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Privacy Policy

Effective Date: 20 May 2025

Platform: www.browsebotswana.com

This Privacy Policy outlines how Browse Botswana (“we”, “our”, or “the platform”) collects, processes, stores, and protects personal information. It complies fully with the Data Protection Act, 2024 of Botswana and applies to all users of the website, including visitors, listers, advertisers, service providers, and customers.

1. Definitions

  • “Personal Information” means any data relating to an identifiable individual, including contact, identity, transactional, and listing information. 
  • “Processing” includes collection, use, storage, updating, transmission, and deletion of personal information. 
  • “You”, “user”, or “data subject” means any individual accessing or using the platform.

2. Information We Collect

We collect and process the following personal information, voluntarily submitted by you or collected during use of the platform:

  • Name, email address, and phone number
  • Business or listing-related details 
  • Uploaded content (images, descriptions, contact details)
  • IP address, browser, and device type
  • Platform usage statistics and preferences 
  • Payment transaction information (e.g. amount, status, reference, timestamp) when you make purchases, listings, or commission payments.

We do not collect sensitive personal information such as national ID numbers, health data, or religious beliefs unless required by law or expressly submitted by you.

3. Payment Processing

Browse Botswana collects and processes payment-related data solely for platform-related fees, including but not limited to:

  • Listing placement fees 
  • Promotion or feature upgrades
  • Commission payments

We use a secure third-party payment processor (e.g. DPO – Direct Pay Online) to process transactions. By making a payment through the platform, you consent to the collection and processing of your payment information, subject to the third party’s own privacy and security practices.

We do not store full credit card numbers or sensitive payment credentials on our servers.

4. Lawful Basis for Processing

We process personal information lawfully under the following bases:

  •  With your consent 
  • To fulfil our contractual obligations (e.g. payment processing or publishing listings)
  • To comply with legal obligations 
  • To protect our legitimate business interests 
  • As permitted under the Data Protection Act, 2024

5. Why We Process Your Data

Your data is processed to:

  • Display, manage, and publish listings 
  • Enable account and platform access 
  • Facilitate secure payments for platform services 
  • Communicate with you regarding updates, alerts, and support 
  • Monitor and improve platform functionality
  • Prevent abuse or fraudulent activity 
  • Comply with legal or regulatory obligations

We also analyse anonymised data to understand usage trends and enhance our services.

6. Sharing of Data

We may share personal information:

  • With third-party service providers acting on our behalf (e.g. hosting, email, analytics, payment gateways) 
  • With legal or regulatory authorities, when required by law or court order 
  • If reasonably necessary to protect the rights, safety, or property of users or the platform 
  • With your consent, or at your direction (e.g. referrals, listing contact) 
  • As part of a business restructure, asset transfer, or insolvency process

We do not sell or trade your personal information to third parties.

7. Data Retention and Storage

We retain personal information only as long as:

  • Required to deliver services and enforce agreements 
  • Required by law or regulatory guidelines 
  • Necessary for platform performance and legal defence

Data may be securely archived or deleted once its purpose is fulfilled. You may request deletion, subject to exceptions provided by law.

Your personal data may be stored or processed in secure environments in Botswana or other jurisdictions used by our providers.

8. Data Subject Rights

Under the Data Protection Act, 2024, you have the right to:

  • Access personal information we hold about you
  • Request correction or deletion of your personal data 
  • Object to or restrict certain forms of processing 
  • Request information about how your data is used and shared 
  • Not be penalised or discriminated against for exercising your rights

To submit a request, contact info@browsebotswana.com. We may require verification of your identity (e.g. login or government-issued ID) before actioning your request.

9. Cookies and Tracking

We use cookies and related technologies to:

  • Maintain website functionality 
  • Track user behaviour and analytics 
  • Monitor platform performance and troubleshoot issues

You may disable cookies via your browser settings, but some functions may be affected.

10. Security Measures

We implement reasonable security safeguards, including:

  • Encrypted communications 
  • Secure server environments 
  • Role-based access controls 
  • Limited data exposure to authorised staff only

However, no online system is immune to compromise. You acknowledge and accept the inherent risks associated with online data transmission. We make no warranty as to absolute security.

11. No Warranties

This policy and all related services are provided “as is”. We do not warrant or guarantee:

  • Continuous availability of the platform
  • Uninterrupted access to personal information 
  • Complete security of data stored or processed 
  • Accuracy, legality, or reliability of any listing or lister-provided information

12. Limitation of Liability

Browse Botswana shall not be liable for any:

  • Loss, misuse, or unauthorised access of data
  • Breach caused by third-party systems beyond our control (e.g. DPO) 
  • Indirect, incidental, or consequential loss (e.g. financial, reputational, or opportunity cost)

If any liability arises, it is strictly limited to BWP P250.00 or the actual commission received by the platform for the affected transaction, whichever is lower.

13. Indemnity

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Browse Botswana and its representatives from any claims, losses, fines, or legal costs resulting from your use of the platform, your breach of this policy, or your misuse of another user’s personal information.

14. Changes to this Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Updates will be posted on the platform. Continued use after updates constitutes acceptance of the revised terms.

15. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

This Privacy Policy is governed by the laws of the Republic of Botswana. All disputes shall be resolved in accordance with the dispute resolution clause in the Terms and Conditions of Use, and all legal or arbitration costs shall be borne by the user.

16. Contact

For questions or data-related requests, contact: info@browsebotswana.com