Privacy Policy

Hostitworld | HOSTIT | SA Servers
Effective Date (updated on): 01/07/2025

1. Introduction

This Privacy Policy explains how Hostitworld (Pty) Ltd, trading as HOSTIT, and its subsidiary SA Servers (“we”, “us”, “our”) collect, use, store, share, and protect your personal information.

We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring that your personal data is handled in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) of South Africa, and aligned where relevant with international best practices (including GDPR).

By using our services or accessing our website, you consent to the practices described in this policy.

2. Information We Collect

We may collect the following categories of personal information:

2.1. Information You Provide Voluntarily

Name and surname
Email address
Phone number
Company or business name
Billing and physical address
ID number or registration number (where required for invoicing)
Payment and account details
Login credentials (for client portals or managed services)

2.2. Information We Collect Automatically

IP address
Browser type and version
Operating system
Referring pages
Access times
Device information

2.3. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We may use cookies and similar technologies for site functionality, analytics, and user experience improvement. You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the personal information collected for the following purposes:

To provide, manage, and support our hosting, development, internet, and SLA services.
To process orders and manage billing, invoicing, and payments.
To communicate with you regarding your services, support requests, or service interruptions.
To send service updates, account alerts, or promotional communications (with consent).
To comply with legal obligations and prevent fraud or misuse.

4. Sharing Your Information

We do not sell your personal information. We may share your information in the following circumstances:

With our employees and subsidiaries (such as SA Servers) strictly for operational purposes.
With third-party service providers (e.g., payment processors, domain registrars, security providers) who are contractually bound to protect your data.
With regulators or legal authorities, only where required by law or lawful request.
In the case of business transfers, such as a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets.

5. Data Storage and Retention

We store your personal information on secure servers in South Africa and, where applicable, in secure cloud environments with appropriate protections.
Information is retained only as long as necessary for the purposes set out in this policy, or as required by law (e.g., tax regulations or legal claims).
Account data may be archived or deleted upon service termination, subject to legal and regulatory retention requirements.

6. Data Security

We implement reasonable physical, technical, and administrative security measures to protect your personal information, including:

SSL/TLS encryption
Secure password policies
Firewall and malware protection
Access controls and staff confidentiality agreements

While we strive for full protection, no method of electronic storage or transmission is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

7. Your Rights Under POPIA

You have the right to:

Access the personal data we hold about you.
Request correction or deletion of your personal data (subject to contractual or legal obligations).
Withdraw consent for processing, where processing is based on consent.
Lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator of South Africa.

Requests can be sent to:
📧 privacy@hostit.co.za

8. Children’s Privacy

Our services are not directed to children under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from minors. If we discover that we have inadvertently collected data from a child, we will delete it promptly.

9. Cross-Border Data Transfers

Should we process or store your information outside of South Africa (e.g., for email or hosting infrastructure), such data transfers will be done in compliance with POPIA and with adequate safeguards in place.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on our website with an updated effective date. Continued use of our services after changes are posted indicates acceptance of the updated policy.

11. Contact Us

For any privacy-related inquiries or to exercise your rights, contact:

📧 privacy@hostit.co.za
📧 support@hostit.co.za
🌐 www.hostit.co.za

This Privacy Policy is part of the legal framework that governs your use of Hostitworld and SA Servers’ services. Please review it periodically to stay informed about how we protect your information.