Operated by: Innovet (Pty) Ltd. ("Innovet", "we", "us", or "our")
Platform: https://coops.africa ("Site")

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your personal information in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act, 4 of 2013 (POPIA).

1. What Information We Collect

We collect and process the following types of personal information:

• Contact Information: Names, email addresses, phone numbers, and addresses.
• User Data: Account information, profiles, preferences, and interactions on the platform.
• Co-op Submissions: Information about cooperatives submitted by users or publicly available (e.g., leadership details, addresses, websites, etc.).
• Technical Information: IP addresses, browser type, usage data, and cookies for analytics and platform security.

2. How We Collect It

We collect information:

• Directly from you when you register, fill out forms, or interact with the site.
• Automatically through cookies and analytics tools.
• From publicly available sources when researching and creating co-op profiles or content.

3. Why We Collect It

We process personal data to:

• Provide and improve the platform and its services.
• Create and manage user accounts.
• Develop and maintain Co-op Pages and the co-op directory.
• Facilitate marketplace listings and information sharing.
• Send newsletters, alerts, or updates (with your consent).
• Comply with legal and regulatory requirements.

4. Sharing and Disclosure

We may share your data with:

• Co-op entities where you initiate contact or transactions.
• Our service providers (e.g., web hosting, analytics tools) under binding agreements.
• Regulators, courts, or authorities when legally required.
• We do not sell or rent your personal information to third parties.

5. Cookies and Tracking

Our platform uses cookies to:

• Keep you signed in;
• Analyze site traffic;
• Improve your user experience.
• You can disable cookies via your browser settings, but some features may not work properly.

6. Data Storage and Security

We implement reasonable technical and organizational safeguards to protect your data from loss, misuse, unauthorized access, and alteration. However, no online system is 100% secure.

7. Your Rights

Under POPIA, you have the right to:

• Access the personal information we hold about you;
• Request correction or deletion of your data;
• Withdraw consent where applicable;
• Object to the processing of personal information.
• To exercise these rights, email us at: legal@coops.africa

8. Children’s Information

We do not knowingly collect personal information from individuals under the age of 18 without parental or legal guardian consent.

9. Third-Party Links

Our site may link to third-party websites. We are not responsible for their privacy practices. Please review their policies before sharing information.

10. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. All updates will be posted on this page with a revised effective date.