data collection
- No precise or background location tracking
- No financial or payment data
The App exists only to deliver youth-appropriate content and provide a safe platform for expression.
- INFORMATION YOU CHOOSE TO PROVIDE
4.1 Content Submissions (Stories, Letters, Feedback)
When users voluntarily submit content, we may collect:
- Written text (stories, letters, feedback)
- Optional name, alias, or pen name
- Optional email address (for editorial follow-up only)
- Any information the user chooses to include
Purpose:
Editorial review, moderation, communication, and possible publication.
Safety Notice:
Users are strongly discouraged from submitting:
- Phone numbers
- Physical addresses
- School names
- Social media handles
- National ID numbers
If such information is included, it is removed before publication.
4.2 Support & Contact Requests
When users contact us for assistance, we may collect:
- Name (if provided)
- Email address
- Message content
- Optional attachments (e.g., screenshots)
Purpose:
Customer support, issue resolution, and service improvement.
4.3 User Accounts (Future Feature)
YoungMail currently does not require user accounts.
If user accounts are introduced in future versions, we may collect:
- Username
- Email address
- Password (securely hashed; never stored in plain text)
- Optional profile image
- Optional age range (for youth-safety controls)
This policy will be updated before accounts are activated.
- INFORMATION COLLECTED AUTOMATICALLY (MINIMAL)
We collect limited technical data strictly necessary for app functionality.
5.1 Device & App Information
- Device type and model
- Operating system version
- App version and build number
- Language and region settings
- Time zone
- Network status (online/offline)
Purpose: Compatibility, stability, and bug fixing.
5.2 Usage & Diagnostics (Aggregated / Anonymized)
- Screens visited
- Articles opened
- Approximate reading duration
- Session frequency
- Error and performance logs
Purpose: Improve app performance and usability.
No individual profiling is performed.
5.3 Crash Reporting
If the app crashes, limited diagnostic data may include:
- Crash trace
- Error type
- Device model
- OS version
- Timestamp
Purpose: Identify and resolve technical issues.
- INFORMATION WE DO NOT COLLECT
YoungMail does NOT collect:
- Precise GPS or background location
- Contact lists
- Call logs or SMS data
- Microphone audio
- Camera recordings (unless user uploads content voluntarily)
- Biometric or health data
- Payment or banking details
- Government identification numbers
- Advertising identifiers for marketing purposes
- APP PERMISSIONS (TRANSPARENT USE)
Internet Access
Required to load content and submit stories.
Notifications (Optional)
Used only for:
- Important updates
- Editorial announcements
Users may disable notifications at any time in device settings.
Media / Storage (Optional)
Used only when a user chooses to attach an image to a submission or message.
No permission is used without explicit user action.
- LEGAL BASIS FOR PROCESSING
We process data based on:
- User Consent – submissions, notifications, optional diagnostics
- Legitimate Interest – app functionality, moderation, safety
- Legal Obligation – compliance with applicable laws
- HOW WE USE DATA
We use data solely to:
- Deliver app content
- Review and moderate submissions
- Respond to support requests
- Maintain app security
- Improve stability and usability
- Protect young users from harm
We do not use data for advertising or marketing.
- DATA RETENTION
| Data Type | Retention Period |
| Support communications | Up to 24 months |
| Unpublished submissions | Up to 24 months |
| Published content | Archived unless deletion requested |
| Crash logs | 90 days – 12 months |
| Aggregated analytics | Up to 14 months |
Data is deleted or anonymized when no longer required.
- CHILDREN & YOUTH PRIVACY
YoungMail applies enhanced child-protection safeguards.
Children Under 13
- No intentional data collection without parental consent
- Any discovered data is deleted immediately
Ages 13–17
- Encouraged use of aliases
- Personal identifiers removed
- Content moderated for safety
Safeguards
- No direct messaging between users
- No chats or social interaction features
- Strong editorial moderation
- DATA SHARING
We only share data with:
Trusted Service Providers (e.g., hosting, diagnostics)
- Bound by strict data-protection agreements
Legal Authorities
- Only when required by law or to protect users
We never share data with advertisers or marketing companies.
- INTERNATIONAL DATA TRANSFERS
If data is processed outside Zambia:
- Strong contractual safeguards apply
- GDPR-equivalent protection standards are enforced
- USER RIGHTS
Users may request to:
- Access their data
- Correct inaccuracies
- Request deletion
- Withdraw consent
- Request a data copy
📧 youngmail@daily-mail.co.zm
Requests are handled within 30 days.
- DATA DELETION PROCESS
- Request received and verified
- Data identified
- Data deleted or anonymized
- Confirmation sent
Published content may be anonymized or removed where appropriate.
- THIRD-PARTY LINKS
The App may link to external platforms (e.g., YouTube).
We are not responsible for third-party privacy practices.
- POLICY UPDATES
We may update this policy due to:
- Feature changes
- Legal requirements
- Security improvements
Significant changes will be communicated clearly.
- STORE COMPLIANCE DECLARATION
YoungMail complies with:
- ✔ Google Play User Data Policy
- ✔ Apple App Store Privacy Guidelines
- ✔ GDPR principles
- ✔ Zambia Data Protection Act
- ✔ Child-safety standards
- CONTACT DETAILS
Zambia Daily Mail Limited
📧 youngmail@daily-mail.co.zm
📞 +260 76 0662036
📍 Lusaka, Zambia