Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

BlackNet (Pty) Ltd ("BlackNet", "we", "us", or "our") respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our services.

This policy complies with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and other applicable South African data protection laws.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

We collect personal information that you provide to us when:

• Registering for our services
• Making payments or processing transactions
• Contacting customer support
• Subscribing to newsletters or marketing communications
• Participating in surveys or promotions

This information may include:

• Full name and identification number
• Contact information (email, phone number, physical address)
• Billing and payment information
• Service usage preferences
• Communication history with us

2.2 Technical Information

When you use our services, we may automatically collect:

• IP addresses and device identifiers
• Browser type and operating system
• Connection times and duration
• Data usage and bandwidth consumption
• Network performance metrics
• Website visited (for troubleshooting purposes only)

2.3 Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website uses cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience. You can control cookie preferences through your browser settings.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information for the following purposes:

• Service Delivery: To provide, maintain, and improve our internet and telecommunications services
• Billing and Payments: To process payments and manage your account
• Customer Support: To respond to inquiries, resolve issues, and provide technical assistance
• Network Management: To monitor and optimize network performance and security
• Legal Compliance: To comply with applicable laws and regulations
• Marketing: To send promotional materials and service updates (with your consent)
• Fraud Prevention: To detect and prevent fraudulent activities
• Service Improvement: To analyze usage patterns and improve our offerings

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

4.1 Third-Party Service Providers

We may share your information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in:

• Payment processing
• Network infrastructure and maintenance
• Customer support services
• Marketing and communications
• Data analytics and business intelligence

These third parties are contractually obligated to protect your information and use it only for the purposes for which it was disclosed.

4.2 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information when required by law, court order, or government regulation, or when necessary to:

• Comply with legal obligations
• Protect our rights and property
• Prevent fraud or criminal activity
• Ensure the safety of our users and the public

4.3 Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your personal information may be transferred to the acquiring entity, subject to the same privacy protections.

4.4 No Sale of Personal Information

BlackNet does not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes.

5. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:

• Encryption of sensitive data in transit and at rest
• Regular security assessments and audits
• Access controls and authentication mechanisms
• Employee training on data protection
• Secure data storage and backup systems

While we strive to protect your information, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is completely secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security.

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to:

• Provide our services to you
• Comply with legal and regulatory requirements
• Resolve disputes and enforce our agreements
• Maintain business records for operational purposes

After your account is terminated, we may retain certain information for a reasonable period for archival purposes and to comply with legal obligations.

7. Your Rights Under POPIA

Under the Protection of Personal Information Act, you have the right to:

• Access: Request access to your personal information we hold
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal requirements)
• Objection: Object to the processing of your personal information
• Restriction: Request restriction of processing in certain circumstances
• Data Portability: Receive your personal information in a portable format
• Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent for processing (where consent is the legal basis)

To exercise any of these rights, please contact our Information Officer using the details provided below.

8. Marketing Communications

With your consent, we may send you promotional emails, SMS messages, or other communications about our services, special offers, and updates.

You can opt out of marketing communications at any time by:

• Clicking the "unsubscribe" link in our emails
• Contacting our customer support
• Updating your preferences in your account settings

9. Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to individuals 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.

10. International Data Transfers

Your personal information may be stored and processed in any country where we have facilities or service providers. By using our services, you consent to the transfer of your information to countries outside South Africa that may have different data protection laws.

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. We will notify you of significant changes by email or through a prominent notice on our website. Your continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

12. Contact Information

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact:

You may also lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator of South Africa:

13. Additional Resources

For more information about your rights and our data handling practices:

• PAIA Manual - Information about accessing records
• Terms & Conditions - Service terms and agreements