Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Welcome to SIKO ("we," "our," or "us"). We are committed to protecting your personal information and respecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our platform.

SIKO is a family heritage platform dedicated to preserving African heritage through technology. We operate in compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) of South Africa and other applicable data protection laws.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

We collect information that you provide directly to us, including:

• Name, email address, and contact information
• Profile information (bio, profile picture, location)
• Family tree and genealogical information
• Cultural heritage content (stories, customs, traditions)
• Payment information (processed securely through third-party providers)
• Communication preferences

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

• Device information and IP address
• Browser type and version
• Usage data and interaction patterns
• Cookies and similar tracking technologies

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

• Provide, maintain, and improve our services
• Process transactions and send related information
• Send you technical notices and support messages
• Respond to your comments and questions
• Personalize your experience on our platform
• Send you promotional communications (with your consent)
• Monitor and analyze usage patterns
• Detect, prevent, and address technical issues
• Comply with legal obligations

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

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

• With your consent: When you explicitly agree to share information
• Family members: Information you choose to share within family groups
• Service providers: Trusted third parties who assist in operating our platform
• Legal requirements: When required by law or to protect our rights
• Business transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets

5. Data Security

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

• Encryption of data in transit and at rest
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Access controls and authentication mechanisms
• Secure data storage and backup procedures

6. Your Rights Under POPIA

As a data subject, you have the right to:

• Access: Request access to your personal information
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal obligations)
• Objection: Object to processing of your personal information
• Restriction: Request restriction of processing
• Data portability: Request transfer of your data
• Withdraw consent: Withdraw consent at any time

To exercise these rights, please contact us at privacy@siko.co.za

7. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law. When you delete your account, we will delete or anonymize your personal information, except where we are required to retain it for legal purposes.

8. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to track activity on our platform and store certain information. You can instruct your browser to refuse all cookies or to indicate when a cookie is being sent. However, if you do not accept cookies, you may not be able to use some portions of our platform.

9. Children's Privacy

Our platform is not intended for children under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately.

10. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and maintained on computers located outside of South Africa. By using our platform, you consent to the transfer of your information to these facilities. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update our Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page and updating the "Last updated" date. You are advised to review this Privacy Policy periodically for any changes.

12. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your rights under POPIA, please contact us:

13. Information Regulator

If you are not satisfied with our response to your privacy concerns, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator of South Africa: