Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy

Effective Date: April 23, 2025

Pondoland Times (“we”, “us”, or “our”) is an independently owned, original community newsroom based in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Our mobile app and website deliver locally produced journalism, written and edited by our team. We do not use automated news feeds, AI-generated articles, or repackaged third-party content.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard your information when you use our website (https://pondolandtimes.co.za) and our official mobile application.

By using our services, you agree to this Privacy Policy.

1. Information We Collect

a) Information You Provide

You may provide personal information voluntarily, such as:

  • Your name and email address (e.g., newsletter signup or contact form)
  • Comments, uploads, or user-generated content
  • App contact forms or support requests

We do not request unnecessary personal information, and we do not collect data unrelated to our newsroom operations.

b) Information Collected Automatically

We automatically collect technical data to ensure the app functions properly:

  • Device information and app performance logs
  • Cookies and website usage analytics
  • Error reports and diagnostic information

This information is used only to maintain and improve our services.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information collected to:

  • Deliver original news and community content within the app
  • Process newsletter subscriptions and send updates (only with consent)
  • Improve the performance, stability, and security of our app and website
  • Respond to messages, support requests, or editorial feedback
  • Analyze traffic to enhance the user experience

We do not sell your data, repurpose your data for advertising networks, or use it to generate automated content or AI-driven news.

3. Cookies and Tracking

We use cookies and tracking technologies to:

  • Keep the app and website functional
  • Remember preferences
  • Measure usage and improve the user experience

Users will see a cookie or tracking consent popup when required by Google Play and Apple App Store policies.

4. Third-Party Services

We only integrate with third-party services required for analytics, security, or performance:

  • Google Play Services
  • Firebase Analytics
  • Facebook SDK (if used for sharing or login)

These platforms may collect technical data governed by their own privacy policies. We do not use third-party content aggregation services or external news feeds.

5. Data Sharing

We may share your information only:

  • With trusted service providers who support hosting, analytics, or communication
  • To comply with South African law
  • With your explicit consent

We do not share or license user data to third-party publishers, aggregators, or marketing brokers.

6. Data Retention

We retain your data only for as long as necessary to provide our service:

  • Comments and user profiles: kept until deleted by the user
  • Newsletter subscribers: kept until unsubscribed
  • App analytics data: retained temporarily for performance monitoring

Users may request deletion at any time.

6A. Data Deletion Requests

Users of the Pondoland Times mobile application and website have the right to request deletion of their personal data at any time.

To request data deletion, users may contact us using the details provided below. Upon receiving a verified request, we will delete or anonymise any personal data associated with the request, including contact information, newsletter records, and app-related usage data, unless retention is required by law or for legitimate journalistic, security, or compliance purposes.

How to request data deletion:

  • Email us at: info@pondolandtimes.co.za

  • Include the subject line: “Data Deletion Request – Pondoland Times”

  • Provide sufficient information to help us identify the data (such as email address used)

We will process all valid deletion requests within a reasonable timeframe and confirm once the request has been completed.

7. Your Rights

You may:

  • Request access to your personal data
  • Request corrections or deletions
  • Withdraw consent for newsletters or alerts
  • Disable cookies
  • Adjust app permissions (notifications, tracking, etc.)

We respond to all data requests promptly.

8. Children’s Privacy

Our services are not targeted at children under 13.
We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If such data is discovered, it is deleted immediately.

9. Data Security

We use secure servers, encrypted connections, and access controls to minimize risk.
However, no method is 100% secure, and users should exercise caution when sharing personal information online.

10. App Originality and Independent Operation

Pondoland Times operates as a registered, independent newsroom, producing 100% original journalism.
The app does not:

  • use syndicated news feeds
  • pull content from template providers
  • publish AI-generated articles
  • repurpose content from other apps

All content is local, human-created, and owned by Pondoland Times.
All software and app design features are built specifically for our newsroom operations.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically.
Changes will be posted on this page and take effect immediately.

12. Contact Us

For questions or data requests, contact us:

📧 info@pondolandtimes.co.za
📍 129 Mayaba Street, Bizana, Eastern Cape, South Africa
📞 +27 73 861 8912