Privacy Policy

Effective Date: 01/01/2025
Website: [https://thebusinesslist.co.za](https://thebusinesslist.co.za) ("Website")
Owner: KARI MEDIA (Pty) Ltd ("we", "us", "our")

This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your personal information when you use our Website or services. We are committed to complying with the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 (POPIA) and ensuring that your privacy is protected.

1. Scope of Policy

This policy applies to all users of our Website, including business owners, individual consumers, and partners who interact with us online or provide information through our platform.

2. Information We Collect

We collect the following categories of personal information:

a) Information You Provide:

• Full name
• Email address
• Contact number
• Business name and details
• Login credentials (username, password)
• Reviews, comments, and ratings
• Billing and payment details (if applicable)

b) Automatically Collected:

• IP address
• Device type
• Browser information
• Cookies and usage data
• Location data (approximate)

3. Legal Basis for Processing

We process personal information based on:

• User consent
• Contractual necessity
• Legal obligations
• Legitimate business interest
, such as improving our services, verifying businesses, or ensuring platform security.

4. How We Use Your Information

Your personal information is used for the following purposes:

• To create and manage your user/business account
• To verify and publish business listings
• To communicate with you regarding listings or account activity
• To display ratings and reviews
• To personalise content and improve functionality
• To monitor usage and detect fraud or abuse
• To comply with applicable legal obligations

5. Cookies and Tracking

We use cookies to enhance your experience and analyze usage. Cookies help us:

• Keep you logged in
• Store preferences
• Track analytics and user interaction
• Prevent fraudulent activity

You may disable cookies via your browser settings, but some features of the Website may not function properly.

6. Sharing of Information

We may share personal data with:

• Third-party service providers (e.g., hosting, analytics, payment processors)
• Regulatory or legal authorities when required by law
• Business partners only with your consent
• Public users, in the case of reviews or publicly submitted content

We do not sell your personal information to third parties.

7. Storage and Retention

We store personal information on secure servers within South Africa or jurisdictions with adequate data protection. Information is retained:

• As long as your account is active
• For a reasonable period thereafter for legal or operational purposes
• As required by applicable laws (e.g. tax, accounting)

8. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures, including:

• SSL encryption
• Password hashing
• Firewalls and intrusion detection
• Access controls and staff training

While we take all reasonable steps to protect your data, no system is 100% secure.

9. Your Rights (POPIA)

Under POPIA, you have the following rights:

• Right to access your personal data
• Right to correct or update inaccurate information
• Right to object to processing
• Right to request deletion (subject to legal obligations)
• Right to lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator

Contact the Information Regulator (South Africa):
Email: complaints.IR@justice.gov.za
Website: https://inforegulator.org.za

10. Children's Privacy

Our Website is not intended for use by individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal data from minors.

11. Third-Party Links

This Website may contain links to third-party sites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those sites.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy periodically. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date. We encourage users to review the policy regularly.

13. Contact Us

If you have any questions or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or your personal information, please contact us at:

KARI MEDIA (Pty) Ltd
Email: connect@thebusinesslist.co.za
Website: https://thebusinesslist.co.za

14. Acceptance

By using our Website, registering an account, or submitting any information, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to this Privacy Policy.