Privacy Policy
United Democratic Movement ("we," "us," "our," or the "Party") is committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring that your personal information is handled safely and responsibly. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your personal information in compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA). By accessing and using our website (“Site”), you agree to the terms outlined in this Privacy Policy. Please read it carefully to understand our practices regarding your personal data.
1. Personal Information We Collect
The United Democratic Movement may collect personal information from you in various ways when you visit our Site, interact with us, or use our services. The types of personal information we may collect include:
- Personal Identification Information: Name, ID number, date of birth, gender, nationality, and contact details (email, phone number, postal address).
- Technical Information: IP address, browser type, operating system, device information, and usage data.
- Engagement Information: Data about your interactions with us, such as event participation, petition signatures, survey responses, and communication preferences.
- Financial Information (if applicable): Limited information needed to process donations or contributions, if you make one.
- Other Information: Any other information you voluntarily provide to us (e.g., through contact forms or messages).
2. How We Collect Personal Information
We collect your information through various means, including:
- Direct Interactions: When you register for events, sign petitions, subscribe to newsletters, make donations, or engage with forms on our Site.
- Automated Technologies: We use cookies, server logs, and similar technologies to automatically collect certain information about your device and browsing actions.
- Third-Party Sources: We may receive information from third parties, such as social media platforms or service providers, in compliance with this Privacy Policy.
3. How We Use Your Personal Information
We use the personal information we collect for the following purposes:
- To Provide and Improve Services: Ensuring you have access to our Site’s features, including personalized content and services.
- To Communicate with You: Sending updates, newsletters, or information about our campaigns, policies, and initiatives based on your communication preferences.
- To Facilitate Donations: Processing donations and complying with legal or regulatory requirements related to donations.
- To Understand and Improve User Experience: Analyzing usage data to improve our Site’s functionality, content, and design.
- To Comply with Legal Obligations: Meeting legal and regulatory requirements, including record-keeping and reporting obligations.
4. Disclosure of Personal Information
We may share your personal information with third parties in the following instances:
- With Service Providers: Trusted third-party service providers who assist in operating our Site, conducting campaigns, or providing other services.
- With Law Enforcement or Regulatory Authorities: We may disclose information if required by law or in response to legal requests, such as court orders or subpoenas.
- With Affiliated Organizations: In certain cases, we may share information with affiliated organizations or partners who assist in furthering our mission, subject to confidentiality agreements.
- With Your Consent: For other purposes, only with your explicit consent.
5. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
Our Site uses cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your browsing experience.
- Types of Cookies: We use both session cookies (temporary, expire after you close your browser) and persistent cookies (stored on your device for a set period).
- Cookie Purposes: Essential cookies (for Site operation), analytical cookies (to understand traffic patterns), and functionality cookies (to remember preferences).
- Cookie Management: You can control cookie preferences through your browser settings. However, disabling cookies may impact Site functionality.
6. Data Security
We implement technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, alteration, or destruction. These include secure servers, encryption, firewalls, and regular security assessments. However, while we strive to protect your information, no method of electronic storage is completely secure. We will take all reasonable steps to safeguard your data.
7. Data Retention
We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected, including legal, accounting, or reporting requirements. Retention periods may vary based on the nature of the data and applicable legal obligations.
8. Your Rights under POPIA
Under POPIA, you have the following rights regarding your personal information:
- Access: Request access to the personal information we hold about you.
- Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or outdated information.
- Deletion: Request that we delete your personal information, subject to certain legal exceptions.
- Objection to Processing: Object to the processing of your personal information for certain purposes.
- Withdrawal of Consent: Where consent is required, you may withdraw it at any time.
To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided in Section 12 below.
9. Children’s Privacy
Our Site is not intended for children under 18, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we become aware that we have inadvertently collected information from a child, we will take steps to delete it promptly.
10. Third-Party Links
Our Site may contain links to external websites or resources. This Privacy Policy does not apply to those websites, and we are not responsible for their privacy practices. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.
11. Updates to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices, legal requirements, or for other operational reasons. Updates will be posted on this page, and the effective date will be updated accordingly. Your continued use of our Site constitutes acceptance of any changes to this Privacy Policy.
12. Contact Us
If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your rights under POPIA, please contact us at:
United Democratic Movement
Email: info@udm.org.za
Phone: +27 (0)12 321 0010
