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Effective Date: 29/05/2025
Last Updated: 29/05/2025

Ratethem (“we,” “our,” “us”) respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information in compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) of South Africa and relevant international data protection laws including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) where applicable.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, disclose, and protect your personal information when you use our website and services.


1. Scope of This Policy

This policy applies to all users of Ratethem, including:

  • Reviewers

  • Public figure profiles

  • Visitors

  • Self-listed users


2. What Information We Collect

2.1. Information You Provide

  • Name, username, or pseudonym

  • Email address (if you register)

  • Profile photos or avatars (optional)

  • Any content you post, including reviews and ratings

  • Information included in self-listings or biographies

2.2. Automatically Collected Information

  • IP address

  • Browser type and version

  • Device information

  • Log and usage data

  • Location (if permitted by your device)

2.3. Third-Party Services

We may use third-party tools (e.g., analytics providers, social login, CAPTCHA, or comment moderation tools) that may collect limited personal data according to their own privacy terms.


3. Why We Collect Your Data

We collect and process your personal data to:

  • Enable account creation and self-listing

  • Display and manage reviews and ratings

  • Moderate and prevent abusive or unlawful content

  • Improve website performance and user experience

  • Comply with legal obligations (e.g., POPIA, GDPR, Cybercrimes Act)

  • Communicate with users (e.g., updates, support responses)


4. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR and POPIA Compliance)

We rely on the following legal grounds:

  • Consent (e.g., when you register or submit a review)

  • Contractual necessity (to provide services)

  • Legal obligations (e.g., to investigate harmful content)

  • Legitimate interests (e.g., to ensure platform integrity)


5. Your Rights

Depending on applicable law (POPIA, GDPR), you have the right to:

  • Access your personal data

  • Request correction or deletion of data

  • Object to or restrict processing

  • Withdraw consent at any time

  • Lodge a complaint with a data protection authority

To exercise these rights, contact us at: [Insert Contact Email]


6. Disclosure of Personal Information

We may share your data with:

  • Moderation or analytics providers (under strict confidentiality agreements)

  • Legal authorities when required by law

  • Service providers who help operate the platform (e.g., hosting, email systems)

We do not sell or trade your personal information.


7. Retention of Data

We keep your data:

  • As long as your account is active or as needed to provide services

  • As required by law or regulatory purposes

  • Until you request deletion (subject to content moderation and legal requirements)


8. Cross-Border Transfers

Your data may be processed in other countries for hosting, analytics, or moderation. We ensure that such transfers comply with data protection laws and are subject to appropriate safeguards (e.g., contractual clauses).


9. Children’s Privacy

Ratethem is not directed at children under the age of 13. If we discover we’ve collected data from a child without verified parental consent, we will delete it immediately.


10. Cookies and Tracking

We use cookies and similar technologies to:

  • Authenticate users

  • Remember preferences

  • Analyze traffic and usage patterns

You may opt out or adjust cookie settings through your browser. Some features may not function properly without cookies.


11. Security Measures

We implement appropriate technical and organizational safeguards to:

  • Protect your personal information against unauthorized access, loss, or misuse

  • Ensure confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data

However, no online platform is 100% secure, and you use the service at your own risk.


12. Policy Updates

We may revise this Privacy Policy from time to time. Material changes will be communicated via the platform or email (if applicable). Continued use of Ratethem means you accept the updated policy.


13. Contact Us

For any questions, concerns, or data requests, contact:
📧 support@ratethem.co.za
📍 Online Based – No Physical Address


By using Ratethem, you consent to the terms of this Privacy Policy.