PRIVACY POLICY

Effective Date: 09/09/2025

Whale Coast Directory (“we,” “our,” or “us”) respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard your data when you use our website www.whalecoastdirectory.co.za (the “Site”).

By using the Site or submitting a business listing, you consent to the collection, processing, and storage of your personal and business information as described in this policy, in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act, No. 4 of 2013 (“POPIA”).

1. Information We Collect

Business Listing Information
 When you submit a listing, you may provide:

  • Business name and physical address
  • Contact details (email, phone number)
  • Business description
  • Website URL and social media links
  • Categories, keywords, and other relevant details

     

Visitor Information
 When you visit the Site, we automatically collect:

  • IP address
  • Device type, browser type/version
  • Pages visited and time/date of visit
  • Referring website or search terms

     

This data helps us improve the Site, monitor performance, and enhance user experience.

  1. Cookies and Tracking
     We use cookies and similar technologies to:
  • Remember user preferences
  • Analyse site usage patterns
  • Improve functionality

     

Managing Cookies: You can control cookie settings in your browser. Disabling cookies may affect the Site’s features.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use collected information for:

  • Directory Services: Displaying and managing business listings
  • Site Improvement: Understanding user behaviour and enhancing performance
  • Communication: Responding to inquiries or updates regarding your listing
  • Marketing: Sending newsletters or promotions only if you opt in. You can withdraw consent at any time via email or WhatsApp.

     

3. Google Analytics

We use Google Analytics to understand how users interact with the Site. Data is anonymized.

  • For details, visit Google Privacy Policy.
  • To opt out, install the Google Analytics opt-out add-on.

     

4. Sharing Your Information

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. Sharing occurs only:

  • With trusted service providers (hosting, payment processing, email services), who comply with our privacy practices
  • To comply with legal obligations (court orders, legal requests)
  • During business transfers (merger, acquisition, sale of assets). Notifications will be posted on the Site or emailed when possible.

     

5. Data Retention

  • Business listing data is retained while your listing is active and for up to 12 months after termination, unless deletion is requested.
  • Visitor analytics data is retained for 12 months for performance and reporting purposes.
  • Personal/business information will be deleted upon request, except where retention is required by law or for operational reasons.

     

6. Security of Your Information

  • We use physical, technical, and administrative safeguards to protect your data.
  • No method of online data storage or transmission is completely secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security.

     

7. Your Rights Under POPIA

You have the right to:

  • Access personal information we hold about you
  • Request correction or deletion of your data
  • Object to the processing of your information
  • Withdraw consent to marketing communications

     

Exercising Your Rights: Contact us via email or phone (see below).

8. Third-Party Websites

  • The Site may contain links to external websites.
  • We are not responsible for their content or privacy practices.
  • Please review their privacy policies when visiting.

     

9. Complaints / Information Regulator

If you believe your POPIA rights have been violated, you may contact the Information Regulator of South Africa:

  • Website: https://www.justice.gov.za/inforeg
  • Email: info@justice.gov.za

     

10. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this policy at any time. The latest version is always posted on this page with an updated “Effective Date.”

11. Contact Us

For questions or to exercise your rights:

  • Email: info@whalecoastdirectory.co.za
  • Phone: +27 82 453 1607
  • Address: Betty’s Bay, Western Cape, South Africa, 7141

 

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