Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy for www.bridge-it-labs.com shipping-policy South AfricaLast Updated: September 02, 2025At www.bridge-it labs, we are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the lawful processing of your personal information in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 (POPIA) and other relevant South African legislation. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website [yourwebsite.com], make purchases, or interact with our services. By using our website, you consent to the practices described in this policy. If you do not agree, please do not use our services.We may update this policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We encourage you to review it periodically. Continued use of the website after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.1. Information We CollectWe collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us, as well as information automatically collected during your use of the website. Personal information, as defined under POPIA, includes any data relating to an identifiable living natural person or juristic person, such as:

• Contact Details: Name, email address, phone number, postal or physical address.

• Identity Information: ID number, date of birth, or other identifiers (e.g., for verification purposes).

• Financial Information: Payment details (e.g., credit card or bank account information) when making purchases.

• Demographic Information: Age, gender, or preferences (if provided via surveys or profiles).

• Usage Data: IP address, browser type, device information, pages visited, and time spent on the site.

• Special Personal Information: In limited cases, information about race, ethnic origin, health, or beliefs, only if necessary and with explicit consent (e.g., for personalized services).

• Other Data: Any information you submit through forms, chats, or emails, such as feedback or inquiries.

We limit collection to what is necessary and relevant, adhering to POPIA's principle of minimality. Where possible, we will indicate whether providing certain information is optional or required, and explain the consequences of not providing it (e.g., inability to process an order).2. How We Collect InformationWe collect information through the following methods:

• Directly from You: When you register an account, place an order, subscribe to newsletters, fill out forms, or contact us via email or chat.

• Automatically: Using cookies, web beacons, and similar technologies to track your interactions with the website. For example, we may log your IP address, browser details, and referral sources to analyze trends and improve user experience.

• From Third Parties: Occasionally from trusted partners (e.g., payment processors or analytics providers), but only with your consent or where legally permitted. We do not collect from third parties without a valid reason, and we ensure they comply with POPIA.

Cookies and similar tools help us remember your preferences and provide personalized content. You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings; however, disabling them may limit website functionality. For more details, see our Cookie Policy (if separate).3. Why We Collect Information (Purpose)We collect and process your personal information for specific, lawful purposes, and we will not retain it longer than necessary to achieve these goals or as required by law. Key purposes include:

• Providing Services: To process orders, deliver products, manage accounts, and respond to inquiries.

• Improving User Experience: To analyze website usage, personalize content, and enhance our offerings based on your preferences.

• Marketing and Communications: To send newsletters, promotions, or updates (with your consent for direct marketing). You can opt out at any time.

• Security and Fraud Prevention: To detect and prevent fraud, unauthorized access, or other illegal activities.

• Legal Compliance: To fulfill obligations under POPIA, tax laws, or other regulations, such as record-keeping for audits.

• Research and Analytics: To conduct internal research or statistical analysis to improve our business (data is anonymized where possible).

We process information only for the purposes for which it was collected, unless you provide further consent or it is compatible with the original purpose. If we need to use it for a new purpose, we will notify you and seek consent where required.4. Sharing and Disclosure of InformationWe do not sell or rent your personal information. We may share it with third parties only when necessary and under strict controls:

• Service Providers: With trusted partners who assist us in operating the website, such as payment processors (e.g., PayFast), shipping couriers (e.g., Aramex), or analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics). These parties are bound by contracts requiring POPIA compliance and equivalent security measures.

• Legal Requirements: If required by law, court order, or regulatory authority (e.g., to the Information Regulator), or to protect our rights, property, or safety.

• Business Transfers: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred, but we will notify you beforehand.

• International Transfers: If data is shared outside South Africa (e.g., to cloud servers), we ensure adequate safeguards, such as standard contractual clauses or binding corporate rules, to protect your information.

We impose confidentiality and security obligations on all third parties to ensure your information is treated with the same level of protection.5. Your Rights Under POPIAAs a data subject, you have rights under POPIA to control your personal information. These include:

• Access: Request confirmation of whether we hold your information and obtain a copy (subject to a reasonable fee and identity verification).

• Correction: Ask us to update, correct, or complete inaccurate or incomplete data.

• Deletion or Destruction: Request deletion of unnecessary, excessive, or unlawfully obtained data, unless we are required to retain it by law.

• Objection: Object to processing for direct marketing or other purposes where justified (e.g., via Form 1 from the Information Regulator).

• Withdraw Consent: Revoke consent at any time, though this may affect our ability to provide services.

• Complaint: Lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator if you believe your rights have been violated.

To exercise these rights, contact our Information Officer at  mailto: info@bridge-it-labs or 0814443544. Provide proof of identity (e.g., ID copy) and specify your request. We will respond within a reasonable time, typically 30 days. 6. Children's Privacy (Minors' Data)We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18 years of age without explicit consent from a parent or guardian. Our website and services are not directed at minors. If you are under 18, please do not provide personal information without parental involvement. If we become aware of collecting a child's data without consent, we will delete it promptly. Parents or guardians can contact us to review, correct, or delete such information.7. Security of Your InformationWe implement reasonable technical, organizational, and administrative measures to protect your personal information from loss, misuse, unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction, in line with POPIA's security safeguards. This includes encryption, firewalls, access controls, and regular security audits. In the event of a data breach, we will notify the Information Regulator and affected individuals as soon as reasonably possible, unless exempted by law.However, no system is 100% secure, so we cannot guarantee absolute security. You are responsible for protecting your account credentials.8. Retention of InformationWe retain your personal information only as long as necessary for the purposes outlined in this policy, or as required by law (e.g., for tax or audit purposes). Once no longer needed, we securely delete or anonymize it.9. Contact UsFor questions about this Privacy Policy, to exercise your rights, or to report concerns, contact our Information Officer:

• Name: Brigitte Hancock 

• Email: Info@bridge-it-labs.com 

• Phone: 0814443544

• Address: 611 Bokser Street, Garsfontein Pretoria 

You can also contact the Information Regulator at inforeg@justice.gov.za for complaints.This policy is governed by South African law.