Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Guesthouse Websites respects your privacy and is committed to protecting personal information in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013 (POPIA), and other applicable South African laws.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, share, and protect personal information when you visit our website, contact us, or use our services.

2. Information We Collect

Depending on your interaction with us, we may collect:

• Full name and business name.
• Email address and telephone number.
• Website and domain details.
• Billing information and transaction records.
• Messages, enquiries, and support requests.
• Website content supplied for development.
• Technical information such as IP addresses, browser information, and website usage data.

We collect only the information reasonably necessary for legitimate business purposes.

3. How We Use Your Information

We may use personal information to:

• Respond to enquiries and provide quotations.
• Create, develop, and host websites.
• Manage client accounts and subscriptions.
• Generate invoices and process payments.
• Provide technical support.
• Communicate important service updates.
• Maintain website security.
• Comply with legal and regulatory obligations.
• Send marketing communications where permitted by law.

We will not use personal information for purposes incompatible with the original reason for collection unless legally permitted.

4. Legal Grounds for Processing

We process personal information where necessary to perform contractual obligations, comply with applicable laws, pursue legitimate interests recognised by POPIA, or where appropriate consent has been obtained.

5. Payment Information

Payments may be processed through third-party payment providers or banking services.

We do not intentionally collect or store full payment card details through our standard website enquiry forms.

Payment providers process payment information according to their own privacy and security policies.

6. Sharing Personal Information

We may share necessary personal information with trusted service providers, including:

• Website hosting and infrastructure providers.
• Domain registrars.
• Payment processors.
• Accounting and invoicing platforms.
• Email and communication providers.
• Technical support and security providers.

Information is shared only where reasonably necessary to provide services or meet legal obligations.

We do not sell personal information to third-party advertisers.

7. Website Hosting and Client Data

When hosting a Client's website, Guesthouse Websites may process information relating to that Client's website visitors or customers.

Where the Client determines the purposes and means of processing, the Client will generally act as the responsible party under POPIA, and Guesthouse Websites may act as an operator.

We will process such information according to applicable agreements, lawful instructions, and security obligations.

Clients remain responsible for their own website privacy notices and lawful collection and use of visitor information.

8. Cookies and Analytics

Our website may use cookies and similar technologies to support essential functionality, security, performance monitoring, and website analytics.

Where applicable, we will provide information and choices regarding non-essential cookies in accordance with relevant legal requirements.

You may manage cookies through your browser settings.

The actual cookies and analytics tools used may change as our services develop, and this Policy should be updated accordingly.

9. Information Security

We take reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect personal information against unauthorised access, loss, misuse, alteration, or disclosure.

Measures may include access controls, secure connections, software updates, backups, and appropriate restrictions on access to information.

No electronic system can guarantee absolute security.

Where a personal information security compromise occurs, we will respond and provide notifications as required by applicable law.

10. Retention of Personal Information

We retain personal information only for as long as reasonably necessary for the purpose for which it was collected, to fulfil contractual obligations, resolve disputes, or comply with legal retention requirements.

When information is no longer required, we will securely delete, destroy, or de-identify it where appropriate and legally permitted.

11. Your Rights

Subject to applicable law, you may request to:

• Access personal information held about you.
• Correct inaccurate or outdated information.
• Request deletion of information where legally appropriate.
• Object to certain processing activities.
• Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent.
• Raise concerns about the processing of your personal information.

Requests may be submitted using the contact details below.

We may need to verify your identity before processing a request.

12. International Data Transfers

Some hosting, communication, or technology providers may process information outside South Africa.

Where personal information is transferred internationally, we will take steps to ensure that the transfer meets applicable POPIA requirements, including appropriate contractual safeguards or other legally recognised grounds.

13. Third-Party Websites

Our website may link to external websites or services.

We are not responsible for the privacy practices of independent third parties.

Visitors should review the privacy policies of those websites before submitting personal information.

14. Children's Information

Our services are primarily intended for businesses and adult representatives.

We do not intentionally collect personal information from children through our standard enquiry and subscription processes without an appropriate lawful basis.

15. Direct Marketing

We may send relevant service announcements and marketing communications where permitted by law.

Recipients may opt out of electronic direct marketing through the unsubscribe mechanism provided or by contacting us.

We will respect applicable consent and objection requirements under POPIA.

16. Complaints

If you have concerns about how your personal information is handled, please contact us first so that we can investigate.

You may also lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator of South Africa.

Website: https://inforegulator.org.za

17. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in our services, technology, or legal obligations.

The latest version will be published on our website with its effective date.

18. Contact and Information Officer

For privacy-related enquiries or requests concerning personal information, please contact us using the details above. The service agreement is set out in the Terms & Conditions.