PRIVACY POLICY

Read this policy carefully before browsing this website or using any of our services. Your continued use of this website and our services indicates that you have read and agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy. You cannot use this website or our services if you do not accept this policy.


1. Introduction

For the purposes of this policy, Personal Information is defined according to the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 (“POPIA”) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR, EU 2016/679). We are committed to ensuring the quality, accuracy, and confidentiality of personal information in our possession.

We aim to balance our legitimate business interests with your reasonable expectation of privacy and will take all reasonable steps to prevent unauthorized access to, or disclosure of, your personal information. However, absolute security cannot be guaranteed.


2. Information We Collect

When you use our website or services, we may collect the following personal information:

  • First Name

  • Surname

  • Email

  • Phone/Cell Number

We will limit the personal information we process to only what you consent to. Your agreement to this Privacy Policy constitutes your consent as contemplated under POPIA and/or GDPR. Where necessary, we will seek your specific consent for future processing.

Sensitive information, such as racial or ethnic origins, political or religious beliefs, will only be collected with your explicit consent or where permitted by law.


3. How We Use Your Information

By agreeing to this Privacy Policy, you consent to the use of your personal information for:

  • Providing and performing our services to you

  • Informing you of changes to our website

  • Responding to queries or requests

  • Developing an online user profile

  • Understanding user trends and patterns

  • Security, administrative, and legal purposes

We implement reasonable technical and organizational security measures to protect your information, though absolute security cannot be guaranteed.

Your personal information may be stored directly or transferred to a central database, including in jurisdictions outside South Africa, with safeguards in place as per GDPR standards.

Only employees, representatives, or consultants with a need-to-know may access personal information, and they are bound by confidentiality obligations.


4. Your Rights

You have the right to:

  • Access your personal information

  • Rectify incorrect or incomplete information

  • Request deletion of personal information (“right to be forgotten”)

  • Restrict or suspend processing where necessary

  • Withdraw consent at any time

  • Object to processing based on legitimate interests

  • Object to processing for direct marketing purposes

  • Lodge a complaint with the relevant data protection authority if needed


5. Disclosure of Personal Information

We do not sell, share, or rent your personal information to third parties. Personal information may only be disclosed to:

  • Service providers assisting us in delivering services

  • Legal or regulatory authorities when required by law


6. Log Files & Cookies

Log Files: When you use www.protosoft.co.za, we may collect your IP address, browser type, ISP, pages visited, visit times, and operating system information. This is aggregated, anonymous data used internally to improve our website and services.

Cookies:

  • Session Cookies: Maintain session state; expire when you close your browser.

  • Permanent Cookies: Store a unique code to enhance your browsing experience; do not store personal information.


7. Third-Party Links

Our website may include links to third-party websites, including social media, payment gateways, or chat platforms. We are not responsible for their privacy practices or content. Users should evaluate the trustworthiness of these third-party websites before sharing personal information.


8. Electronic Communications

In accordance with the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act 25 of 2002 (ECT Act):

  • Data messages are deemed received when we respond to them.

  • Electronic signatures, encryption, or authentication are not required for valid communications.


9. Contact Information

Website Owner: Protocol Software Development
Address: 4 Robin Street, Willow Acres Estate, Silver Lakes, Gauteng, South Africa
Phone: +27 82 838 7606
Email: matthewj@protosoft.co.za
Website: www.protosoft.co.za

Lodging Complaints:
If you wish to raise a complaint regarding the processing of your personal information, you may contact the supervisory authority in your country.