Privacy Policy
1. Who we are
Responsible party (as currently operating): News Definition, operating the website newsdefinition.com.
Information Officer contact (interim): Use the Contact form on the website and mark the subject “Privacy / POPIA request”. When a formal Information Officer designation is published, this section will be updated with name and direct email.
News Definition is a South African digital newsroom publishing original reporting and news briefs.
2. Scope
This policy covers personal information collected through:
- the website and article pages;
- contact, tip, advertising and newsletter forms;
- server logs and security monitoring needed to run the site;
- optional analytics tools when enabled;
- embedded third-party content you choose to interact with (for example video platforms).
Editorial content about public events, public figures and matters of public interest is published as journalism. This policy focuses on personal information processed about users, sources who contact us through forms, and subscribers.
3. What we collect
Information you submit
- Name and contact details (such as email address and phone number)
- Business or organisation details (advertising enquiries)
- Message content, tips and supporting context you choose to send
- Newsletter email address when you subscribe
Information collected automatically
- Technical logs (for example IP address, browser type, approximate request metadata) used for security, debugging and service reliability
- Local browser storage for preferences saved on your device
- Analytics identifiers and usage data if analytics tools are active on your visit and you have accepted them
We do not intentionally collect
- Special personal information through ordinary website forms (for example health, biometric or children’s data). Do not submit highly sensitive material through standard web forms.
4. Why we use personal information (purposes)
- Respond to tips, queries and complaints
- Review and manage advertising or partnership requests
- Operate and improve the website and newsroom tools
- Send newsletter updates when that service is active and you have subscribed
- Protect security, prevent abuse and comply with law
- Understand aggregate audience performance through analytics (when enabled and accepted)
We do not sell your contact details.
5. Lawful basis under POPIA (plain language)
Depending on the activity, we rely on one or more of the following justifications recognised by POPIA:
- Consent — for example newsletter signup and optional analytics
- Legitimate interest / necessary for our functions — operating a news website, responding to messages you send us, securing the service
- Contractual steps — handling advertising enquiries you initiate
- Legal obligation — where the law requires retention or disclosure
6. Cookies, analytics and similar technologies
The site may use:
- Strictly necessary technical storage — required for basic site function and security
- Optional analytics — audience measurement only if you accept analytics cookies
- Local storage — preferences saved on your device
You can accept or reject optional analytics. You can also limit tracking through browser controls. Third-party embeds (such as video players) may set their own cookies when loaded. Their policies apply to that interaction.
7. Who we share information with
We use trusted service providers to host the website, store editorial and operational records, measure audience traffic when you have consented, and send email if you subscribe. We name those operators as hosting, database, analytics and communications providers rather than listing vendor brands on this page.
We share personal information with those providers only as needed to run the service, where required by law, or where necessary to protect people and the site. We do not sell personal information. Confidential tips should be sent through Contact Us, not through public drafting tools.
8. Cross-border transfers
Some service providers may process data on infrastructure located outside South Africa. Where personal information is transferred outside the Republic, we take steps consistent with POPIA, including using reputable operators and limiting data to what is needed for the service.
9. Retention
- Contact / tip / advertising messages: kept as long as reasonably needed to handle the request, manage records and meet legal duties (typically up to 24 months unless a longer period is required for an active matter)
- Newsletter emails: until you unsubscribe or we close the list
- Security logs: short operational periods unless needed for investigations
- Analytics data: according to the configured retention of the measurement tool, and only where analytics was accepted
10. Security
We use HTTPS, access controls and server-side processing for forms. No online transmission is completely secure. Do not submit passwords, banking secrets, or highly sensitive personal dossiers through ordinary website forms.
11. Your rights
Subject to POPIA, you may request to:
- access personal information we hold about you
- correct or update inaccurate information
- delete information where applicable
- object to certain processing
- withdraw consent where processing is based on consent (for example newsletter or analytics)
- lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator (South Africa)
How to exercise rights: use Contact Us on the website, subject line “Privacy / POPIA request”, and include enough detail for us to identify your request.
Information Regulator (South Africa): https://inforegulator.org.za/
12. Children
The website is aimed at a general audience and is not designed to collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has submitted personal information, contact us so we can address it.
13. Third-party sites and services
Our pages may link to other publishers, social platforms and video hosts. Their privacy policies apply when you leave our site or interact with their embeds.
14. Changes
We may update this policy as the service develops. Material changes will be reflected on this page with an updated date.
15. Contact
Privacy questions and POPIA requests: use Contact Us on News Definition and mark the subject clearly.