Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy

Last Updated: October 8, 2025

Welcome to theMV ("the Platform"), accessible via www.themv.co.za ("the Website"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our marketplace platform. We are committed to protecting your privacy and complying with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) of South Africa.

  1. Information We Collect
    • 1.1 Personal Information: When you register as a Seller or Customer, we collect personal information including your name, email address, phone number, and business details (for Sellers).
    • 1.2 Contact Information: Sellers may provide WhatsApp Business numbers which may be displayed to facilitate communication with Customers.
    • 1.3 Transaction Information: We collect information related to your transactions on the Platform, including products purchased, payment details, and delivery information.
    • 1.4 Technical Information: We automatically collect information about your device and how you interact with our Platform, including IP address, browser type, and usage patterns.
    • 1.5 Communication Data: We retain records of communications between Users on our Platform and any correspondence with our support team.
  2. How We Use Your Information
    • 2.1 Platform Operation: To create and manage your account, facilitate transactions, and provide customer support.
    • 2.2 Communication: To send transaction-related notifications, platform updates, and respond to your inquiries.
    • 2.3 Improvement: To analyze usage patterns and improve our Platform's functionality and user experience.
    • 2.4 Security: To detect, prevent, and address technical issues, fraud, or other potentially illegal activities.
    • 2.5 Legal Compliance: To comply with applicable laws, regulations, and legal processes.
    • 2.6 Marketing: With your consent, to send promotional communications about new features or partner offers.
  3. Information Sharing and Disclosure
    • 3.1 Between Users: Necessary information is shared between Sellers and Customers to complete transactions, including contact details for delivery and communication purposes.
    • 3.2 Service Providers: We share information with trusted third-party service providers who assist in platform operation, payment processing, and analytics.
    • 3.3 Legal Requirements: We may disclose information if required by law, regulation, or legal process, or to protect the rights, property, or safety of theMV, our Users, or others.
    • 3.4 Business Transfers: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, user information may be transferred as part of that transaction.
    • 3.5 Aggregated Data: We may share aggregated, non-personally identifiable information for business analysis or marketing purposes.
  4. Seller Contact Information
    • 4.1 Public Display: Sellers' WhatsApp Business numbers and other provided contact information may be displayed on the Platform to facilitate communication with potential Customers.
    • 4.2 Communication Purpose: This information is displayed solely for the purpose of enabling business transactions on the Platform.
    • 4.3 Consent: By providing contact information as a Seller, you consent to its display on the Platform for transactional communication purposes.
    • 4.4 Responsibility: Sellers are responsible for ensuring their contact information is accurate and appropriate for public display.
  5. Data Security
    • 5.1 Protection Measures: We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction.
    • 5.2 Secure Transmission: All data transmitted between your device and our servers is encrypted using SSL/TLS technology.
    • 5.3 Access Controls: We restrict access to personal information to employees, contractors, and agents who need to know that information to operate, develop, or improve our Platform.
    • 5.4 Payment Security: Payment information is processed through certified payment service providers and is not stored on our servers.
    • 5.5 User Responsibility: Users are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of their account credentials and should notify us immediately of any unauthorized use.
  6. Data Retention
    • 6.1 Retention Period: We retain 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.
    • 6.2 Account Information: We retain account information for active Users and for a reasonable period after account closure to comply with legal obligations and resolve disputes.
    • 6.3 Transaction Records: Transaction records are retained for a minimum period as required by South African tax and consumer protection laws.
    • 6.4 Deletion: Upon request and where legally permissible, we will delete or anonymize your personal information in accordance with your rights under POPIA.
  7. Your Rights Under POPIA
    • 7.1 Right to Access: You have the right to request access to the personal information we hold about you.
    • 7.2 Right to Correction: You may request correction of inaccurate, outdated, or incomplete personal information.
    • 7.3 Right to Deletion: You may request deletion of your personal information, subject to certain legal exceptions.
    • 7.4 Right to Object: You may object to the processing of your personal information in certain circumstances.
    • 7.5 Right to Complain: You have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator if you believe we have not complied with POPIA.
    • 7.6 Exercising Rights: To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the information provided in the "Contact Us" section.
  8. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
    • 8.1 Cookies: We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience on our Platform, analyze trends, and administer the website.
    • 8.2 Types of Cookies: We use both session cookies (which expire when you close your browser) and persistent cookies (which stay on your device for a set period).
    • 8.3 Cookie Control: You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences. However, disabling cookies may limit your ability to use certain features of our Platform.
    • 8.4 Analytics: We use analytics services to understand how Users interact with our Platform and to improve our services.
  9. Third-Party Services
    • 9.1 External Links: Our Platform may contain links to third-party websites or services. This Privacy Policy does not apply to those third-party services.
    • 9.2 Payment Processors: We use third-party payment processors to handle financial transactions. These processors have their own privacy policies governing how they handle your information.
    • 9.3 Responsibility: We are not responsible for the privacy practices of third-party services and encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any information.
  10. Children's Privacy
    • 10.1 Age Restriction: Our Platform is not intended for individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children.
    • 10.2 Parental Consent: If we become aware that we have collected personal information from a child without verification of parental consent, we will take steps to remove that information from our servers.
  11. Changes to This Policy
    • 11.1 Updates: We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors.
    • 11.2 Notification: We will notify you of any material changes by posting the updated policy on our Platform and updating the "Last Updated" date.
    • 11.3 Continued Use: Your continued use of the Platform after any changes to this Privacy Policy constitutes your acceptance of the updated policy.
  12. Contact Us
    • 12.1 Information Officer: If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact our Information Officer:
    • Email: privacy@themv.co.za
    • Address: theMV Privacy Office, [Your Physical Address], South Africa
    • Response Time: We will respond to all legitimate requests within the timeframes required by applicable law.
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