Effective Date: 01/01/2024
Last Updated: 01/01/2025
POPIA Compliance Notice: This Privacy Policy complies with South Africa’s Protection of Personal Information Act (POPI Act, 2013). We are committed to protecting your personal information and your right to privacy.
1. Introduction
Against The Tide (“we,” “our,” or “us”) operates the website againstthetide.co.za and provides political commentary and analysis through our subscription newsletter service. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal information when you use our services.
By using our website and services, you consent to the collection and use of your information as described in this Privacy Policy.
2. Information We Collect
Personal Information We Collect:
- Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number
- Account Information: Username, password, subscription preferences
- Payment Information: Billing address, payment method details (processed securely by third-party payment processors)
- Communication Data: Records of correspondence, support requests, feedback
- Usage Information: Website usage patterns, content preferences, email engagement metrics
Automatically Collected Information
- Technical Data: IP address, browser type, device information, operating system
- Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent on site, click-through rates, email open rates
- Cookies and Tracking: Website functionality, analytics, and preference cookies
3. How We Use Your Information
| Purpose | Legal Basis (POPIA) | Information Used |
|---|---|---|
| Provide subscription services | Contract performance | Contact info, account details |
| Process payments | Contract performance | Payment and billing information |
| Send newsletters and content | Consent / Contract performance | Email address, preferences |
| Customer support | Legitimate interest | Contact info, communication history |
| Improve services | Legitimate interest | Usage data, analytics |
| Legal compliance | Legal obligation | All relevant data as required |
4. How We Share Your Information
We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information only in the following circumstances:
Service Providers
- Payment Processors: For secure payment processing (e.g., PayFast, Stripe)
- Email Service Providers: For newsletter delivery and email marketing
- Web Hosting: For website operation and data storage
- Analytics Providers: For website performance and usage analysis
Legal Requirements
We may disclose your information if required by law, court order, or to protect our rights, property, or safety.
Business Transfers
In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of the transaction.
5. Data Security
Security Measures We Implement:
- SSL encryption for data transmission
- Secure servers with regular security updates
- Access controls and authentication requirements
- Regular security audits and monitoring
- Staff training on data protection procedures
- Secure backup and recovery systems
While we implement robust security measures, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security but are committed to protecting your information using industry-standard practices.
6. Your Rights Under POPIA
You have the right to:
- Access: Request copies of your personal information
- Rectification: Correct inaccurate or incomplete information
- Erasure: Request deletion of your personal information
- Restriction: Limit how we process your information
- Data Portability: Receive your data in a portable format
- Object: Object to processing based on legitimate interests
- Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent for processing at any time
To exercise these rights, contact us at: info@againstthetide.co.za
7. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
Types of Cookies We Use:
- Essential Cookies: Required for website functionality and security
- Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how visitors use our website
- Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and preferences
- Marketing Cookies: Used to deliver relevant content and track campaign effectiveness
Cookie Management: You can control cookies through your browser settings. Disabling essential cookies may affect website functionality.
8. Data Retention
We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to provide our services and comply with legal obligations:
- Active Subscribers: Information retained while subscription is active
- Cancelled Accounts: Basic information retained for 12 months for reactivation purposes
- Payment Records: Retained for 5 years for tax and accounting requirements
- Communication Records: Retained for 2 years for customer service purposes
- Marketing Consent: Until consent is withdrawn
9. International Data Transfers
Your information may be processed and stored outside South Africa by our service providers. When we transfer data internationally, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, including:
- Contractual data protection clauses
- Adequacy decisions by relevant authorities
- Service provider certifications (e.g., Privacy Shield equivalents)
10. Children’s Privacy
Our services are not intended for individuals under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we become aware that we have collected information from a child, we will delete it promptly.
11. Third-Party Links
Our website may contain links to third-party websites. This Privacy Policy does not apply to those sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.
12. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will:
- Post the updated policy on our website with a new effective date
- Notify subscribers of material changes via email
- Obtain renewed consent where required by law
13. Contact Information
For questions about this Privacy Policy or to exercise your rights, contact us:
Email: info@againstthetide.co.za
General Email: info@againstthetide.co.za
Website: againstthetide.co.za
Response Time: We will respond to privacy requests within 30 days as required by POPIA
Information Officer (POPIA Compliance)
Name: Pro. Steven Friedman
Position: Author
Email: inf@againstthetide.co.za
14. Complaints
If you believe we have not handled your personal information appropriately, you have the right to lodge a complaint with:
Information Regulator (South Africa)
Website: www.justice.gov.za/inforeg
Email: inforeg@justice.gov.za
Phone: +27 12 406 4818
Against The Tide
Political Commentary by Steven Friedman
Website: againstthetide.co.za
Email: info@againstthetide.co.za