Privacy Policy

Effective date:

This Privacy Policy describes how ARQSA (“we”, “our”, or “us”) collects, uses, and protects your personal and business information when you use our website, mobile application, and related services.

1. What Information We Collect

  • Personal Information: When you register, request information, or use our services, we may collect information such as your name, email address, phone number, and business details.
  • Usage Data: We collect limited technical data on how you use our website (e.g., page visits, device type) via essential cookies required for platform operation.

2. How We Use Your Information

We process your information only where permitted by law — on the basis of your consent, the performance of a contract, to comply with legal obligations, or where we have a legitimate interest that does not override your rights.

  • To provide, operate, and improve our platform and services
  • To communicate with you regarding your account, enquiries, or updates
  • To connect you with relevant professionals, suppliers, or opportunities (where you opt in)
  • To comply with legal obligations under POPIA and other South African law
  • For marketing (with your consent, where required)

3. Sharing Your Information

We do not sell your personal or business information. We share it only as described below.

  • Your information may be shared with trusted service providers (“operators”) who help us deliver our platform, under strict contracts and confidentiality. These include:
    • Supabase (database hosting – EU/US regions)
    • Cloudflare R2 (file storage – global network, cross-border)
    • Vercel (website hosting – EU/US)
    • Resend (email delivery – international)
    • PayFast (payments – South Africa)
  • These providers may store or process data outside South Africa. We use Data Processing Agreements and contractual safeguards to ensure protection as required by Section 72 of POPIA.
  • Information may be disclosed if required by law, regulation, or valid legal process.

4. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures (including encryption, restricted access, and written contracts with service providers) to protect your information. However, no online system is 100% secure.

5. Data Retention

We keep your information while your account is active. If you close your account, we retain your data for up to 12 months for legal, regulatory, or dispute purposes, after which it is securely deleted or anonymised unless longer retention is required by law.

6. Your Rights

  • You can request access, correction, or deletion of your personal or business data at any time.
  • You may object to the processing of your data in certain circumstances.
  • You may withdraw your consent at any time (this will not affect prior lawful processing).
  • You may opt out of marketing at any time via the unsubscribe link or by contacting us.
  • You may lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator of South Africa (www.justice.gov.za/inforeg).

7. Cookies

ARQSA only uses essential cookies required for registration, secure payment, and maintaining core functionality on the site. We do not use marketing or analytics cookies.

8. Data Breaches

If your personal information is compromised, we will notify you and the Information Regulator of South Africa as soon as reasonably possible, in accordance with Section 22 of POPIA.

9. PAIA Manual

In addition to this Privacy Policy, ARQSA publishes a Section 51 PAIA Manual which explains how to request access to information we hold, in accordance with the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA).

10. Contact Us

For questions or requests, please contact our Information Officer:
Email: arqsa.main@gmail.com
Phone: +27 83 316 2968