Privacy Policy

HC WEB ("we," "us," or "our") values your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal information when you interact with our services or website.

1. Information We Collect

a) Personal Information

When you contact us or use our services, we may collect:

• Name, email, phone number, business address
• Company name, industry, project requirements
• Messages, inquiries, or files you provide for your project (e.g., text, logos, images)

b) Technical Information

When you visit our website, we may collect:

• Device and browser type, IP address, operating system
• Pages visited, time spent, and navigation behavior
• Cookies and similar tracking technologies (see Section 6)

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your data to:

Provide Our Services

• Deliver web design and development services
• Create and maintain your website
• Process payments and support requests

Communicate with You

• Respond to inquiries
• Send project updates or important notices
• Send marketing communications only if you consent

Improve Our Business

• Analyze website usage and user preferences
• Ensure security and prevent fraud
• Comply with legal obligations

3. Legal Basis for Processing

Under POPIA, we process personal information based on:

• Your consent
• Necessity to provide services or fulfill contracts
• Compliance with legal obligations

You may withdraw your consent at any time (see Section 7).

4. Sharing and Disclosure

We may share information with:

• Trusted service providers: hosting, email, analytics, payment processing
• Legal authorities: when required by law or to protect our rights

We do not sell your personal information.

5. Data Security and Retention

• Data is stored on secure servers with access limited to authorized personnel
• SSL/TLS encryption protects your data in transit
• Personal information is retained only as long as necessary for services, legal compliance, or record-keeping, then securely deleted

6. Cookies and Tracking

We use cookies to:

• Remember preferences and settings
• Analyze website traffic and improve functionality

You can control cookies via your browser, but disabling some may affect website performance.

7. Your Rights

Under POPIA (South Africa):

• Access your personal information
• Correct inaccuracies
• Request deletion of your data
• Withdraw consent for marketing communications
• Lodge complaints with the Information Regulator

For EU Residents (GDPR):

You have similar rights, including data portability and restriction of processing.

8. Children's Privacy

Our services are not intended for individuals under 18. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children.

9. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to other websites. We are not responsible for their privacy practices and encourage you to read their policies.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy to reflect changes in practices or law. Updates are posted on our website with a new "Last Updated" date.