Other Policies

Website & WordPress Policy

Because our site runs on WordPress (with a few add-ons like WooCommerce and third-party tools), there are some extra policies that apply to how your information is collected and used. This page explains what happens when you interact with certain parts of our site.

1. Comments

When you leave a comment on our site, we collect the information you provide in the comment form (like your name and email), plus your IP address and browser type to help stop spam.

• • If you use Gravatar, an anonymised version of your email may be shared with them to check if you have an account. See Gravatar’s Privacy Policy.
  • Once your comment is approved, your profile picture (if you have one) will be visible with your comment.

2. Media

If you upload images to our site, avoid uploading files that contain embedded location data (EXIF GPS). Visitors to the site can download images and extract that data if it’s there.

3. Cookies (WordPress Essentials)

WordPress sets a few cookies to make the site work smoothly:

• • If you comment, you can opt to save your name, email, and website in cookies so you don’t have to fill them in again. These last one year.
  • If you log in, temporary cookies check if your browser accepts them. Login cookies last two days (or two weeks if you tick “Remember Me”). Screen option cookies last a year.
  • If you edit or publish content, a cookie will be set in your browser for one day.

For a broader overview of how we use cookies, please see our Cookies Policy.

4. Embedded Content

Articles or pages on our site may include embedded content (like YouTube videos, social media posts, or other websites). This content behaves as if you visited the third-party site directly.

Those sites may collect data about you, use their own cookies, or track your interaction. Always check their privacy policies if you’re concerned.

5. Data Retention

• • Comments and their metadata are kept indefinitely so we can recognise and auto-approve follow-ups.
  • If you register an account, we store the personal info you provide in your profile. You can view, edit, or delete your information at any time (except your username). Site admins can also see and edit this information.
  • Order information is kept for at least 5 years for tax and accounting purposes, in line with South African law.

6. Your Rights

Under POPIA, you can:

• • Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.
  • Ask us to correct or delete your data (unless we’re legally required to keep it).
  • Withdraw consent for marketing at any time.

To exercise these rights, use our Contact Page.

7. Anti-Spam (Akismet)

We use Akismet to filter spam comments. It may collect commenter details like IP address, browser type, referrer, and the content of the comment itself.

8. WPMU DEV Services

We use tools and services developed by WPMU DEV to improve the performance, security, and functionality of our Website (such as image optimisation, site monitoring, and maintenance).

• • Some data (like media files or technical site information) may be processed through WPMU DEV’s systems to deliver these services.
  • We don’t control how WPMU DEV handles that data, but they do — and they’re committed to protecting it.

For full details on how WPMU DEV collects, processes, and protects information, please see their Privacy Policy. By using our Website, you acknowledge and agree to WPMU DEV’s policies as they apply to the services we use.

9. Salient Theme (by ThemeNectar)

Our website design is powered in part by the Salient theme developed by ThemeNectar.

• • Some technical data (such as site layout information or performance details) may be processed through Salient’s systems to enable the theme’s functionality and updates.
  • We don’t control how ThemeNectar processes that data, but you can review their terms directly.

For details, see the ThemeNectar Privacy Policy. By using our Website, you acknowledge and agree to ThemeNectar’s policies as they apply to the services we use.

10. Smart Custom 404 Error Page (by NerdPress)

We use the Smart Custom 404 Error Page plugin developed by NerdPress to improve site usability when visitors hit a broken or missing link.

• • This plugin may process basic technical information to deliver its functionality.
  • We don’t manage or control NerdPress’s handling of such data, but you can review their policies directly.

For details, see the NerdPress Privacy Policy. By using our Website, you acknowledge and agree to NerdPress’s policies as they apply to the services we use.

11. Online Store (WooCommerce)

If you shop with us, WooCommerce collects the data needed to process your order. This may include:

• • Products you’ve viewed (to show recently viewed items).
  • Location, IP, and browser type (to estimate shipping/taxes).
  • Shipping/billing address.
  • Order details, including name, email, phone, and payment info.

We use this data to:

• • Process and deliver your order.
  • Respond to requests (like refunds).
  • Prevent fraud.
  • Improve our store.
  • Send marketing messages (if you’ve opted in).

Who has access?

Our team (Admins and Shop Managers) can see the information you provide (like orders, shipping details, and account info) to fulfil orders and provide support.

Payments

We use PayFast as our payment processor. They handle sensitive payment details securely. See their Privacy Policy for how they process your data.

12. Where We Send Data

• • Comments may be checked by automated spam detection tools.
  • Payment information goes to our secure payment gateway (PayFast).

13. Contact Us

If you have any questions about how WordPress, plugins, or third-party services handle your data, or if you’d like to exercise your POPIA rights: 👉 https://www.electricpencil.co.za/contact/