1. Introduction
Welcome to SmartOps ("we," "our," or "us"). We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring that your personal information is collected and used properly, lawfully, and transparently. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your personal information in compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act, 4 of 2013 ("POPIA"), and international best practices.
2. Scope of Policy
This Privacy Policy applies to all personal information processed by SmartOps in the course of our business, including information collected through our website, mobile applications, products, services, and other interactions.
3. Personal Information We Collect
We may collect the following types of personal information:
- Identifying Information: Name, surname, ID number, company details, etc.
- Contact Information: Email address, telephone number, physical address, etc.
- Financial Information: Banking details, credit card information, etc.
- Technical Information: IP address, device type, browser type, etc.
- Usage Data: Information on how our services are accessed and used.
- Special Categories of Personal Information: Data relating to race, health, etc., only when absolutely necessary and with explicit consent.
4. How We Collect Your Personal Information
We collect personal information in the following ways:
- Directly from You: When you provide it to us through our website, applications, or any other direct interaction.
- Automatically: Through cookies, server logs, and other similar technologies when you interact with our digital platforms.
- Third Parties: From service providers, partners, and publicly available sources where applicable.
5. Purpose of Processing Your Personal Information
We collect and process your personal information for the following purposes:
- Service Delivery: To provide, operate, and maintain our services.
- Customer Support: To respond to your queries, comments, and feedback.
- Communication: To send you updates, newsletters, marketing materials, and other information.
- Compliance: To comply with legal obligations, such as tax and financial reporting requirements.
- Security: To ensure the safety and security of our systems, services, and users.
- Optimization: To analyze and improve our services, including through data analytics.
6. Legal Basis for Processing
We process your personal information based on the following legal grounds:
- Consent: Where you have provided explicit consent for the processing.
- Contractual Necessity: Where the processing is necessary for the performance of a contract with you.
- Legal Obligation: Where we are required to process the information by law.
- Legitimate Interest: Where processing is necessary for our legitimate interests, provided that your rights do not override these interests.
7. Sharing Your Personal Information
We may share your personal information with:
- Service Providers: Third-party service providers who assist us with IT services, marketing, payment processing, etc.
- Affiliates: Our subsidiaries, joint ventures, or other affiliated entities.
- Legal Authorities: To comply with legal obligations or protect our rights and interests.
- Business Transfers: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets.
We will ensure that any third party who receives your personal information adheres to the same level of protection as required by POPIA and international standards.
8. International Transfers of Personal Information
Your personal information may be transferred to and processed in countries outside of South Africa. We will ensure that such transfers are subject to appropriate safeguards, including Standard Contractual Clauses or other lawful mechanisms, to protect your information.
9. Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, loss, alteration, or destruction. These measures include encryption, access controls, and regular security audits.
10. Data Retention
We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy or as required by law. Once the information is no longer needed, we will securely delete or anonymize it.
11. Your Rights
You have the following rights regarding your personal information:
- Access: To request a copy of the personal information we hold about you.
- Correction: To request the correction of any inaccuracies in your information.
- Deletion: To request the deletion of your personal information where applicable.
- Objection: To object to the processing of your information on grounds related to your particular situation.
- Data Portability: To request the transfer of your information to another service provider.
- Withdraw Consent: To withdraw your consent at any time where processing is based on consent.
To exercise these rights, please contact us using the contact details provided below.
12. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
We may use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience on our website. You can manage your cookie preferences through your browser settings. For more information, please refer to our Cookie Policy.
13. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or applicable laws. We encourage you to review this policy periodically for any updates.
14. Contact Us
If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or the handling of your personal information, please contact us at: info@smartops.solutions, 011 568 2932, 014 523 3684