Privacy Policy

Last updated: 2025-10-27

This Privacy Policy describes how Anonymous You ("we", "us", or "our") collects, uses, discloses, and protects personal information in connection with https://anonymous-you.com (the "Service"). We process personal information in accordance with South Africa’s Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013 ("POPIA") and, where applicable, the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act, 2002 ("ECTA"). This policy should be read together with our Cookie Use and Terms of Service.

1. Scope

This policy applies to your use of the Service, including when you create an account, interact with content, or otherwise engage with features available on the Service.

2. Information we collect

• Account information: username, display name, email address, password hash, profile details.
• Content you create: posts, media uploads (images/videos), comments, messages, and associated metadata (time, device info).
• Usage information: interactions (likes, reposts, follows), log data, device and browser type, IP address, referral URLs, language, approximate location derived from IP, cookie identifiers (see Cookie Use).
• Communications: messages you send to us (support requests, reports) and related metadata.

3. Sources of information

We collect information directly from you, automatically when you use the Service, and from third parties that help us operate the Service (e.g., analytics, hosting).

4. Why we process personal information (purposes and legal bases)

• Provide and maintain the Service (account management, core features, security). Legal basis: performance of a contract; legitimate interests; section 11(1)(b),(f) of POPIA.
• Personalise and improve (recommendations, UI preferences, feature development). Legal basis: consent (for non‑essential cookies); legitimate interests.
• Safety, security, and moderation (detect abuse, enforce terms, prevent fraud). Legal basis: legal obligation; legitimate interests; section 11(1)(c),(d) POPIA.
• Communications (service updates, support responses). Legal basis: performance of a contract; legitimate interests; consent where required.
• Legal compliance (Respond to lawful requests, resolve disputes). Legal basis: legal obligation; legitimate interests.

5. How we use and share information

We use information to operate and enhance the Service. We may share information with:

• Service providers/operators (hosting, analytics, security, customer support) under agreements that require them to protect personal information and process it only on our instructions (per POPIA).
• Other users when you choose to share content publicly or with followers (your posts and media are visible per your actions).
• Law enforcement or regulators where required by law or to protect rights, safety, and integrity of the Service.
• Business transfers if we engage in a merger, acquisition, or asset sale, subject to safeguards.

6. International transfers

If we transfer personal information outside South Africa, we will ensure that the recipient is subject to a law, binding corporate rules, or binding agreement providing an adequate level of protection consistent with POPIA (section 72), or we will obtain your consent where appropriate.

7. Retention

We retain personal information for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes described above, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce agreements. Retention periods depend on the type of data and context of processing. We aim to minimise retention consistent with operational needs.

8. Your rights under POPIA

• Access and correction of your personal information.
• Objection to certain processing (including direct marketing) and withdrawal of consent where processing is based on consent.
• Deletion or restriction where applicable and subject to legal exceptions.
• Data portability where technically feasible and applicable.
• Lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator (South Africa): inforegulator.org.za.

To exercise your rights, contact us using the details below. We may need to verify your identity before responding.

9. Security

We implement reasonable, appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect personal information against accidental or unlawful destruction, loss, alteration, unauthorised disclosure, or access. No system is perfectly secure; please use strong passwords and protect your account credentials.

10. Children

The Service is not directed to children under 13 (or higher age as defined by local law). We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child provided personal information to us, please contact us so we can take appropriate action.

11. Updates to this policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Material changes will be highlighted on this page with an updated “Last updated” date.

12. Contact us

If you have questions about this policy or our privacy practices, contact us at admin@anonymous-you.com. You may also contact the Information Regulator using the details on inforegulator.org.za.