Privacy Policy - AIMS-DIGITAL ONLINE

Effective Date: January 2018

Last Updated: February 2023

1.1 Introduction

AIMS-DIGITAL Online (“we,” “our,” “us”) respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal data. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website.

As a South African online publication registered with the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB), we comply with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and other relevant data protection regulations.

1.2 Information We Collect

We collect the following types of personal data:

Personal Identifiable Information (PII): Name, email address, contact details, and demographic data when you register or subscribe.
Browsing Information: IP address, device type, browser type, pages visited, and cookies.
User-Generated Content: Comments, feedback, and any data submitted through forms.
Advertising Data: Information collected through cookies, tracking pixels, and third-party ad services.

1.3 How We Collect Your Information

We collect information through:

Direct interactions: Forms, subscriptions, and registrations.
Automated technologies: Cookies, web beacons, and analytics tools.
Third-party sources: Social media integrations, advertisers, and analytics providers.

1.4 Use of Your Information

We use your information for the following purposes:

Providing, managing, and improving our services.
Personalizing content and advertising.
Communicating with you regarding updates, promotions, and editorial content.
Ensuring security, fraud prevention, and compliance with legal obligations.

1.5 Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell or rent personal data. However, we may share your data with:

Service Providers: Hosting, analytics, and marketing partners.
Advertising Partners: To deliver relevant ads via cookies and tracking technologies.
Legal Authorities: If required by law or to protect rights and safety.

1.6 Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies to:

Enhance user experience and website functionality.
Provide personalized content and targeted advertisements.
Analyze traffic and improve site performance.

You can manage or disable cookies through your browser settings.

1.7 Data Retention

We retain personal data only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy unless a longer retention period is required by law.

1.8 Data Security

We implement appropriate security measures to protect against unauthorized access, data loss, or misuse. However, no online platform is entirely secure, and users should take precautions when sharing personal information.

1.9 Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for their privacy practices and encourage you to review their policies.

1.10 Your Rights and Choices

Under POPIA, you have rights to:

Access and Correct Your Data: Request access or correction of your personal information.
Withdraw Consent: Opt out of marketing communications.
Request Deletion: Request removal of your personal data where applicable.

To exercise these rights, contact us at info@aims-digital.online

1.11 Children’s Privacy

Our services are not intended for individuals under 18. We do not knowingly collect personal data from minors.

1.12 Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this policy periodically. Any significant changes will be communicated via our website or email notifications.

1.13 Contact Information

For questions or concerns regarding this Privacy Policy, please contact us at:

AIMS-DIGITAL Online
Email: info@aims-digital.online

2. Terms of Service

2.1 Acceptance of Terms

By accessing AIMS-DIGITAL Online, you agree to these Terms of Service. If you do not agree, please do not use our website.

2.2 User Responsibilities

Users must provide accurate information when registering.
Users must not engage in unlawful activities, including hacking, data scraping, or spreading misinformation.
Users are responsible for the security of their accounts.

2.3 Intellectual Property

All content, including articles, images, and logos, belongs to AIMS-DIGITAL Online unless otherwise stated. Unauthorized use is prohibited.

2.4 Limitation of Liability

AIMS-DIGITAL Online is not responsible for any direct, indirect, or incidental damages resulting from your use of the website.

3. Editorial Policy

3.1 Accuracy and Integrity

We strive for accuracy and fairness in all content. Corrections will be published when necessary.

3.2 Conflicts of Interest

Journalists and contributors must disclose any conflicts of interest.

4. Copyright Policy

4.1 Content Ownership

All original content on AIMS-DIGITAL Online is protected by copyright laws. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.

4.2 DMCA Compliance

We comply with the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) and provide a mechanism for reporting copyright violations.

5. Advertising & Sponsored Content Policy

5.1 Transparency in Advertising

All sponsored content will be clearly labeled.

5.2 Prohibited Advertisements

Ads containing false claims, hate speech, or illegal content are prohibited.

6. User-Generated Content (UGC) Policy

6.1 Moderation Guidelines

We reserve the right to moderate or remove user-submitted content that violates our policies.

7. Data Protection & Compliance Policy

7.1 Compliance with POPIA & GDPR

We adhere to data protection laws and respect users’ rights regarding their personal data.

8. Cookie Policy

8.1 Purpose of Cookies

Cookies help improve site functionality, personalize content, and analyze traffic.

8.2 Managing Cookies

Users can manage or disable cookies through browser settings.

9. Corrections & Retractions Policy

9.1 Publishing Corrections

If errors are found in our content, we will issue corrections as soon as possible.

10. Social Media & Community Engagement Policy

10.1 Guidelines for Engagement

We encourage respectful discussions but will moderate hate speech, spam, and harassment.

For any policy-related concerns, please contact us at info@aims-digital.online