Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy explains how Koobeng, operated by MadTech Rocks LLC, handles information related to the use of this website. Koobeng is directed at readers in South Africa, and we process personal information in line with the Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013 (POPIA). This policy should be read together with our Terms of Use.

Information We May Receive

Personal Information

We collect personal information only when you provide it voluntarily, such as when you contact us directly by email. This may include your name, email address, and any details you choose to share. This data is stored securely and is never sold to third parties.

Non-Personal Information

When you browse the site, limited technical data may be processed automatically by hosting, security, or performance systems. This can include items such as:

  • IP address (anonymised where possible);
  • browser type and version;
  • operating system;
  • pages visited and time spent on each page;
  • general geographic region;
  • referral source (how you reached the site).

This data is used exclusively for statistical purposes, to improve user experience and optimise our content.

How We Use Information

We may use this information to:

  • operate, secure, and maintain the website;
  • respond to editorial, correction, or business enquiries;
  • understand technical performance and improve the reading experience;
  • comply with legal obligations when necessary.

What We Do Not Collect

Koobeng does not collect or request any of the following:

  • credit or debit card numbers;
  • personal banking or financial information;
  • government-issued identification numbers;
  • passwords for third-party services;
  • health or biometric data;
  • information from minors intentionally.

Third-Party Services and Links

Articles may link to third-party websites for sourcing, reference, or additional context. Those sites operate under their own terms and privacy policies, and we are not responsible for their practices.

We may also use third-party services such as analytics platforms and advertising networks. These services may collect information about your online activity according to their own policies.

Cookies

Koobeng uses cookies and similar technologies to improve your browsing experience. We use the following types of cookies:

  • Essential cookies: required for basic site functionality such as page navigation.
  • Analytics cookies: help us understand how visitors interact with the site, allowing us to improve its structure and content.
  • Advertising cookies: used by our advertising partners to display relevant ads based on your interests.

You can configure your browser to reject all cookies or to notify you when a cookie is sent. However, some site features may not function correctly if cookies are disabled.

Google Advertising and Analytics

We may use Google Ads and Google Analytics to analyse website usage and serve advertisements. Personal data such as your IP address may be transmitted to Google in the process. Google uses this information to evaluate website usage and provide advertising services.

To learn how Google uses data when you visit partner sites, see How Google uses data when you use our partners' sites or apps .

You can manage or disable ad personalisation at any time:

Data Sharing

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal data with third parties under any circumstances. Information may be shared only in the following cases:

  • Service providers: we share data with providers that help operate the site (hosting, email delivery, web analytics), who are contractually obligated to protect your information.
  • Legal requirements: we may disclose information if required by law, court order, or a competent governmental authority.
  • Protection of rights: when necessary to protect the rights, property, or safety of MadTech Rocks LLC, our users, or the general public.

Your Rights under POPIA

Under the Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013 (POPIA), you have the following rights regarding your personal information:

  • Right to be informed about the collection and use of your personal information;
  • Right of access to confirm whether we hold personal information about you and to request a copy;
  • Right to correction of personal information that is inaccurate, misleading, or out of date;
  • Right to deletion or destruction of personal information that is no longer required by law or for the purposes it was collected;
  • Right to object to the processing of your personal information on reasonable grounds, including direct marketing;
  • Right to withdraw consent previously given for the processing of your personal information;
  • Right to lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator of South Africa.

To exercise any of these rights, please email us at contact@koobeng.com. If you are not satisfied with our response, you may contact the Information Regulator of South Africa at inforegulator.org.za or by email at enquiries@inforegulator.org.za.

How Long We Retain Your Information

We retain personal information only for as long as is reasonably necessary to fulfil the purposes described in this policy, to comply with our legal obligations, or to resolve disputes. Email correspondence is typically retained for up to 24 months. Analytics data is generally retained in aggregated form. Advertising cookies follow the retention rules of the relevant advertising network.

International Data Transfers

Because MadTech Rocks LLC is based in the United States and we use service providers (such as hosting, analytics, and advertising platforms) that may operate outside South Africa, your personal information may be transferred to and processed in countries whose data protection laws differ from South Africa's. In line with POPIA, we only transfer personal information to recipients who are subject to laws, binding corporate rules, or binding agreements that provide an adequate level of protection.

Changes to This Policy

MadTech Rocks LLC reserves the right to update or modify this Privacy Policy at any time. Any changes will be posted on this page. Continued use of Koobeng after changes are published constitutes your acceptance of those changes.

Contact

If you have a privacy-related question, please email contact@koobeng.com.