Data Deletion Instructions

Qelo (“Qelo”, “we”, “us”) respects your right to have your personal information deleted. This page explains what to do and what happens after you ask. It applies to information we hold both for our own business and on behalf of the business clients for whom we operate WhatsApp and messaging services. Please also see our Privacy Policy.

How to request deletion

Email us at info@qelo.co.za with the subject line “Data Deletion Request”, and include:

• your name;
• the WhatsApp phone number or email address the information relates to (so we can locate it);
• if you know it, the name of the business you were messaging on WhatsApp (for example the shop, clinic or service you contacted); and
• a short description of what you would like deleted.

We will acknowledge your request, verify your identity to protect your information, and action it. You do not need an account to make a request, and there is no charge.

What we delete

On a valid request we delete the personal information we hold about you, which may include your WhatsApp phone number and profile name, the content and media of your conversations, the content of your replies, and delivery and interaction records, unless we are required or permitted by law to keep specific records (for example for tax, accounting or dispute-resolution purposes). Where we must retain something, we keep only what is necessary and delete the rest.

If you messaged a business over WhatsApp

When you message a business that uses Qelo, that business is the responsible party (data controller) for your information and Qelo processes it on their behalf. If you ask us to delete your data, we will either action it directly or pass your request to the relevant business and assist them in completing it. You may also contact the business directly. We will not use your information for our own purposes, and we do not sell it.

If you are a Qelo business client

Business clients can request deletion of their account data and their customers’ data at any time by emailing info@qelo.co.za. On termination of a service we make your data available for export where reasonably practicable and then delete it in line with our Terms of Service, subject to legally required retention.

Timeframe

We aim to complete verified deletion requests within 30 days. If a request is complex or requires action by a business client, we will keep you informed of progress.

Data held by WhatsApp and Meta

Messages sent over WhatsApp also pass through the systems of Meta Platforms, Inc. and WhatsApp, which are governed by their own privacy policies. Deleting your data with Qelo does not delete data held independently by Meta or WhatsApp, or the message history stored on your own device. To manage or delete your WhatsApp account and its data, use WhatsApp’s in-app settings or see WhatsApp’s help centre (opens in a new tab).

Your other rights

Deletion is one of several rights you have under POPIA. You can also ask for access to or correction of your information, or complain to the Information Regulator. These are set out in our Privacy Policy. For any question about deleting your data, contact info@qelo.co.za.

Who holds your information

Qelo is a brand of AVROQ (Pty) Ltd (registration number 2026/735641/07), a private company registered in South Africa.
Email: info@qelo.co.za
Telephone: +27 64 537 6911