Legal

Privacy Policy

Last updated: 1 June 2025. We are committed to protecting your privacy and personal information.

1. Introduction

PayPig.co.za ("we", "us", "our") operates the website paypig.co.za (the "Platform"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your personal information when you use our Platform, in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 (POPIA) of South Africa.

By using the Platform, you consent to the collection and use of your information as described in this Policy. If you do not agree, please do not use the Platform.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

  • Registration data: Name, email address, date of birth, gender, and password when you create an account.
  • Profile data: Photos, bio, preferences, city/location, and other information you add to your profile.
  • Communications: Messages sent through our platform's messaging system.
  • Payment data: Billing details processed via our PCI-compliant payment gateway. We do not store full card numbers.
  • Support data: Information you provide when contacting our support team.

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

  • IP address, browser type, device type, and operating system.
  • Pages visited, time spent on pages, and click-through data.
  • Cookies and similar tracking technologies (see Section 7).

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information to:

  • Create and manage your account and profile.
  • Match you with compatible members based on your preferences and location.
  • Process payments and manage your subscription.
  • Send service-related communications (account confirmations, password resets, billing notices).
  • Provide customer support.
  • Detect and prevent fraud, abuse, and violations of our Terms of Service.
  • Improve the Platform through analytics (using anonymised or aggregated data).
  • Comply with our legal obligations under South African law.

We will only send you marketing communications if you have opted in. You may opt out at any time.

4. How We Share Your Information

We do not sell your personal information. We may share it in the following limited circumstances:

  • Service providers: Trusted third parties who assist in operating our Platform (e.g., payment processors, email service providers, hosting providers) under strict data processing agreements.
  • Legal compliance: Where required by South African law, court order, or to cooperate with law enforcement.
  • Safety: To protect the rights, safety, or property of PayPig.co.za, our members, or the public.
  • Business transfers: In the event of a merger or acquisition, your data may transfer to the new entity under the same privacy commitments.

Your profile is visible to other registered members of the Platform. Only information you choose to make public appears on your profile.

5. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures including:

  • TLS/SSL encryption for all data in transit.
  • AES-256 encryption for sensitive data at rest.
  • Regular security audits and penetration testing.
  • Access controls limiting employee access to personal data on a need-to-know basis.
  • Secure South African data centres.

No method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your data, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

6. Your Rights Under POPIA

As a South African data subject, you have the right to:

  • Access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you.
  • Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information.
  • Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information, subject to legal retention requirements.
  • Objection: Object to the processing of your personal information for direct marketing.
  • Portability: Request your data in a portable format.
  • Complaint: Lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator of South Africa.

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at privacy@paypig.co.za. We will respond within 30 days.

7. Cookies

We use cookies and similar technologies to operate the Platform, remember your preferences, and analyse usage. You can control cookie settings through your browser. Note that disabling certain cookies may affect Platform functionality.

  • Essential cookies: Required for login sessions and security. Cannot be disabled.
  • Preference cookies: Remember your settings and preferences.
  • Analytics cookies: Help us understand how the Platform is used (anonymised data).

8. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide our services. If you delete your account, we will delete or anonymise your personal information within 90 days, except where we are required to retain it for legal, accounting, or fraud-prevention purposes.

9. Children's Privacy

Our Platform is strictly for adults aged 18 and over. We do not knowingly collect information from anyone under 18. If we discover that a minor has registered, we will immediately delete their account and associated data.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of material changes by email or by posting a prominent notice on the Platform. Continued use of the Platform after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the revised Policy.

11. Contact Us

For privacy-related queries or to exercise your rights, contact our Information Officer:

Information Regulator of South Africa: www.inforegulator.org.za