privacy policy

Last Updated: 15 December 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:

A. Anonymous Website Usage Data (Via Google Analytics)

I use Google Analytics to collect anonymous information about how visitors use my Website. This data is collected using cookies and similar tracking technologies. This includes:

• The number of visitors and duration of visits.
• The pages visited and the referring website.
• General geographic location (city/region), based on anonymised IP address.
• Device information (browser type, operating system).

This data is aggregated and anonymised, meaning it cannot be used to directly identify you. I use this information to understand traffic, improve functionality, and enhance user experience.

B. Personal Information Via Contact Form

If you choose to contact me through the form on my Website, I will collect the information you voluntarily provide, which may include:

• Your name and email address.
• Your telephone number (if provided).
• Any other information you include in your message regarding a project enquiry.

‍

2. Purpose of Collection and Processing

Anonymous Website Usage Data: I collect and process anonymous website usage data (Section 1a) to analyse traffic, understand user behaviour, and ultimately improve the Website's content and design. This processing is based on my Legitimate Interest in understanding and enhancing my online presence.

Personal Information Via Contact Form: I collect and process personal information provided via the contact form (Section 1b) to respond to your enquiries, provide you with the information or services you have requested, and communicate with you regarding your message. This processing is based on your consent when you voluntarily submit the contact form.

‍

3. Use and Disclosure of Information

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 or a lawful court order.
• Necessary to protect my rights or property.
• With your explicit prior consent.

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

‍

4. Security and Retention of Information

• Security: I take reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect the personal information you provide from unauthorised access, loss, or misuse, appropriate to the risks involved.
• Retention (Contact Form Data): I will retain your personal information 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.

‍

5. Cookies

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

• Google Analytics Cookies: These are used solely to collect anonymous website usage data as described in Section 1.
• Your Control: 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.

‍

6. Your Rights Under POPIA

Under POPIA, you have certain rights regarding your personal information. To exercise any of these rights, please contact me using the details below. These rights may include:

• The Right to Access: You may request access to the personal information I hold about you.
• The Right to Rectification: You may request the correction or updating of your personal information if it is inaccurate or incomplete.
• The Right to Erasure/Destruction: In certain circumstances, you have the right to request the deletion or destruction of your personal information.
• The Right to Object: You have the right to object to the processing of your personal information in certain circumstances.

‍

7. Changes and Contact Information

• Changes to 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.
• Contact Information: If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or how your personal information is handled, please contact me at info@michaelviljoen.studio