Privacy policy.

1. Introduction

Free Website Guy ("we", "our", "us") is a Johannesburg-based digital agency operating at freewebsiteguy.co.za. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website or engage our services.

We are committed to protecting your privacy in line with South Africa's Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013 (POPIA). By using our site or services, you consent to the practices described in this policy.

2. Information we collect

Information you provide

• Name, email address, phone number, and business name (via our quote form)
• Project details, requirements, and preferences you share during consultations
• Any correspondence you send us

Information collected automatically

• IP address, browser type, device type, operating system
• Pages visited, time on site, referring URL
• Anonymous usage data via Google Analytics (GA4)

3. How we use your information

• To respond to quote requests and provide the services you engage us for
• To improve our website, services, and user experience
• To communicate updates, relevant information, or project status
• To comply with legal obligations under SA law

We will never sell your personal information. We will never use it for marketing purposes without your explicit opt-in consent.

4. Sharing & third parties

We share information only with trusted service providers who help us operate our business: hosting providers (e.g. Afrihost, HostAfrica), analytics (Google Analytics), form processors (Tally). These providers are contractually obligated to protect your data.

We may disclose information if required by law, court order, or to protect our legal rights.

5. Cookies & tracking

We use cookies to remember your preferences, measure traffic, and improve performance. You can disable cookies in your browser settings — some features may not work optimally without them.

We use Google Analytics (GA4) with IP anonymisation enabled. We do not track users across other websites.

6. Data security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your personal information: SSL/TLS encryption for all form submissions, access controls on systems holding personal data, and regular security updates. No internet transmission is 100% secure, but we take reasonable precautions.

7. Retention

We retain personal information only as long as necessary for the purposes outlined in this policy, or as required by law. Quote enquiries that do not result in an engagement are deleted after 24 months. Client project files are retained for 5 years after project completion for support purposes.

8. Your rights under POPIA

As a data subject in South Africa, you have the right to:

• Access — request a copy of the personal information we hold about you
• Correction — request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Deletion — request deletion of your information (subject to legal retention requirements)
• Object — object to processing of your personal information
• Withdraw consent — withdraw consent at any time where processing is based on consent
• Complain — lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator of South Africa

9. Children's privacy

Our services are not directed at individuals under 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have collected information from a child, please contact us and we will delete it.

10. Changes to this policy

We may update this policy from time to time. Material changes will be announced on this page with a new "Last updated" date. Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

11. Contact us

For privacy-related questions, access requests, or to exercise your POPIA rights, please contact us via the intake form.

Information Officer: Free Website Guy
Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa