1. Introduction

Massage Finder ("we", "us", "our") operates the website at https://www.massage-finder.co.za/ (the "Platform"). We are committed to protecting the privacy and personal information of all users in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 (POPIA) and any applicable South African legislation.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, share and protect your personal information when you visit or use our Platform. By accessing or using the Platform, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy.

2. Who We Are (Responsible Party)

The responsible party for the purposes of POPIA is:

• Name: Massage Finder
• Website: https://www.massage-finder.co.za/
• Email: info@massage-finder.co.za
• Information Officer: The designated Information Officer can be contacted at the email address above.

3. Personal Information We Collect

We collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us and information collected automatically when you use the Platform:

3.1 Information You Provide

• Full name
• Email address
• Contact telephone number
• Province and city
• Professional description and services offered
• Profile photographs
• Working hours
• Password (stored in encrypted form — we never store plain-text passwords)

3.2 Information Collected Automatically

• IP address and browser type
• Pages visited and time spent on the Platform
• Referring URLs
• Device and operating system information

4. Purpose of Processing

We process your personal information for the following purposes (as authorised by section 11 of POPIA):

• To create and manage your massage therapist profile on the Platform
• To allow members of the public to find and contact massage therapists
• To communicate with you regarding your account, including account verification and updates
• To improve the functionality and user experience of the Platform
• To comply with legal obligations
• To detect and prevent fraudulent or unauthorised activity

5. Legal Basis for Processing

We process your personal information on the following lawful grounds under POPIA:

• Consent: By registering on the Platform, you give us consent to process your personal information for the purposes described above.
• Contractual necessity: Processing is necessary to provide the services you have requested.
• Legitimate interest: We may process certain information to maintain the security and integrity of the Platform.
• Legal obligation: Where we are required to process information to comply with applicable law.

6. Sharing of Personal Information

We do not sell, rent or trade your personal information. We may share your information in the following limited circumstances:

• Public profile: Information you include in your massage therapist profile (name, location, services, photos, working hours) is displayed publicly on the Platform so that potential clients can find you.
• Service providers: We may share information with third-party service providers (such as hosting and email providers) who assist us in operating the Platform. These parties are bound by confidentiality obligations.
• Legal requirements: We may disclose personal information if required to do so by law, court order or governmental authority.

7. Retention of Personal Information

We retain your personal information for as long as your account is active or as necessary to provide services. If you request deletion of your account, we will remove your personal information within a reasonable period, except where we are required by law to retain certain records.

8. Security of Personal Information

We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorised access, alteration, disclosure or destruction. These measures include encrypted password storage, access controls, and secure server infrastructure. However, no transmission of data over the internet can be guaranteed to be entirely secure, and you use the Platform at your own risk.

9. Your Rights Under POPIA

As a data subject, you have the following rights under POPIA:

• Right to access (section 23): You may request a copy of the personal information we hold about you.
• Right to correction (section 24): You may request that we correct or update inaccurate personal information.
• Right to deletion (section 24): You may request that we delete your personal information, subject to any legal retention obligations.
• Right to object (section 11(3)): You may object to the processing of your personal information on reasonable grounds.
• Right to withdraw consent: You may withdraw your consent at any time by closing your account or contacting us.

To exercise any of these rights, please contact our Information Officer at info@massage-finder.co.za. We will respond within a reasonable timeframe and no later than required by law.

10. Cookies

The Platform uses session cookies necessary for the operation of the website (such as keeping you logged in). We do not use tracking or advertising cookies. By using the Platform you consent to the use of essential session cookies.

11. Cross-Border Transfers

We aim to process and store all personal information within South Africa. Where we use third-party service providers located outside South Africa, we ensure that adequate safeguards are in place in accordance with section 72 of POPIA.

12. Complaints

If you believe that we have not handled your personal information in accordance with POPIA, you may lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator of South Africa:

• Website: inforegulator.org.za
• Email: inforeg@justice.gov.za
• Tel: 010 023 5207

We encourage you to contact us first at info@massage-finder.co.za so that we may resolve your concern directly.

13. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or applicable law. The updated policy will be posted on this page with the revised date. Continued use of the Platform after any changes constitutes your acceptance of the updated policy.

14. Contact Us

For any questions or concerns regarding this Privacy Policy, please contact us at info@massage-finder.co.za.