Cookie Policy

1. Introduction

This Cookie Policy explains how NetStaff ("we", "our", "us") uses cookies and similar technologies on our website (the "Site"). This policy is designed to inform you about our practices regarding the collection, use, and disclosure of information through cookies, in compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013 ("POPIA") and other applicable South African laws.

By using our Site, you consent to the use of cookies as described in this policy, unless you opt out or adjust your browser settings as outlined below. This Cookie Policy should be read in conjunction with our Privacy Policy, Terms and Conditions and Responsible AI Terms and Conditions, which provide further details on how we process personal information.

We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring transparency in our data processing activities. Under POPIA, cookies that collect or process personal information (such as online identifiers that can identify you) are subject to data protection principles, including lawful processing, purpose specification, and data subject rights.

2. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device (computer, tablet, or mobile) when you visit a website. They help websites remember your preferences, improve functionality, and gather information about how the site is used. Similar technologies include web beacons, pixels, and local storage.

Cookies can be "session" cookies (temporary, deleted when you close your browser) or "persistent" cookies (remain until expired or deleted). They can also be "first-party" (set by us) or "third-party" (set by external providers).

Under POPIA, if cookies process personal information (e.g., IP addresses or browsing behaviour that can identify you), we must ensure processing is lawful, typically based on your consent or necessity for the service.

3. Types of Cookies We Use

We categorize cookies based on their purpose and necessity. We only use cookies that are essential or for which we have obtained your consent where required.

3.1 Essential Cookies

These are necessary for the Site to function properly and cannot be switched off in our systems. They are usually set in response to actions made by you, such as logging in or filling in forms. Examples include:

• Session cookies for maintaining your login status.
• Security cookies to protect against unauthorized access.

These do not typically require consent under POPIA as they are essential for providing the service (POPIA section 11(1)(b) – necessity for contract performance).

3.2 Analytics Cookies

These help us understand how visitors interact with the Site by collecting and reporting information anonymously. We use tools like Google Analytics to measure site performance, such as page views and bounce rates.

• This may involve processing personal information like IP addresses, which we anonymize where possible.
• Purpose: To improve our services and user experience.

We obtain your consent for these via our cookie banner, in line with POPIA's openness and consent requirements (sections 11 and 18).

3.3 Marketing and Tracking Cookies

These track your browsing activity across websites to build a profile of your interests and show relevant ads. They may be set by third-party advertising networks.

• Examples: Cookies from advertising partners for targeted recruitment ads.
• This involves processing personal information for profiling, which requires explicit consent under POPIA section 71 if it leads to automated decision-making.

We only use these with your prior consent and provide opt-out options.

3.4 Third-Party Cookies

Some cookies are set by third parties, such as analytics providers (e.g., Google) or social media plugins (e.g., LinkedIn for job sharing). These may transfer data outside South Africa, subject to POPIA section 72 safeguards (e.g., adequate protection levels or binding agreements). We ensure third parties comply with POPIA-equivalent standards.

4. Purposes of Using Cookies

We use cookies for the following purposes, ensuring compliance with POPIA's purpose specification principle (section 13):

• To provide and maintain our services (essential cookies).
• To analyze site usage and improve functionality (analytics cookies).
• To personalize content and ads, such as recommending jobs based on your browsing (marketing cookies).
• To ensure security and prevent fraud.

We do not use cookies for purposes beyond those specified without updating this policy and obtaining necessary consent. Data collected is minimized and retained only as long as necessary (POPIA section 14).

5. Consent and Your Rights

Upon your first visit, we display a cookie consent banner allowing you to accept or reject non-essential cookies. You can withdraw consent at any time by adjusting your preferences via the banner or browser settings.

Under POPIA, you have rights including:

• Access to information about cookies processing your personal data (section 23).
• Objection to processing (section 11(3)).
• Correction or deletion of inaccurate data (section 24).
• Complaint to the Information Regulator.

If cookies involve automated decision-making, we provide human intervention options as per section 71.

6. Managing Cookies

You can control cookies through:

• Our cookie consent banner: Customize preferences on-site.
• Browser settings: Most browsers allow you to block or alert about cookies (e.g., in Chrome: Settings > Privacy and security > Cookies).
• Opt-out tools: For Google Analytics, visit https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout; for other third parties, check their privacy policies.

Note that disabling essential cookies may limit Site functionality. Changes apply to future visits; delete existing cookies manually.

7. Cross-Border Transfers

If third-party cookies involve transferring personal information outside South Africa (e.g., to Google servers in the US), we ensure compliance with POPIA section 72 through contractual safeguards, consent, or adequacy decisions.

8. Changes to This Cookie Policy

We may update this policy to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you via email or a site notice for material changes. Continued use after updates constitutes acceptance.

9. Contact Information

For questions about this Cookie Policy or your data rights, contact us:

• Email: info@netstaff.co.za
• Phone: +27 82 000 0000
• Address: NetStaff (Pty) Ltd, PO Box 1431, George, 6530, South Africa