Introduction
Student Storage ("we", "us", or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your data in compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) of South Africa.
By using our services, you consent to the collection and use of your information as described in this policy.
1. Information We Collect
1.1 Personal Information:
- Full name and contact details (email, phone number)
- Physical address for delivery and collection
- Student identification (if applicable)
- Payment information (processed securely through third-party providers)
- Login credentials for your account
1.2 Storage Information:
- Details of items stored (general descriptions for insurance purposes)
- Box tracking information and QR codes
- Booking dates and service history
- Photographs of boxes (if required for claims)
1.3 Technical Information:
- IP address and device information
- Browser type and operating system
- Website usage data and analytics
- Cookies and similar tracking technologies
2. How We Use Your Information
We use your personal information for the following purposes:
- Service Delivery: To provide storage services, schedule deliveries and collections, and manage your booking
- Communication: To send booking confirmations, reminders, and service updates via email, SMS, or WhatsApp
- Payment Processing: To process payments and maintain financial records
- Customer Support: To respond to inquiries, resolve issues, and provide assistance
- Security: To verify your identity and prevent fraud
- Legal Compliance: To comply with applicable laws and regulations
- Service Improvement: To analyze usage patterns and improve our services
- Marketing: To send promotional offers and updates (only with your consent)
3. Legal Basis for Processing
Under POPIA, we process your personal information based on:
- Contract Performance: Processing necessary to fulfill our storage service agreement with you
- Consent: Where you have explicitly agreed to specific processing activities
- Legitimate Interests: For fraud prevention, security, and service improvement
- Legal Obligations: To comply with tax, accounting, and other legal requirements
4. Data Sharing and Disclosure
4.1 We DO NOT sell your personal information to third parties.
4.2 We may share your information with:
- Service Providers: Delivery personnel, payment processors, and technology providers who assist in service delivery
- Legal Authorities: When required by law or to protect our legal rights
- Business Partners: Only with your explicit consent for specific promotional offers
4.3 Data Transfer: Your data is stored within South Africa. Any international transfers (if necessary) will comply with POPIA cross-border transfer requirements.
5. Data Security
We implement robust security measures to protect your personal information:
- Encryption: SSL/TLS encryption for data in transit
- Access Controls: Limited access to personal data on a need-to-know basis
- Secure Storage: Encrypted databases and secure servers
- Regular Audits: Periodic security assessments and updates
- Staff Training: Regular training on data protection best practices
- Password Protection: Strong password requirements for user accounts
However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your data, we cannot guarantee absolute security.
6. Data Retention
We retain your personal information for the following periods:
- Active Accounts: Throughout the duration of your account activity
- Financial Records: Minimum 5 years for tax compliance
- Booking History: 3 years for customer service and legal purposes
- Marketing Consent: Until you withdraw consent or after 2 years of inactivity
After these periods, we will securely delete or anonymize your data unless longer retention is required by law.
7. Your Rights Under POPIA
Under South African data protection law, you have the right to:
- Access: Request access to your personal information we hold
- Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data
- Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal obligations)
- Objection: Object to processing of your data for specific purposes
- Data Portability: Request transfer of your data to another service provider
- Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent for marketing communications at any time
- Lodge a Complaint: File a complaint with the Information Regulator of South Africa
To exercise these rights, please contact us at info@studentstorage.co.za
8. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
We use cookies and similar technologies to:
- Remember your login session
- Analyze website traffic and usage patterns
- Improve user experience and functionality
- Prevent fraud and enhance security
You can control cookie settings through your browser, but disabling cookies may affect website functionality.
9. Third-Party Links
Our website may contain links to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any personal information.
10. Children's Privacy
Our services are intended for individuals 18 years and older. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18 without parental consent. If you believe we have inadvertently collected such information, please contact us immediately.
11. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. Material changes will be communicated via email or prominent notice on our website. Continued use of our services after such changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
Contact Us
For privacy-related inquiries, requests, or complaints:
Data Protection Officer: Student Storage
Email: info@studentstorage.co.za
Phone: +27 12 345 6789
Address: Richards Bay, South Africa
Information Regulator (South Africa):
Email: inforeg@justice.gov.za
Website: www.justice.gov.za/inforeg
By using Student Storage services, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy and consent to the collection, use, and processing of your personal information as described herein.