STOP beonchat NOW!!! 

Lenasia Residents, would you trust anyone with your personal data? Read this petition carefully to understand the risks and consequences before you act. Your privacy matters. Share this petition to others to get to 100 

Call to Authorities

This petition (irrespective the number of votes as many Residents in Lenasia are not technologically savvy), accompanies a formal letter to South African authorities, urging an immediate investigation into Jazenet Holding PTE Ltd, the owner of the beonchat (app), and BEONCHATSA Pty Ltd operations. The app raises serious questions about:

·        Loopholes in data protection due to its registration under Jazenet in Singapore and ambiguity in its relations to the local BEONCHATSA Pty Ltd operations.

·        Invasive access to sensitive data, potentially risking the privacy of users and the broader Lenasia community.

·        Misleading users to believe they are protected under South African privacy laws without evidence of POPIA data enforcement.

 
Context and background

Since 2022, Lenasia's 90,000 residents have been used as testbed for the beonchat app launch, the app features an online mobile business directory, chat platform, and in-app news feed channel. With established platforms like Facebook Marketplace and WhatsApp Business offering similar services, concerns about beonchat’s practices, verification, and compliance with South Africa's POPIA for residents of Lenasia and users of this app remain unanswered.

Broader Implications for Users of the app and the Lenasia Community

The beonchat (app), carries hidden risks that every Lenasia resident must understand. Beneath the surface lies a situation that could potentially compromise your privacy, security, and even the safety of the entire community.

Invasive Access to Personal Devices and Potential Risks

beonchat (app), Clauses 2.3 & 10 has intrusive permissions, such as access to your camera, microphone, gallery, storage, SMS messages, Geolocation and other features unless you adjust your device settings. This means the app can collect sensitive data stored on your phone—not just yours, but also details about others, like shared photos or private conversations. For example, if a friend sent you confidential financial information or pictures, this data could be vulnerable to unauthorized access through the app.

beonchat (app), requires your location to be active while the app is running, and even tracks it when inactive, unless you manually turn it off. This means your whereabouts can be monitored without your consent, putting your privacy at risk.

Ripple Effect on the Community and Others in Your Network

When beonchat (app) accesses a user's data, it can unintentionally expose sensitive information of the broader community. By extracting contact lists, SMS messages, and shared media, the app may take private details about others—including family, friends, and business associates—vulnerable. In a closely connected community like Lenasia, this could result in significant privacy risks, affecting not just individuals but also entire networks, putting many people at potential harm.

Potential for Cybercrime

The data beonchat (app), collects—like location, personal identifiers, and communication records—may be exploited by cybercriminals. This poses a risk for identity theft, financial fraud, and targeted scams. With the increasing threat of cybercrime, Lenasia residents could face significant risks if such data is accessed by malicious actors.

A Foreign App, Local Misconceptions

beonchat (app), is owned and operated by Jazenet, a Singapore-based company. Despite a local company sharing the same name, the agreement you sign is with Jazenet, not BEONCHATSA. This distinction is critical because Jazenet is not bound by South Africa’s POPIA (Protection of Personal Information Act) unless specific steps through verification methods are taken to ensure compliance locally.

POPIA is a South African law protecting personal data, requiring consent, secure handling, and accountability.

Misleading Assumptions About Google Play

Many users believe that beonchat (app) being listed on Google Play means the app complies with South African privacy laws. This is misleading. The app is registered in Singapore, and adheres to laws in Singapore, not South Africa. While Google Play enforces certain global standards like GDPR, POPIA compliance for POPIA requires verification in South Africa, from Jazenet, the apps holding company in Singapore.

Jazenet, beonchats (app), reliance on AWS servers, without specifying their location, raises further doubts about whether South African data is being stored and protected within the country.

Loopholes in Data Protection and Security

·        Clause 5.2.1 allows Jazenet to share or transfer your data during mergers, sales, or other business transactions, leaving your information vulnerable to third-party misuse.

