Privacy Policy of the First Web Foundation

Last Updated: 12 April 2023

The First Web Foundation is committed to respecting the privacy and protection of your Personal Information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and handle electronic information provided by or gathered from individuals, as well as the choices available to you regarding your data. It applies to all Personal Information collected electronically, including through any mobile versions of our websites, mobile applications, electronic mail, and other electronic services linked to this Privacy Policy (together known as the “Website”). The term “User” or “you” refers to individuals who provide their own or others’ Personal Information to us and organisations on whose behalf such information is provided.

By using the Website, you (or any entity on whose behalf you act) agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy as it may be updated. If you do not agree with our data practices, please do not provide Personal Information or interact with the Website.

This Privacy Policy supplements, and does not replace, any other privacy statements relevant to our specific programmes.

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or how we process your data as the Data Controller, please contact us at privacy@firstwebfoundation.org.

Contents of this Privacy Policy

• Definitions
• Collection of Personal Information
• Use of Personal Information
• Retention of Data
• Sharing of Personal Information
• International Transfers
• Data Security and Integrity
• Do Not Track Signals
• Your Data Subject Rights
• Privacy of Minors
• Changes to this Privacy Policy
• Contact Information

Definitions

• Cookies: Small text files placed on your device when you visit certain websites, used to identify your computer.
• Data Controller: The person or organisation determining the purposes and means of processing your Personal Information.
• Data Processor: A person or organisation processing Personal Information on behalf of the Data Controller.
• Personal Information: Any information identifying or relating to an identified or identifiable individual, such as name, address, telephone number, or email.
• Non-Identifying Information: Data that relates to a person but does not directly identify them, e.g., gender or city when not linked with Personal Information.

Personal Information Collection

This Privacy Policy covers electronic information about Users or their use of the Website, including:

• Information you submit: Such as name, contact details, government IDs, photos, affiliations, usernames, or emergency contacts when applying for services, registering for events, or submitting enquiries.
• Information from third parties: For identity verification or processing requests.
• Financial details: Account or transaction information required for programmes or services.
• Automatically collected data: Data from your browser or device like IP address, browser type, device information, and website usage patterns.
• Cookies and tracking technologies: Stored on your device when you use the Website.

Use of Personal Information

We process your Personal Information fairly and lawfully to:

• Improve and maintain the Website and related services;
• Conduct analysis, compliance checks, and develop new offerings;
• Respond to enquiries, comments, or feedback;
• Facilitate participation in programmes and events;
• Assist with travel and visa arrangements relevant to our activities;
• Maintain archival records for research and historical purposes;
• Process payments and reimburse expenses;
• Meet contractual and legal obligations;
• Publish user information or comments where appropriate and with consent;
• Provide updates and requested information;
• Comply with applicable laws, court orders, or enforcement requests.

With your consent, we may also send marketing communications about our news, updates, and events.

Non-Identifying Information will be used to improve services, track usage trends, maintain website security, and measure communication effectiveness.

Retention of Personal Information

We retain your Personal Information only as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes set out in this Privacy Policy or as required by law. Where legal claims or investigations arise, data may be retained until resolution.

Sharing of Personal Information

We may share your Personal Information with:

• Contractors and service providers assisting us with data processing, IT security, communications, travel services, and consultancy, all under confidentiality agreements;
• Government authorities to comply with laws, legal requests, or to protect rights;
• Third parties in cases of corporate restructuring or fraud prevention.

We do not sell your Personal Information for marketing purposes.

International Transfers

By submitting Personal Information, you consent to its transfer to and processing in Botswana, South Africa, Malawi, or other countries where our staff or service providers operate. These countries might have different data protection laws from your own.

You are responsible for ensuring compliance with your local privacy obligations when using our Website or submitting your Personal Information.

Information Security and Integrity

We employ reasonable industry-standard measures to safeguard your Personal Information from unauthorised access, disclosure, or alteration. However, due to the nature of the internet, we cannot guarantee absolute security and disclaim liability to the fullest extent permitted by law. You submit your Personal Information at your own risk.

Our Website may contain links and social media widgets (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn) managed by third parties. We are not responsible for their privacy practices or any data they collect.

Do Not Track

Our Website does not respond to “Do Not Track” browser signals.

Exercise of Data Subject Rights

Under applicable law, you may be entitled to:

• Access the Personal Information we hold about you;
• Request correction, deletion, or restriction of processing;
• Object to processing;
• Withdraw your consent for processing;
• Request data portability.

To exercise your rights, please email privacy@firstwebfoundation.org with proof of identity. We will respond within the legally required timeframe. Note that some information may be exempt from access or deletion rights.

If dissatisfied with our response, you may contact the relevant data protection authority or seek legal remedies.

To unsubscribe from electronic communications, please follow the opt-out instructions included in such messages.

Minors

We do not knowingly collect Personal Information from children under 13. If you believe a child has submitted Personal Information to us, please contact privacy@firstwebfoundation.org.

Revisions to this Privacy Policy

We reserve the right to update this Privacy Policy at any time. Significant changes will be notified on this page or by other means where appropriate. You are responsible for reviewing this Privacy Policy periodically. Continued use of the Website following changes constitutes acceptance.

Questions

For any queries or concerns regarding this Privacy Policy or your privacy rights, please contact us at:

privacy@firstwebfoundation.org

Thank you for trusting the First Web Foundation with your privacy. We are committed to protecting your Personal Information in accordance with this Privacy Policy.