Purpose of this Privacy Policy
- The purpose of this privacy policy is to set out the basis upon which we process personal information when making use of our products and/or our services (“Products/Services”) or any of our platforms (collectively referred to as our “Site/s”).
- By utilising our Products/Services or any of our Sites, you are accepting and consenting to the practices described in this privacy policy.
Interpretation and Definitions
- Words defined in the Protection of Personal Information Act No. 4 of 2013 (“POPIA”) and used in this privacy policy will bear the same meaning unless the context requires otherwise.
- “Consent” refers to consent as prescribed by POPIA and includes any electronic means by which you indicate agreement (e.g. clicking a button, subscribing, sending a message, updating your profile, pressing “I Agree” or “Enter”).
- Singular references include plural, and references to one gender include all genders.
Introduction
- We recognise the importance of protecting your privacy and personal information collected by us.
- We aim to balance our legitimate business interests with your reasonable expectation of privacy by applying reasonable technical and organisational safeguards.
- Where unauthorised access to personal information occurs, we will notify you and the Information Regulator, unless law enforcement requires a delay.
Consent
- By continuing to use our Products/Services or our Sites, you agree to this privacy policy.
- If you do not agree, please discontinue use of our Products/Services and Sites.
- You consent to us processing your personal information for providing access to our Products/Services and any other purposes set out in this policy.
Variation of Privacy Policy
We reserve the right to update this policy. You will be notified of changes and given an opportunity to review the revised policy. It is your responsibility to familiarise yourself with the most recent version each time you use our Products/Services or Sites.
How We Collect Your Personal Information
- Directly from you during our relationship or provision of services.
- When you make personal information public.
- When you visit or interact with our Website or social media platforms.
- When you register for services (e.g., newsletters, seminars, updates).
- Through third parties (e.g., law enforcement).
- From your attendance at events, applications for employment, newsletters, and digital marketing interactions.
What Type of Personal Information We Process
We may process a wide range of personal information including:
- Personal details (name, photo, gender, DOB, nationality, title, language preferences).
- Identifiers (ID/passport numbers, utility details, tenancy agreements).
- Contact details (address, phone, email, social media profiles).
- Instruction details (client information and case materials).
- Attendance records (meetings, events).
- Consent records (with date, time, method).
- Payment details (billing, account, card details, payment history).
- Technical and device data (IP address, browser, OS, device identifiers, cookies, signals, GPS, etc.).
- Employer and professional details.
- Content and advertising interaction data.
- Information from partners, advertisers, and service providers (with lawful rights to share data).
When We Process Your Personal Information
- When you visit, register, subscribe, or use our Products/Services or Site.
- When you sign up for notifications (email or SMS authentication services).
- For research purposes, legal obligations, or when in your best interest.
How We Use Your Personal Information (Purpose of Processing)
- To provide legal and related services (analysis, advice, documentation, compliance, fraud prevention).
- To personalise features, content, and advertisements based on your preferences and activities.
- To develop, test, and improve our Products/Services and Site.
- To measure and analyse usage for business and marketing effectiveness.
- To promote safety, verify accounts, and prevent harmful conduct or fraud.
- To communicate with you (marketing, updates, policies, and responses).
- To conduct and support research and innovation.
Where We Store Your Personal Information
- Stored securely in South Africa (RSA) or transferred abroad with safeguards compliant with POPIA.
- Stored manually, in secure cloud platforms, or on servers.
- May be processed abroad by service providers under adequate safeguards.
- We retain data only as long as necessary or legally required, with safeguards for extended retention.
- Passwords must remain confidential; sharing them indemnifies us against losses.
Sharing of Your Personal Information
- We do not disclose your information without your consent, unless legally required or in your best interest.
- Your information may be shared with subsidiaries, partners, service providers, or new owners in the event of business changes.
Your Rights
- Request correction, deletion, or destruction of personal information processed inaccurately, unlawfully, or unnecessarily.
- Withdraw consent at any time (subject to legal or contractual obligations).
- Request a copy of your personal information (subject to identity verification and reasonable fees).
- Object to processing under certain conditions (e.g., direct marketing without consent).
- Lodge complaints with the Information Regulator or pursue civil proceedings for privacy infringements.
Use of Cookies
- Cookies store information on your device to make browsing easier and track usage.
- We may use cookies for record-keeping, preferences, and advertising purposes.
- You may reset your browser to refuse cookies, though some services may not function properly.
Links to Other Sites
Our Products/Services and/or Sites may link to third-party sites beyond our control. We are not responsible for their privacy practices.
Direct Marketing
- We may process your personal information to provide information about services that may interest you.
- You can unsubscribe at any time via email or the unsubscribe function in communications.
Contact Details
Information Officer
VDT Attorneys Inc.
Attention: PR de Wet
Telephone: 012 452 1413
Email: prdw@vdt.co.za