·        The app does not outline compliance and proof of verification with standards like ISO 27001 or SOC 2, which are critical for secure data management.

·        There is no guarantee that your data is stored locally or protected under South African law. It may instead be governed by Singaporean policies, offering limited options for recourse or financial compensation, especially since Jazenet has a not-for-profit status without a VAT number.

Exploitation of Less Tech-Savvy Users

beonchat (app), aggressive promotion in Lenasia exploits the community’s trust and limited awareness of technical jargon. Most users may not fully understand what they are consenting to, effectively opening the door to privacy breaches and exposing not just themselves but their entire network to risks.

Community Trust and Digital Security at Stake

This is not just about your personal data. It’s about safeguarding Lenasia as a whole. If even a fraction of the community adopts the app without questioning its terms, the ripple effects could compromise the safety, privacy, and trust of the entire population. Local South African agents are promoting an application registered in Singapore and not informing users and residents of the hidden risks.

Community Demand and Petition for Investigation

We, the Lenasia community, demand immediate action from Jazenet Holding PTE Ltd, owner of the beonchat (app), and BEONCHATSA Pty Ltd to address critical concerns:

1.       Transparency of Ownership and Roles: Clarify the relationship between Jazenet in Singapore (the app’s operator) and BEONCHATSA (the local entity) and confirm which entity is responsible for POPIA compliance and user data protection. Who are the funders/investors for launching this application in Lenasia.

2.       Prove POPIA Compliance: Provide evidence of full adherence to South Africa’s POPIA, including local audits and certifications, not just references in policies.

3.       Ensure Data Transparency: Disclose where user data is stored and under what jurisdiction (AWS is not storage location) and prove data is permanently deleted upon request, with verifiable evidence.

AWS is a cloud platform for storing data; compliance with local laws like POPIA depends on storage location and controls.

4.       Security Standards Verification: Present independent proof of compliance reports with recognized global standards such as ISO 27001 or SOC 2 to protect against breaches and misuse to reassure users their data is safe.

Until these concerns are thoroughly addressed and resolved, we call for Jazenet to immediately halt all beonchat operations in Lenasia, including data collection, processing, and marketing activities. The residents of Lenasia deserve clear and transparent answers to ensure the protection of our community’s digital privacy and security. Additionally, the in-app news channel operates without registration with ICASA or the Press Ombudsman, further endangering users. Subscription to the newsfeed must be halted immediately until authorities have investigated everything raised in this petition.

 
Why This Matters to you (especially people from Lenasia)

·        Your data is your power: By agreeing to intrusive permissions, you risk relinquishing control over personal and community information.

·        POPIA compliance is not automatic: Trusting a foreign company without local verification leaves your rights unprotected.

·        Demand transparency: Before signing up, ensure you know where your data is going and how it’s being used.

Protect Lenasia’s future. Stand together for transparency, accountability, and secure digital rights.

 
This petition will be escalated to the relevant South African authorities to seek relevant action with an accompanying letter.

 
As a resident of Lenasia and a South African citizen, I share deep concerns about the potential exploitation of our community through platforms like beonchat and its in app features. Until clear answers about data protection, transparency, and compliance are provided, I fear the risks to our privacy, security, and trust could have serious consequences for the community I call home.

Signed - Shireen Ebrahim

 
Disclaimer:

This petition is intended to seek clarity on pressing matters regarding the data practices, verification methods, and compliance of beonchat, operated by Jazenet Holding PTE Ltd and BEONCHATSA Pty Ltd. It is based on publicly available information, app policies, and community feedback, aiming to raise awareness of potential risks and to prompt further investigation.

The intent is not to defame or harm any individual or entity but to advocate for transparency, accountability, and the protection of community digital rights. This document does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Readers and relevant authorities are encouraged to independently verify the information provided before taking action.

The authors and signatories disclaim liability for any misinterpretation or unintended consequences resulting from this petition. This is a call for transparency and compliance, focusing on ensuring the safety and security of user data in accordance with applicable laws.