Last Updated: 9 April 2025

Michael Viljoen Studio (referred to as "I," "me," or "my") is committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the responsible handling of any personal information collected through my website, michaelviljoen.studio (the "Website"). This Privacy Policy outlines how I collect, use, and safeguard your information in compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act, 4 of 2013 (POPIA) of South Africa.

1. Information Collection

Through this Website, I collect the following types of information:

• Anonymous Website Usage Data (Google Analytics): I use Google Analytics, a web analytics service provided by Google, to collect anonymous information about how visitors use my Website. This information includes:

  • The number of visitors to the Website.

  • The pages visited.

  • The duration of visits.

  • The website that referred you to my Website.

  • General geographic location (city/region), based on IP address, which is anonymised by Google.

  • Device information (e.g., browser type, operating system, screen resolution). This data is collected using cookies and similar tracking technologies. This information is aggregated and anonymised, meaning it cannot be used to directly identify you as an individual. I use this data to understand website traffic patterns, improve the Website's functionality, and enhance user experience.

• Personal Information via Contact Form: If you choose to contact me through the contact form on my Website, I will collect the personal information you voluntarily provide, which may include:

  • Your name.

  • Your email address.

  • Your telephone number (optional).

  • Any other information you include in your message.

2. Purpose of Collection and Processing

I collect and process your information for the following purposes:

• Anonymous Website Usage Data: To analyse website traffic, understand user behaviour, improve the Website's content and design, and for statistical purposes. This processing is based on my legitimate interest in understanding and improving my online presence.

• Personal Information via Contact Form: To respond to your enquiries, provide you with information or services you have requested, and communicate with you regarding your message. This processing is based on your consent when you submit the contact form.

3. Use and Disclosure of Information

• Anonymous Website Usage Data: The anonymous data collected by Google Analytics is processed by Google in accordance with their privacy policies. I only have access to aggregated and anonymised reports and do not attempt to identify individual users.

• Personal Information via Contact Form: I will only use the personal information you provide via the contact form to communicate with you in relation to your enquiry. I will not share this information with third parties unless:

  • Required by law.

  • Necessary to protect my rights or property.

  • With your explicit consent.

4. Security of Information

I take reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect the personal information you provide through the contact form from unauthorised access, loss, or misuse. These measures are appropriate to the risks involved in processing your information.

5. Retention of Information

• Anonymous Website Usage Data: Google Analytics retains data for a period determined by Google's policies and your configuration within Google Analytics. I review and manage these settings periodically.

• Personal Information via Contact Form: I will retain your personal information collected through the contact form for as long as necessary to fulfil the purpose for which it was collected, including responding to your enquiry and any related follow-up. After this period, your personal information will be securely deleted or anonymised.

6. Your Rights under POPIA

Under POPIA, you have certain rights regarding your personal information. With respect to the limited personal information I collect (primarily through the contact form), these rights may include:

• The right to access: You have the right to request access to the personal information I hold about you.

• The right to rectification: You have the right to request the correction or updating of your personal information if it is inaccurate or incomplete.  

• The right to erasure: In certain circumstances, you have the right to request the deletion of your personal information.

• The right to object: You have the right to object to the processing of your personal information in certain circumstances.  

To exercise any of these rights, please contact me using the contact details provided below. Please note that these rights may be subject to certain limitations as provided for in POPIA.  

7. Cookies

My Website uses cookies, which are small text files placed on your device by your browser.

• Google Analytics Cookies: These cookies are used to collect anonymous website usage data as described in Section 1. You can learn more about Google's use of cookies by visiting their privacy policy. You can generally control the use of cookies at the individual browser level.

By continuing to use my Website, you consent to the use of these cookies.

8. Changes to this Privacy Policy

I may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in my practices or legal requirements. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last Updated" date. I encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically.  

9. Contact Information

If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or the way your personal information is handled, please contact me:  

Michael Viljoen Studio
hello@michaelviljoen.studio

By using my Website, you signify your acceptance of this Privacy Policy.