Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Welcome to The Kiff Store ("we", "us", "our"), a service operated by The Geek Network (Pty) Ltd, a South African company. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our website, mobile application, and services (collectively, the "Service").

We are committed to protecting your personal information in compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) of South Africa and other applicable data protection laws in the SADC region.

By using our Service, you consent to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information You Provide

When you use our Service, you may provide us with:

• Account Information: Name, email address, phone number, password
• Profile Information: Profile picture, preferences, interests
• Payment Information: Sdpkt wallet details, bank account information for withdrawals
• Shipping Information: Delivery address, contact details for shipping
• Identity Verification: ID number (when required for high-value transactions)
• Communication Data: Messages sent through our platform

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

When you access our Service, we automatically collect:

• Device Information: Device type, operating system, unique device identifiers
• Usage Data: Pages visited, products viewed, search queries, time spent
• Location Data: General location based on IP address (for shipping estimates)
• Log Data: Access times, browser type, referring URLs

2.3 Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience, analyze usage patterns, and remember your preferences. You can control cookie settings through your browser.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Provide Services: Process orders, facilitate payments, arrange shipping
• Communicate: Send order updates, shipping notifications, customer support
• Personalize: Show relevant products, remember preferences, improve recommendations
• Security: Detect fraud, prevent abuse, protect user accounts
• Improve: Analyze usage to enhance our platform and services
• Legal Compliance: Meet regulatory requirements, respond to legal requests
• Marketing: Send promotional offers (with your consent, which you can withdraw)

4. How We Share Your Information

We may share your information with:

4.1 Service Providers

• Fulfillment Partners: To process and ship your orders (including international suppliers)
• Payment Processors: To process transactions securely
• Logistics Partners: To deliver orders to your address
• Cloud Services: To store and process data securely

4.2 The Geek Network Ecosystem

The Kiff Store is part of The Geek Network ecosystem. Your account is shared across our services including Sdpkt (wallet), TrustSeal (verification), and other affiliated platforms to provide a seamless experience.

4.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose information when required by law, court order, or to protect our rights and safety.

4.4 Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale, your information may be transferred as a business asset.

5. International Data Transfers

As a dropshipping platform, we work with international suppliers to fulfill orders. Your shipping information may be shared with fulfillment partners in other countries to process and deliver your orders.

We take appropriate measures to ensure your data is protected in accordance with POPIA requirements when transferred internationally.

6. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures including:

• Encryption of data in transit (HTTPS/TLS)
• Encrypted storage of sensitive information
• Secure authentication systems
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Access controls limiting data access to authorized personnel

While we take all reasonable precautions, no system is completely secure. We encourage you to protect your account credentials.

7. Data Retention

We retain your information for as long as:

• Your account is active
• Needed to provide services you requested
• Required for legal, tax, or regulatory purposes
• Necessary to resolve disputes or enforce agreements

Transaction records are retained for a minimum of 5 years as required by South African tax law.

8. Your Rights Under POPIA

As a South African data subject, you have the right to:

• Access: Request a copy of your personal information
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information
• Object: Object to processing for direct marketing
• Restriction: Request restriction of processing in certain circumstances
• Portability: Request your data in a portable format
• Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent at any time (where consent is the basis)
• Complain: Lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator

To exercise these rights, contact our Information Officer at privacy@thegeeknetwork.co.za

9. Children's Privacy

Our Service is not intended for children under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have collected information from a child, please contact us immediately.

10. Third-Party Links

Our Service may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any personal information.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the new policy on this page and updating the "Last Updated" date. Continued use of the Service after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.