Privacy Policy

Effective date: 10 November 2025 · Contact: support@smartnote.co.za

Information Officer: SmartNote (support@smartnote.co.za)

Who we are

For this policy, SmartNote (sole proprietorship, South Africa) is the Responsible Party (data controller) for personal information collected on smartnote.co.za. Card payments are processed securely by Stripe; we don’t store card details on our servers.

What we collect

• Purchase & delivery data: name, email address, selected grade, order details, timestamps.
• Support messages: any information you send to us by email.
• Cookies & device basics: essential cookies (remember cart/checkout, deliver downloads). No analytics pixels, no ad tracking.
• No account required: you can check out as a guest.

Why we use your information (Purposes)

• Deliver your purchase: process payment, send download links, notify you if we correct a file.
• Customer support: respond to queries and resolve issues.
• Legal & record-keeping: comply with tax/accounting rules, prevent fraud/misuse, enforce our personal-use licence.
• Marketing (opt-in): send study tips, product news, or promotions if you opt in. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Legal grounds (POPIA)

We process information when:

• It is necessary to perform a contract (fulfilling your order).
• It is required by law (tax/records).
• You have given consent (marketing emails). You may withdraw consent at any time.

Retention

• Order records: 5 years for tax/accounting.
• Support emails: as long as needed to resolve your request.
• Marketing emails: until you unsubscribe (each email includes an unsubscribe link).

Payments & third parties

• Stripe (payments): we send Stripe the data needed to process your payment (amount, currency, card token, name/email). We do not store full card numbers.
• Email delivery provider: used to send download links and support responses. Service providers must handle data securely and only for our stated purposes.

Children & learners

Our site is used by high-school learners. By purchasing, you confirm you are authorised to use the chosen payment method and to provide your details.

Your rights (POPIA)

You can access, correct, or delete personal information we hold (subject to lawful exceptions) and may object to direct marketing at any time. To exercise rights, email support@smartnote.co.za. If we can’t resolve your concern, you may lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator (South Africa).

Security

We use reasonable technical and organisational safeguards (secure transport, access controls, least-privilege). No method is 100% secure, but we work to prevent unauthorised access, alteration, or loss.

Cookies (essential only)

We use only essential cookies needed for checkout, downloads, and site security. We do not use analytics or advertising cookies.

Sharing & licensing reminders

Purchases grant a personal, non-transferable licence. Sharing or posting our files/links publicly is prohibited. We may disable access if we detect misuse.

Changes to this policy

If we make material changes, we’ll update the Effective date and, where appropriate, notify you on-site or by email.

Contact

Questions or requests about privacy: support@smartnote.co.za. We respond within 2 business days (Mon–Fri, SAST).