African Times Privacy Policy

Last Updated: June 18, 2025

This Privacy Policy explains how African Times (“we,” “us,” or “our”) collects, uses, shares, and protects information when you visit our website (https://atnews.co.za), interact with our content, or engage with us via social media or email. We are committed to transparency and compliance with all applicable Google policies and privacy laws, notably South Africa’s Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).

1. Information We Collect

Automatically Collected Information

• Google Analytics Data: Pages visited, time on site, navigation patterns, device/browser details, and anonymised location.
• Cookies & Tracking Technologies: Essential session cookies, Analytics cookies, and third-party cookies for social sharing and ad tech.

Social Media & Email Interactions

• Publicly available engagement data for research and development.
• Email address and content when contacting social@atnews.co.za, rampedim@atnews.co.za, or info@atnews.co.za.

Advertising Partner Data

• Cookies used by Google Ads approved agencies. We do not directly access this data and do not knowingly collect data from anyone under 18.

2. Advertising & Third-Party Data

We work with Google-approved agencies to display ads for users 18+. They use cookies to serve relevant ads and prevent fraud. We enforce non-personalised ads for minors and require all partners to adhere to Google policies and applicable laws.

3. Purposes of Processing

We process information to enhance services, identify trends via social media feedback, respond to queries, enable ad delivery, and meet legal and security obligations.

4. Information Sharing

We never sell your data. Sharing is limited to service providers under NDA, legal authorities when compelled, business transfers under confidentiality, or fully anonymised aggregated data.

5. Your Rights & Choices

Under POPIA, you may access personal data, correct inaccuracies, or request deletion. You may also object to processing or request data portability. To exercise these rights, email social@atnews.co.za. Additional controls include browser cookie settings, the Google Analytics Opt-Out Add-on, and Google Ad Settings.

6. Cookies & Tracking

We use essential cookies for core features, analytics cookies via Google Analytics, and third-party cookies from social or ad scripts.

7. Data Security

We implement HTTPS/TLS encryption, regular WordPress updates, and strict access controls. Report suspected breaches to Social@atnews.co.za.

8. Data Retention

Google Analytics data is retained for up to 26 months. Email and R&D data are kept only as long as necessary before being anonymised or deleted.

9. International Transfers

Data may be processed outside South Africa. We ensure POPIA compliance through standard contractual clauses and safeguards.

10. Third-Party Links

We are not responsible for the privacy practices of external websites linked on our site; please review their individual policies.

11. Children’s Privacy

We do not target individuals under 18. Inadvertently collected data on minors will be deleted upon parental request.

12. Updates to This Policy

Revisions will be posted at https://atnews.co.za/privacy with an updated date. Major changes will be communicated clearly.

13. Contact Information

If you have questions or wish to exercise your data rights, contact our Compliance Officer(s):

Email: social@atnews.co.za, rampedim@atnews.co.za, info@atnews.co.za