Privacy Policy
At My Africa Podcast (accessible via myafricapodcast.com), we are committed to protecting and respecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, store, and protect personal data obtained from users of our website and services, in compliance with applicable data protection laws, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA).
1. Commitment to Privacy and Data Protection
We prioritize your privacy and take seriously our responsibilities under data protection laws. This Privacy Policy is designed to provide transparency about the data we collect, the reasons we collect it, the lawful bases for processing, and the rights you have regarding your personal information.
2. Scope of This Policy and Our Role as Data Controller
This Privacy Policy applies to all visitors, users, and others who interact with content and services accessible through myafricapodcast.com. We act as the “data controller” for the personal data collected via our website and related services, meaning we determine the purposes and means of data processing.
3. Categories of Data We Collect and Process
We may collect and process various categories of personal and technical data to deliver and optimize our services, support user engagement, ensure regulatory compliance, and enhance your experience. The categories of data we collect include:
a. Usage Data:
– IP addresses
– Browser type and version
– Device operating system
– Geographic location (based on IP)
– Referral sources
– Pages visited, time spent, and actions taken on the site
– Session duration and frequency
b. Account Data:
– Full name
– Email address
– Phone number
– Mailing address
– Login credentials (encrypted and secure)
c. Profile Data:
– User preferences
– Podcast listening history
– Interaction patterns
– Purchase history (e.g. merchandise or premium content)
d. Communication Data:
– Past emails and support inquiries
– Contact form submissions
– Chat or messaging interactions, if applicable
e. Technical Data:
– Device type and model
– Browser plug-ins
– Language settings
– System configuration
– Internet service provider
f. Transaction Data:
– Payment method (via secure third-party processors)
– Billing and delivery addresses
– Products or subscriptions purchased
– Order history
g. Preference Data:
– Marketing consents and opt-ins
– Topics or podcast subjects of interest
– Communication and language preferences
4. Legal Bases for Processing Personal Data
Under GDPR, we process your data based on one or more of the following legal grounds:
– Consent: When you have explicitly agreed to our use of your information (e.g. subscribing to a newsletter).
– Contractual necessity: When data processing is necessary to perform a contract with you or fulfill your requests before entering into a contract.
– Legal obligation: Where we are required to process your data to comply with applicable legal obligations.
– Legitimate interests: Where the processing is necessary for our legitimate business interests and not overridden by your rights (e.g. analytics, site optimization, fraud prevention).
For California residents, we do not sell personal data and only share information with service providers for the aforementioned purposes, as permitted by the CCPA.
5. Your Rights Under Privacy Laws
If you reside in the EU, UK, or California, you may have specific rights regarding your personal information. We honor and facilitate the exercise of your rights, which include:
– Right of access: Obtain a copy of your personal data we hold.
– Right to rectification: Request correction of inaccurate data.
– Right to erasure: Request deletion of your personal data, subject to legal retention requirements.
– Right to restriction of processing: Ask us to limit how your data is processed.
– Right to data portability: Receive your data in a structured, commonly used, machine-readable format.
– Right to object: Prevent processing for direct marketing or other legitimate interest grounds.
– Right not to be subject to automated decisions: Where applicable, opt out of profiling or automated processing decisions with legal effects.
California users also have the right to request information about data collected in the preceding 12 months and request no discrimination when exercising these rights. Requests can be submitted via [email protected].
6. Security Measures
At myafricapodcast.com, we have implemented a comprehensive set of technical and organizational safeguards to protect your data and prevent loss, misuse, or unauthorized access. These include:
– End-to-end encryption of transmissions and stored data
– Firewall and intrusion detection systems
– Role-based access controls and password protection
– Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments
– Staff training in data handling and secure processing
– Secure data backups and disaster recovery protocols
7. International Data Transfers
Where your data is transferred from within the European Economic Area (EEA) to countries outside the EEA, we ensure such transfers are governed by legitimate mechanisms, including Standard Contractual Clauses approved by the European Commission. We implement adequate safeguards to ensure your data receives a level of protection consistent with EU data protection standards.
8. Data Retention
We retain personal data only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected, including where required for compliance with legal obligations, resolving disputes, and enforcing our policies. Specific retention periods include:
– Usage and Technical Data: up to 12 months
– Account and Profile Data: retained for the duration of account existence and up to 3 years post-closure
– Transaction Data: maintained for 7 years for tax and audit purposes
– Communication Data: 2 years
– Marketing Preferences: until you revoke consent or unsubscribe
9. Cookie Policy
We use cookies and similar technologies on myafricapodcast.com for the following purposes:
– Essential cookies: Enable core website functionality and security
– Functional cookies: Remember user settings and preferences
– Analytics cookies: Collect aggregate data to help improve performance (e.g. Google Analytics)
– Performance cookies: Measure site performance and user behavior
Cookies are placed when you visit our pages and are detailed in our Cookie Management section below.
10. Cookie Management & Compliance Under GDPR & CCPA
We provide a transparent cookie banner upon your first visit to myafricapodcast.com, allowing you to accept, reject, or customize your cookie preferences in alignment with GDPR and CCPA standards.
You may also manage your cookie preferences via device settings or browser controls. Our site honors the “Do Not Sell My Personal Information” request as required under CCPA and does not engage in the sale of personal data to third parties.
11. Special Protections for Children Under 13
Our services are not directed to children under the age of 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal data from such individuals. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal data, please contact us immediately so we can remove the data and terminate the account if required.
12. Privacy Policy Updates
We reserve the right to update or amend this Privacy Policy at any time to reflect relevant legal or operational changes. Where such changes materially affect your rights or how your data is processed, we will notify you via email (if applicable) or post a clear notice on myafricapodcast.com. Please review this policy periodically to stay informed.
13. Contact Us
If you have any questions, requests, or complaints regarding this Privacy Policy or your personal data, please contact us at:
Email: [email protected]
We are committed to safeguarding your personal information and ensuring compliance with GDPR, CCPA, and other applicable data protection laws. Please do not hesitate to reach out for support or clarification on how your data is handled.