Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

This Privacy Policy explains how the Meralco Maintenance Advisory Bot (the "Bot", "we", "us", or "our") collects, uses, discloses, and protects your information when you interact with our Facebook Messenger bot.

By using the Bot, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy. If you do not agree with any part of this policy, please discontinue use of the Bot immediately.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Facebook Messenger Identifier (PSID)

When you interact with the Bot via Facebook Messenger, Facebook automatically assigns a unique Page-Scoped ID (PSID) to your conversation. This ID allows us to recognize you across sessions and send you advisory notifications.

2.2 Location Preferences

To provide location-relevant power interruption advisories, we collect and store the geographic location you voluntarily provide, including:

• Region (e.g., NCR, Region IV-A)
• Province (e.g., Cavite, Laguna)
• City or Municipality
• Barangay (optional)

2.3 Interaction Data

We automatically record the timestamp of your last interaction with the Bot for session management purposes. We do not track or store individual message content.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information solely for the following purposes:

• Send Notifications: Deliver timely Meralco power interruption advisories relevant to your subscribed location(s).
• Personalize Experience: Tailor advisories based on your location preferences (city, barangay, or nationwide).
• Prevent Duplicates: Ensure you do not receive the same advisory notification more than once.
• Improve Service: Analyze aggregate usage patterns to improve bot performance and reliability.

4. Data Storage and Retention

Your data is stored in a PostgreSQL database hosted on Supabase, a cloud database provider. We retain your data for as long as your subscription remains active.

You may request deletion of your data at any time by unsubscribing via the Bot menu or by contacting us directly. Upon unsubscription or deletion request, your records will be removed within 30 days.

5. Third-Party Services

We use the following third-party services to operate the Bot:

• Facebook / Meta Platforms, Inc. — Provides the Messenger platform through which you interact with the Bot. Your use of Facebook Messenger is governed by Meta's own Data Policy.
• Supabase — Cloud database provider that hosts your subscription and location data. Supabase's security practices are documented in their Privacy Policy.
• Meralco (Manila Electric Company) — The source of power interruption advisories. The Bot scrapes publicly available information from Meralco's website. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by Meralco.

6. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may disclose your information only if required by law or to protect our legal rights.

7. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures, including encrypted database connections (TLS), restricted access controls via Supabase's service role key, and minimal data collection practices. However, no method of electronic storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

8. Your Rights

You have the following rights regarding your data:

• Access: View your stored data by selecting "My Settings" in the Bot menu.
• Update: Modify your location preferences at any time via the menu.
• Opt Out: Unsubscribe from all notifications via the Bot menu.
• Delete: Request deletion of all your data by contacting us (see Section 10).
• Withdraw Consent: Stop using the Bot at any time — simply block or mute the conversation.

9. Children's Privacy

The Bot is not intended for use by individuals under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we become aware that a child has provided us with personal data, we will take steps to delete it promptly.

10. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or your data, please contact us at the email address listed on the Bot's Facebook Page.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last updated" date. Continued use of the Bot after changes constitutes your acceptance of the revised policy.