Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Teapot Publishing (“we”, “us”, or “our”) is committed to protecting your personal information in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 (POPIA) and other applicable South African legislation. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal information when you visit our website, purchase our products, or interact with us.

2. Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of personal information:

2.1 Information you provide directly

• Name, email address, and contact details when you place an order or contact us.
• Shipping and billing address for order fulfilment.
• Payment information (processed securely through our payment gateway; we do not store full card details).
• Communications you send us, including queries, complaints, or feedback.
• Newsletter subscription details, if you opt in.

2.2 Information collected automatically

• IP address, browser type, and device information.
• Pages visited, time spent, and referral source (via cookies and similar technologies).
• Order history and browsing behaviour on our website.

3. Purpose of Processing

We process your personal information for the following purposes:

• To process and fulfil your orders, including shipping and payment processing.
• To communicate with you regarding your orders, queries, or requests.
• To send marketing communications (newsletters, promotions) only with your consent.
• To improve our website, products, and services.
• To comply with legal obligations, including tax and accounting requirements.
• To detect and prevent fraud or misuse of our services.

4. Lawful Basis for Processing

In terms of POPIA, we process your personal information based on the following lawful grounds:

• Consent: Where you have given explicit consent (e.g., newsletter subscriptions).
• Contract: Where processing is necessary to fulfil a contract with you (e.g., processing an order).
• Legal obligation: Where we are required by law to process your information.
• Legitimate interest: Where we have a legitimate business interest, provided your rights are not overridden.

5. Sharing of Information

We do not sell your personal information. We may share your information with:

• Service providers: Courier companies, payment gateways, and IT service providers who assist us in operating our business, subject to confidentiality agreements.
• Legal authorities: Where required by law, regulation, or legal process.
• Business transfers: In the event of a merger, sale, or transfer of business assets.

6. Cross-Border Transfers

Where your personal information is transferred outside of South Africa, we ensure that the receiving party is subject to data protection obligations that are substantially similar to POPIA, or we obtain your consent for such transfer in accordance with Section 72 of POPIA.

7. Data Retention

We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes for which it was collected, or as required by applicable law. Order records are generally retained for a period consistent with South African tax and accounting requirements (typically 5 years).

8. Your Rights

In terms of POPIA, you have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: The right to request a copy of the personal information we hold about you.
• Correction: The right to request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information.
• Deletion: The right to request deletion of your personal information, subject to legal retention requirements.
• Objection: The right to object to the processing of your personal information.
• Withdraw consent: The right to withdraw consent at any time where processing is based on consent.
• Complaint: The right to lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator of South Africa.

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at cathteapot@gmail.com.

9. Cookies

Our website uses cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your browsing experience, analyse website traffic, and personalise content. You can manage your cookie preferences through your browser settings. Please note that disabling cookies may affect the functionality of our website.

10. Security

We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorised access, loss, alteration, or destruction. However, no method of transmission over the internet is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

11. Children's Privacy

Our website and products are not directed at children under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have inadvertently collected information from a child, please contact us immediately.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated revision date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed about how we protect your information.

13. Contact the Information Regulator

If you are unsatisfied with how we handle your personal information, you may contact:

Information Regulator of South Africa
JD House, 27 Stiemens Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, 2017
Email: inforeg@inforegulator.org.za
Website: www.inforegulator.org.za

14. Contact Us

For any privacy-related queries or requests, please contact us at:

Email: cathteapot@gmail.com
Business: Teapot Publishing, South Africa