Privacy Policy
American Shutters Security
Effective Date: September 19, 2025
Last Updated: September 19, 2025
1. Introduction
American Shutters Security (“we”, “us”, “our”, or “the Company”) is committed to protecting your privacy and personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your personal information in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013 (POPIA) and other applicable South African laws.
Contact Information:
2. What Personal Information We Collect
We may collect the following categories of personal information:
2.1 Information You Provide Directly
- Contact Information: Name, surname, email address, phone numbers, physical address
- Business Information: Company name, job title, business address (if applicable)
- Communication Records: Messages, emails, phone call records, chat transcripts
- Quote Requests: Property details, measurement requirements, product preferences
- Payment Information: Billing address, payment method details (processed securely by third-party providers)
2.2 Information Collected Automatically
- Website Usage: IP address, browser type, device information, pages visited
- Cookies and Tracking: Session data, preferences, analytics information
- Location Data: General location based on IP address (not precise GPS location)
2.3 Information from Third Parties
- Referrals: Contact details provided by existing customers or business partners
- Social Media: Information from social media platforms if you interact with our pages
- Business Directories: Publicly available business contact information
3. How We Use Your Personal Information
We process your personal information for the following lawful purposes under POPIA:
3.1 Contractual Purposes
- Processing quotes and service requests
- Delivering products and services
- Managing installations and maintenance
- Processing payments and invoicing
- Managing warranties and after-sales service
3.2 Legitimate Business Interests
- Improving our products and services
- Customer relationship management
- Marketing and promotional communications (with consent)
- Website analytics and optimization
- Business administration and record-keeping
3.3 Legal Compliance
- Compliance with taxation and accounting requirements
- Regulatory reporting obligations
- Legal proceedings and dispute resolution
- Health and safety compliance
3.4 Consent-Based Processing
- Direct marketing communications
- Newsletter subscriptions
- Customer surveys and feedback requests
- Social media engagement
4. Legal Basis for Processing (POPIA Compliance)
We process your personal information based on the following lawful grounds:
- Consent: Where you have given explicit consent for specific purposes
- Contract Performance: To fulfill our contractual obligations to you
- Legitimate Interests: For business operations that don’t override your privacy rights
- Legal Obligation: To comply with South African laws and regulations
- Vital Interests: To protect health, safety, or security (rarely applicable)
5. How We Share Your Information
5.1 Service Providers
We may share your information with trusted third-party service providers:
- Installation and maintenance contractors
- Payment processing companies
- IT service providers and hosting companies
- Marketing and communication service providers
- Professional advisors (lawyers, accountants, consultants)
5.2 Legal Requirements
We may disclose your information when required by:
- South African law or legal process
- Court orders or government authorities
- Law enforcement agencies
- Regulatory bodies
5.3 Business Transfers
In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of business assets, personal information may be transferred to the new entity.
6. International Transfers
If we transfer your personal information outside South Africa, we ensure:
- The recipient country has adequate data protection laws, or
- Appropriate safeguards are in place (such as binding corporate rules or standard contractual clauses)
- We obtain your consent where required by POPIA
7. Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures:
7.1 Technical Safeguards
- SSL encryption for data transmission
- Secure servers and databases
- Regular security updates and patches
- Access controls and authentication
- Data backup and recovery procedures
7.2 Organizational Safeguards
- Staff training on data protection
- Confidentiality agreements
- Limited access on a need-to-know basis
- Regular security audits and assessments
- Incident response procedures
8. Data Retention
We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to:
- Fulfill the purposes for which it was collected
- Comply with legal and regulatory requirements
- Resolve disputes and enforce agreements
Typical retention periods:
- Customer records: 7 years after contract completion
- Marketing communications: Until you unsubscribe
- Website analytics: 26 months
- Payment records: 5 years for tax purposes
9. Your Rights Under POPIA
You have the following rights regarding your personal information:
9.1 Right of Access
- Request confirmation of whether we process your personal information
- Obtain a copy of your personal information
- Receive information about how we use your data
9.2 Right to Correction
- Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
- Update your contact details and preferences
9.3 Right to Deletion
- Request deletion of your personal information in certain circumstances
- Right to be forgotten (subject to legal retention requirements)
9.4 Right to Object
- Object to processing based on legitimate interests
- Opt-out of direct marketing communications
- Object to automated decision-making
9.5 Right to Restriction
- Request limitation of processing in certain circumstances
- Temporarily halt processing while disputes are resolved
9.6 Right to Data Portability
- Receive your personal information in a structured, machine-readable format
- Transfer your data to another service provider
10. Cookies and Website Technologies
10.1 Types of Cookies We Use
- Essential Cookies: Necessary for website functionality
- Analytics Cookies: Help us understand website usage
- Marketing Cookies: Used for personalized advertising
- Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and preferences
10.2 Managing Cookies
You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings. Disabling certain cookies may affect website functionality.
11. Marketing Communications
11.1 Consent
We only send marketing communications with your explicit consent or where we have a legitimate interest and you haven’t objected.
11.2 Opting Out
You can unsubscribe from marketing communications:
12. Children’s Privacy
Our services are not directed at children under 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from minors without parental consent.
13. Third-Party Links
Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of external sites.
14. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Material changes will be communicated through:
- Website notifications
- Email notifications to registered users
- Updated effective date on this policy
15. Complaints and Contact Information
15.1 Contact Our Information Officer
For privacy-related queries, complaints, or to exercise your rights:
Information Officer: Zarius Jordaan
Email: info@securityofthings.co.za
Phone: 087 821 6131
Address:Shop 31, Castle Walk Shopping Centre, 491 Nossob St, Erasmuskloof, Pretoria, 0048
15.2 Regulatory Authority
If you’re unsatisfied with our response, you may lodge a complaint with:
Information Regulator South Africa
Website: https://www.justice.gov.za/inforeg/
Email: inforeg@justice.gov.za
Phone: 012 406 4818
16. Consent
By using our website, services, or providing us with your personal information, you consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of your information as described in this Privacy Policy.
