FreeNet Africa — Newsletter Privacy Policy

Effective date: 2 November 2026

1. Introduction

FreeNet Africa respects the privacy of its readers and newsletter subscribers. This Newsletter Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store and protect personal information provided by individuals who subscribe to the FreeNet Africa newsletter.

This policy applies specifically to email newsletter subscriptions managed through freenetafrica.com.

By subscribing, you consent to receiving the FreeNet Africa Weekly newsletter in accordance with this policy. You may withdraw your consent at any time.

2. Information We Collect

When you subscribe to our newsletter, we collect your email address and, where voluntarily provided, your name.

Our subscription system may also record technical information necessary to manage your subscription, including your IP address, subscription date, confirmation status and subscription preferences.

We collect only the information reasonably necessary to administer our newsletter service.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use subscriber information exclusively for purposes associated with the FreeNet Africa newsletter, including:

Sending the FreeNet Africa Weekly newsletter and related editorial updates.
Confirming and managing subscriptions.
Processing unsubscribe requests.
Maintaining the security and reliability of our mailing list.
Monitoring delivery performance and improving our newsletter service.

We do not use newsletter subscriptions to enrol readers in unrelated mailing lists without their consent.

4. Subscription and Consent

FreeNet Africa operates a voluntary subscription service.

Subscribers register through a subscription form on freenetafrica.com and are required to confirm their email address through a confirmation email before their subscription becomes active.

This double opt-in process helps ensure that subscribers have knowingly requested the newsletter.

Subscription is entirely optional, and readers may continue accessing the website without subscribing.

5. Newsletter Delivery and Data Storage

Newsletter subscriptions are managed through The Newsletter Plugin within our WordPress publishing system.

Subscriber information is stored in the website’s WordPress database, hosted through our web hosting provider, Xneelo.

Outgoing newsletter emails are transmitted through WP Mail SMTP using our Xneelo-hosted email service.

These systems are used to administer subscriptions and deliver our newsletters.

We do not sell, rent or commercially trade subscriber email addresses or personal information.

We may share the minimum information necessary with our hosting and email delivery service providers to operate the newsletter. We do not disclose subscriber information to unrelated third parties for their independent marketing purposes.

6. Email Tracking and Analytics

FreeNet Africa may collect limited technical information concerning newsletter delivery and engagement, such as successful delivery, failed delivery and aggregated newsletter performance.

If email opening or link-click tracking is enabled, we will provide appropriate notice and obtain consent where required.

This information is used to maintain and improve the newsletter service, not to sell personal profiles or build unrelated advertising databases.

7. Data Security

We implement reasonable technical and organisational safeguards to protect subscriber information against unauthorised access, disclosure, alteration or loss.

Access to subscriber records is restricted to authorised website administrators and service providers who require access for legitimate operational purposes.

Although reasonable precautions are taken, no internet-based system can guarantee absolute security.

8. Data Retention

We retain subscriber information for as long as the subscription remains active and the information is needed to provide the newsletter service.

When a subscriber unsubscribes, their address is removed from active distribution. Limited records may be retained where reasonably necessary to honour unsubscribe requests, maintain consent records, comply with legal obligations or resolve disputes.

Information no longer required for legitimate purposes will be deleted or anonymised in accordance with applicable requirements.

9. Unsubscribing

Every FreeNet Africa newsletter includes an unsubscribe link.

Subscribers may withdraw their consent and stop receiving newsletters at any time by selecting this link.

Unsubscribe requests are processed without unnecessary delay and do not require subscribers to provide a reason.

Subscribers may also request removal of their personal information by contacting:

newsletter@freenetafrica.com

10. Your Privacy Rights

Subject to applicable data protection laws, subscribers may request:

Access to personal information held about them.
Correction of inaccurate information.
Deletion of personal information where appropriate.
Withdrawal of newsletter consent.
Information about how their personal data is processed.

Requests may be submitted to newsletter@freenetafrica.com.

We will respond within a reasonable period and in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

11. Compliance with Data Protection Legislation

FreeNet Africa is committed to handling subscriber information in accordance with South Africa’s Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013 (POPIA).

Where other data protection legislation applies to particular subscribers, including the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), we will endeavour to meet the applicable requirements.

Subscriber information will be used only for legitimate, disclosed purposes and processed in accordance with applicable law.

12. Changes to This Policy

FreeNet Africa may update this Newsletter Privacy Policy to reflect changes in its newsletter operations, technology or legal obligations.

The current version will remain available on freenetafrica.com, with the effective date displayed at the beginning of the policy.

Material changes affecting the use of subscriber information will be communicated where required.

13. Contact

For questions concerning this policy, newsletter subscriptions or the processing of subscriber information, please contact:

FreeNet Africa
Website: https://freenetafrica.com
Email: newsletter@freenetafrica.com

This policy applies specifically to the FreeNet Africa email newsletter subscription service.

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Newsletter Privacy Policy