Privacy Policy

  1. Scope & Contact

    This Privacy Policy applies to the personal data collected by Fofum through our website, mobile sites, apps, registration forms, surveys, online tools, competition entries, events (including awards), and when you contact us (via phone, social media, or email) or during our service delivery.

    We value your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal data. This policy explains how we collect, use, and store your data and your rights in relation to it.

    Please read this policy carefully before proceeding.

  2. What Personal Data Do We Collect?

    You do not need to provide personal data to browse our website. However, to use certain services such as registering on our site, subscribing, attending events, or participating in competitions or online learning tools, we may collect the following information:

    2.1. Personal details like your name, email, address, phone number, gender, and job title

    2.2. Employment information, including role, salary, education, and work experience

    2.3. Organisation and industry details

    2.4. Areas of interest, preferences, and activities related to our services

    2.5. Your CV and any content you share, such as feedback or comments on our platforms

    2.6. Social media data (e.g., LinkedIn)

    2.7. Device and browsing data, including IP addresses, site usage, and interaction with emails or events

    2.8. Financial information for transactions made with us

    2.9. Information shared via posts, comments, and interactions on our networking platforms

    3.0. Audio/visual data, such as photos or videos, from events we host

    We may also collect data from third parties, like networking platform providers or business contacts who register on your behalf.

    Some information is optional (e.g., profile details on networking platforms), but you may choose to share additional data. When you use LinkedIn to auto-populate your profile, we receive personal data from LinkedIn.

    Please be aware that any content you share publicly on our platforms is visible to others. We do not control content uploaded by other users. We reserve the right to remove inappropriate content and suspend accounts for misconduct.

    We also use cookies and other analytics tools to track website use and improve our services. For more details, please refer to our Cookie Policy.

  3. How We Use And Share Your Personal Data
    We process your personal data based on lawful grounds, including fulfilling contracts, obtaining consent, legal obligations, and legitimate interests. Specifically, we use your data to:

    3.1. Provide products and services you’ve signed up for.

    3.2. Register you for events and manage your event details.

    3.3. Connect you via chat functionality on networking platforms.

    3.4. Send updates about subscriptions, courses, or events.

    3.5. Verify purchases and comply with legal obligations.

    3.6. Administer websites and apps and provide customer services.

    3.7. Monitor usage to prevent fraud and improve security.

    3.8. Conduct analysis to improve products, services, and marketing.

    3.9. Create and manage profiles for influencers and legal professionals.

    3.10. Personalise your experience through targeted marketing (with consent).

    3.11. Administer competitions and send newsletters (based on consent or legitimate interests).

    You may be required to provide personal data under contractual or legal obligations. Failure to do so may prevent us from fulfilling our contractual duties.


    Marketing Communications

    Our Marketing: We may contact you with relevant updates via email, SMS, or post based on our legitimate interest in promoting products and services.

    Third-Party Marketing: With your consent, we may share data for marketing purposes with third parties.

    You have the right to opt out of marketing communications at any time.


    Sharing Your Data

    Group Companies: We may share your data within the Fofum group for internal efficiency.

    Events: At events, we may share your data with attendees, sponsors, and third parties to facilitate networking and marketing (based on consent or legitimate interests).

    Service Providers: We use third-party providers for operational needs (e.g., hosting, customer service), who may process your data on our behalf.

    We will only share data in ways that align with the purposes outlined above.


    Other Uses of Your Data

    Aggregate Information: We may use and share anonymised data for research and analysis.

    Advertising: With your consent, we may use your data for online targeted advertising.

    Surveys: Your responses may be shared with third parties in anonymised form for research purposes.

    Legal Requirements: We may be required to disclose data in response to legal requests (e.g., court orders).

    Publications: We may use personal data for journalistic purposes, with consent or where publicly available.

    If you submit data on behalf of others, you must ensure their consent and inform them about this Privacy Policy.

  4. Sales of the Business

    What happens to your data if the business is sold?
    If we sell the business or merge with another company, your information might be shared with advisers and the new business owners as part of the transaction. This is done based on our legitimate interests in completing the sale.

  5. Fraud Prevention & Automated Decision-Making

    How do we protect against fraud?
    Our payment partners may check your card details (like sort codes and account numbers) to prevent fraud. If your card details are invalid, automated systems might block you from marketing a purchase. You can contact us at hello@fofum.co.za if you believe this decision was a mistake.

    Fraud prevention agencies

    If fraud is suspected, your details may be shared with fraud prevention agencies and law enforcement to help prevent future fraud and money laundering.

  6. Links

    External links and privacy practices
    Our website contains links to other websites we don’t control. We recommend you read their privacy policies because they may collect or use your personal data differently from us.

  7. Your Rights Over Your Personal Data
    7.1. Access your data and ask for a copy

    7.2. Request your data in a readable format

    7.3. Object to certain types of data processing, such as direct marketing

    7.4. Ask us to stop using your data for automated decisions that impact you

    7.5. Withdraw consent if we use your data without your permission

    7.6. Request your data be updated, erased, or blocked

    7.8. File a complaint with the relevant authority if needed

    If you want to exercise these rights, you can contact us at hello@fofum.co.za. We might need to confirm your identity before making changes.

  8. Updating Your Personal Data
    You can contact us directly or via your online account settings if you need to update your personal information.

  9. Retention
    How long do we keep your data?

    We’ll keep your personal data for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, typically for up to seven years after our last interaction with you. Some data may be kept longer if required by law.

  10. Changes To Our Privacy Policy
    If we make significant changes to this Privacy Policy, we will update it on this page and let you know. Regularly checking this page helps you stay informed about how we handle your personal data.

  11. How To Contact Us

    If you have any questions about our privacy practices, feel free to contact us at hello@fofum.co.za.