Privacy Policy

Ubuntu Times

PRIVACY POLICY

Effective Date: June 23, 2025  |  Last Updated: June 23, 2026

Welcome to Ubuntu Times (“we,” “our,” or “us”). We are committed to protecting your personal information and your right to privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our online news portal at www.ubuntutimes.com or use any of our related services.

Please read this policy carefully. If you disagree with its terms, please discontinue use of the site.

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Information You Provide Voluntarily

We collect personal information that you voluntarily provide when you:

  • Register for an account or newsletter
  • Submit comments, letters, or reader submissions
  • Contact our editorial or support team
  • Participate in surveys, polls, or competitions

This may include your name, email address, phone number, and any other information you choose to provide.

1.2 Information Collected Automatically

When you visit Ubuntu Times, our servers and third-party tools automatically collect certain data, including:

  • IP address and approximate geographic location
  • Browser type, version, and operating system
  • Pages visited, time spent, and referring URLs
  • Device identifiers and cookie data

1.3 Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies, web beacons, and similar technologies to enhance your experience, analyse site traffic, and deliver relevant content. You may control cookie preferences through your browser settings or our cookie consent tool.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

  • Deliver and personalise news content and newsletters
  • Operate and improve our website and services
  • Respond to your enquiries and reader submissions
  • Send administrative communications and updates
  • Analyse readership trends and site performance
  • Comply with legal obligations and enforce our Terms of Service
  • Detect and prevent fraud, abuse, or security incidents

3. Sharing Your Information

We do not sell your personal information. We may share your data only in the following circumstances:

  • Service Providers: Trusted third parties who assist us in operating our website (e.g., hosting, analytics, email delivery) under strict confidentiality agreements.
  • Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or governmental authority.
  • Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, where your data may be transferred to the new entity.
  • With Your Consent: For any other purpose with your explicit permission.

4. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes outlined in this policy, unless a longer retention period is required by law. Account data is retained while your account is active and for a reasonable period thereafter. You may request deletion of your data at any time (see Section 7).

5. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorised access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These include SSL/TLS encryption, access controls, and regular security reviews.

However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is completely secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security and encourage you to use strong, unique passwords for your account.

6. Third-Party Links and Services

Ubuntu Times may contain links to external websites, social media platforms, and embedded content (e.g., videos, maps). These third parties have their own privacy policies, and we are not responsible for their practices. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.

7. Your Rights and Choices

Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have the following rights regarding your personal data:

  • Access: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.
  • Rectification: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data.
  • Erasure: Request deletion of your personal data (“right to be forgotten”).
  • Restriction: Request that we limit how we process your data.
  • Portability: Receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format.
  • Objection: Object to processing based on legitimate interests or for direct marketing.
  • Withdraw Consent: Where processing is based on consent, withdraw it at any time.

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at privacy@ubuntutimes.com. We will respond within 30 days.

8. Children’s Privacy

Ubuntu Times is not directed to children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided us with personal data without parental consent, please contact us immediately and we will take steps to delete such information.

9. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, or legal requirements. We will post the revised policy on this page with an updated effective date and, where appropriate, notify you by email or a prominent notice on our website. Continued use of our services after any changes constitutes acceptance of the new policy.

10. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests relating to this Privacy Policy, please contact us:

Ubuntu Times – Privacy Team

Email: privacy@ubuntutimes.com

Postal Address: 1st Floor Cradock Square, Rosebank, 2196

Phone: +27 75 206 9899

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