Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

The Laubscher Institute for Research (“TLIR”, “we”, “us”, “our”) is committed to protecting your personal information and respecting your privacy.

This Privacy Policy explains:

what personal data we collect,
why we collect it,
how we use and protect it,
your rights under POPIA and relevant international privacy principles.

By using our website or contacting TLIR, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy.

2. What Personal Information We Collect

We may collect the following information:

2.1 Information You Provide Directly

Name and surname
Email address
Phone number (if voluntarily provided)
Academic or professional details
Information submitted through forms, applications, or collaborations
Messages sent to us via email or contact forms

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

IP address
Browser type and version
Device information
Pages visited and time spent
Cookies and analytics data (non-identifiable)

2.3 Sensitive or Special Personal Information

TLIR does not request or process sensitive data unless voluntarily provided for research participation.
Any sensitive data is handled with strict confidentiality and consent.

3. How We Use Your Information

TLIR uses personal information solely for legitimate organisational purposes, including:

Responding to enquiries
Managing collaborations or contributor agreements
Research communication and administration
Providing updates on TLIR publications, projects, or events
Improving website performance and user experience
Maintaining internal records and data security
Ensuring compliance with legal obligations

We do not use your information for marketing without your explicit consent.

4. Legal Basis for Processing (POPIA-Compliant)

TLIR processes data on the basis of:

Consent (when you voluntarily provide information)
Legitimate interest (improving TLIR operations, ensuring security)
Legal obligation (complying with data requests or research ethics)

5. How We Store and Protect Your Information

We take data security seriously. TLIR uses:

Encrypted storage systems
Password-protected databases
Secure email protocols
Access controls limited to authorised personnel
Regular reviews of data security practices

We do not sell, rent, or trade any personal information.

6. Sharing of Personal Information

TLIR may share information only under the following conditions:

With your explicit consent
With internal contributors or researchers, where relevant
With service providers (e.g., hosting, email services) under confidentiality agreements
Where required by law or academic ethics boards
For research publication, only after anonymisation

We do not share personal information with unrelated third parties.

7. Cookies and Analytics

TLIR uses cookies and analytics tools to improve website performance.
These collect anonymous data such as:

page views
session duration
device type

You may disable cookies via your browser settings.

8. Your Rights (Under POPIA)

You have the right to:

Access your personal information
Request corrections or updates
Withdraw consent at any time
Request deletion of your information (where legally allowed)
Object to processing
Request a copy of your data

Requests can be sent to:
📧 info@tlir.org.za

9. Data Retention

We retain personal information only for as long as necessary for:

research integrity,
compliance with legal obligations,
administrative or archival purposes.

Once no longer required, data is securely deleted or anonymised.

10. External Links

TLIR’s website may contain links to external sites.
We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those websites.
We recommend reviewing their policies before sharing any information.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

TLIR may update this policy from time to time.
Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date.

12. Contact Information

For questions or privacy-related requests, contact us at:
📧 info@tlir.org.za