Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Welcome to 7rend.co.za ("we", "our", "us").

We are committed to protecting your personal information and respecting your privacy in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act, 4 of 2013 (POPIA) and other applicable South African laws.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your information when you use our website, create an account, or log in using TikTok, Meta (Facebook/Instagram), or Google.

By using 7rend.co.za, you agree to the practices described below.

2. Information We Collect

We collect and process only the personal information necessary to provide you with a secure, functional, and personalized learning experience.

2.1 Information You Provide Directly

• Your name, email address, and password (when signing up via email).
• Information provided when purchasing courses, submitting forms, or contacting us.

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

• Device type, browser information, IP address, and general usage data collected through cookies and analytics tools (such as Google Analytics).
• Session data, pages viewed, and time spent to improve performance and usability.

2.3 Information from TikTok Login

• If you log in with TikTok, we receive limited public profile information (TikTok username, display name, and profile photo).
• We do not access private TikTok content, videos, or messages.
• Authentication is securely handled via TikTok's OAuth system — we never store your TikTok password.

2.4 Information from Meta (Facebook/Instagram) Login

• If you log in with Meta, we receive your name, email address, and profile picture.
• We do not access your private messages, posts, or friend lists.
• Authentication is securely handled via Meta's OAuth system — we never store your Meta or Facebook password.

2.5 Information from Google Login

• If you log in using Google, we receive your name, email address, and profile picture, as permitted by Google OAuth.
• We do not access your contacts, files, or any private Google data.
• Authentication is handled directly by Google — we never store your Google password.

3. Purpose of Processing

We process your personal information for the following purposes:

• To create and manage your 7rend account.
• To provide access to your courses and dashboard.
• To personalize your learning experience.
• To send important updates, course-related notifications, and marketing communications (you may opt out at any time).
• To improve website functionality, analytics, and support.
• To comply with legal and regulatory obligations.

We will never use your personal data for purposes unrelated to your use of 7rend without your explicit consent.

4. Lawful Basis for Processing

We rely on one or more of the following lawful bases for processing:

• Consent (when you sign up or log in via a social platform).
• Contractual necessity (to provide access to your purchased courses).
• Legal obligation (to comply with South African law).
• Legitimate interest (to improve and secure our services).

5. Data Storage and Security

• Your personal information is securely stored on reputable cloud servers with encryption and access control.
• We use HTTPS, secure tokens, and regular system reviews to protect against unauthorized access or breaches.
• Payment details (if applicable) are processed by secure, PCI-compliant third-party payment providers — we never store your card details.

6. Information Sharing

We do not sell or rent your personal information.

We may share limited data only in the following cases:

• With trusted service providers assisting in hosting, analytics, or payment processing.
• With legal or regulatory bodies when required by law.
• With security partners to maintain system integrity.

All third parties are required to comply with strict confidentiality and data protection standards consistent with POPIA.

7. Cookies and Analytics

We use cookies and tracking technologies to:

• Keep you signed in and remember your preferences.
• Analyze website performance and engagement (e.g., Google Analytics).
• Personalize your experience and improve content.

You can disable cookies in your browser, but some website functions may not work correctly.

8. Social Login Integrations

TikTok Login

• Authentication is handled securely by TikTok via OAuth.
• We only receive basic public profile data.
• We do not post or access content on your behalf.
• Read TikTok's policy: TikTok Privacy Policy.

Meta (Facebook/Instagram) Login

• Authentication is handled via Meta's OAuth system.
• We only receive your name, email, and profile picture.
• We do not access or post content to your Meta accounts.
• Read Meta's policy: Meta Privacy Policy.

Google Login

• Authentication is handled securely by Google OAuth.
• We receive only basic profile information (name, email, and photo).
• We do not access Gmail, Drive, or other private data.
• Read Google's policy: Google Privacy Policy.

9. Your Rights Under POPIA

Under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), you have the right to:

• Access your personal data held by us.
• Request correction or deletion of your data.
• Withdraw consent for data processing (subject to legal or contractual restrictions).
• Object to processing based on legitimate interests.
• Lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator of South Africa.

10. Data Retention

We retain personal information only as long as necessary to:

• Maintain your account and course access,
• Meet legal and accounting requirements, or
• Resolve disputes.

When data is no longer needed, it is securely deleted or anonymized.

11. International Data Transfers

If personal data is transferred outside South Africa (for hosting, analytics, or integrations), it is done with adequate safeguards in compliance with POPIA and international privacy standards.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect platform or legal changes. Updates will appear on this page with a new "Effective Date."

We encourage users to review it regularly.