1. Introduction
1.1 Welcome to VCN News.
VCN News (“VCN News”, “we”, “our”, or “us”) is committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring that your personal information is processed responsibly, securely, and in accordance with applicable South African laws, including the Protection of Personal Information Act (“POPIA”).
This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, protect, and disclose personal information when users access our website, social media platforms, services, advertising channels, media submissions, newsletters, and related digital platforms.
By using our website and services, you agree to the practices described in this Privacy Policy.
1.2 Company Contact Information
VCN News
South Africa
General Enquiries: [news@vcnnews.co.za](mailto:news@vcnnews.co.za)
Legal Enquiries: [legal@vcnnews.co.za](mailto:legal@vcnnews.co.za)
Advertising: [ads@vcnnews.co.za](mailto:ads@vcnnews.co.za)
Privacy & POPIA: [privacy@vcnnews.co.za](mailto:privacy@vcnnews.co.za)
If you believe your data rights have been violated, you may contact the South African Information Regulator:
SA Information Regulator
SALU Building
316 Thabo Sehume Street
Pretoria
Tel: 012 406 4818
Fax: 086 500 3351
Email: inforeg@justice.gov.za
However, we encourage users to contact VCN News directly first to allow us the opportunity to resolve any concerns.
2. Information We Collect
VCN News may collect various types of personal information including but not limited to:
- Full name
- Email address
- Phone number
- Physical address or location details
- Social media profile information
- Business information
- Advertising enquiry information
- Photographs, videos, interviews, or submitted media
- IP address and device information
- Browser and website usage information
- Cookies and tracking information
- Newsletter subscription details
- User-
submitted comments or content - Communication records between users and VCN News
We only collect information reasonably necessary for legitimate operational, editorial, legal, security, or communication purposes.
3. How We Collect Information
We may collect personal information in the following ways:
- When users contact us
- When users submit articles, media, or interviews
- When users subscribe to newsletters
- When users submit advertising enquiries
- Through website forms and communication channels
- Through social media interaction
- Through cookies and website analytics tools
- When users participate in competitions, promotions, or community initiatives
- Through normal website browsing activity
4. Purpose of Data Collection
VCN News may use collected information for the following purposes:
- To operate and maintain our website and services
- To communicate with users
- To process advertising and business enquiries
- To publish submitted media or editorial content
- To improve website functionality and user experience
- To analyze audience engagement and website traffic
- To prevent fraud, abuse, spam, or unauthorized activity
- To comply with legal and regulatory obligations
- To send newsletters, updates, or promotional communications where consent has been provided
- To protect the security and integrity of our platforms
5. Legal Basis for Processing Information
VCN News processes personal information based on:
- User consent
- Legitimate business and editorial interests
- Legal obligations
- Contractual necessity where applicable
- Public interest journalism activities where legally permissible
6. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
VCN News may use cookies, analytics tools, pixels, and related technologies to:
- Improve website performance
- Remember user preferences
- Monitor website traffic and engagement
- Improve functionality and user experience
- Support advertising and analytics services
- Enhance security and session management
Users may manage or disable cookies through their browser settings.
Certain website functionality may be affected if cookies are disabled.
7. Analytics and Third-
VCN News may use third-
- Website analytics platforms
- Advertising and marketing tools
- Social media integrations
- Embedded video and media services
- Security and anti-
spam systems
These providers may collect limited technical data in accordance with their own privacy policies.
VCN News does not control the privacy practices of third-
8. Social Media Interaction
VCN News may operate official social media accounts across platforms including Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and LinkedIn.
Information shared publicly through social media interactions may become publicly visible depending on platform settings and user activity.
Users should exercise caution when sharing personal information on public social media platforms.
VCN News is not responsible for the privacy practices or policies of third-
9. User Submissions and Media Content
Users who voluntarily submit:
- articles,
- comments,
- photographs,
- videos,
- interviews,
- testimonials,
- or other media content
acknowledge that such information may be published, displayed, archived, distributed, or promoted across VCN News platforms.
Users confirm that they have the necessary rights and permissions to submit such material.
10. Data Sharing and Disclosure
VCN News does not sell personal information to third parties.
However, we may share information where necessary with:
- Trusted service providers
- Website hosting providers
- Security and analytics providers
- Advertising and marketing service providers
- Legal authorities where required by law
- Professional advisors or legal representatives
- Technology providers supporting our services
Any sharing of information will be limited to what is reasonably necessary.
11. Data Security
VCN News takes reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect personal information against:
- Unauthorized access
- Misuse
- Loss
- Alteration
- Destruction
- Disclosure
Security measures may include:
- Secure hosting environments
- SSL encryption
- Restricted access controls
- Security monitoring
- Software and system updates
- Anti-
spam and anti- malware protections
While we strive to protect information, no online platform or transmission method can be guaranteed to be completely secure.
12. Data Retention
VCN News retains personal information only for as long as reasonably necessary for:
- Operational purposes
- Editorial archives
- Legal compliance
- Security and fraud prevention
- Historical or journalistic recordkeeping
- Business and communication purposes
Certain archived editorial content may remain publicly accessible indefinitely where legally permissible.
13. User Rights
Subject to applicable law, users may have the right to:
- Request access to personal information
- Request correction of inaccurate information
- Request deletion of personal information
- Object to certain processing activities
- Withdraw consent where applicable
- Request restriction of processing
- Lodge complaints with the Information Regulator
Requests may require identity verification before processing.
Users may contact:
privacy@vcnnews.co.za
for privacy-
14. Children’s Privacy
VCN News services are not intended for children under the age of 18 without parental or guardian involvement.
We do not knowingly collect personal information from minors without appropriate legal basis or consent.
If we become aware that personal information relating to a minor has been improperly collected, we may take steps to remove such information.
15. External Links
VCN News websites and content may contain links to third-
We are not responsible for:
- Third-
party privacy practices - External website content
- Security of external platforms
- Third-
party data collection activities
Users should review the privacy policies of external websites before providing personal information.
16. AI-
Certain graphics, visuals, promotional material, or digital content published by VCN News may include AI-
VCN News remains committed to ensuring that factual reporting is not intentionally misleading.
17. International Access
VCN News primarily operates within South Africa.
Users accessing our platforms from outside South Africa acknowledge that information may be processed and stored within South Africa or other jurisdictions where service providers operate.
18. Updates to This Privacy Policy
VCN News reserves the right to update or modify this Privacy Policy at any time.
Updated versions will be published on our website and become effective immediately upon publication.
Continued use of our services after changes are published constitutes acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.
19. Governing Law and Jurisdiction
This Privacy Policy is governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa.
Any disputes relating to this Privacy Policy shall be subject to the jurisdiction of the South African courts.
20. Our Commitment to Privacy
At VCN News, we understand the importance of privacy, responsible journalism, and the protection of personal information.
We are committed to:
- Ethical handling of data
- Responsible digital practices
- Respect for user privacy
- Transparent information practices
- Secure platform management
- Compliance with applicable South African privacy laws
We continuously strive to maintain trust, integrity, and accountability in all interactions with our audience, community, contributors, advertisers, and partners.
Revision: 0
Implementation Date: 01/05/2026
VCN NEWS
Business. Community. Connection.
