Last Updated: July 16, 2025

At Electrocom, we prioritise transparency and compliance with South African data protection laws, including the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 (POPIA) and the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act 25 of 2002 (ECTA), in our use of cookies and similar technologies. This Cookie Policy explains how we utilise cookies on our website at https://www.electrocom.co.za to enhance user experience, ensure functionality, and support our telecommunications and internet services. As a KwaZulu-Natal-based ISP offering uncapped broadband, VoIP, hosted PBX, and VPN solutions, we collect limited data through cookies to improve site performance while respecting your privacy rights.

Cookies are small text files placed on your device by websites you visit, enabling features like remembering preferences or analysing usage. Under POPIA, cookies that process personal information (such as IP addresses or browsing behaviour) must be handled lawfully, with openness and security safeguards. We classify cookies as essential (necessary for site operation) or non-essential (for analytics or marketing), obtaining consent for the latter via our cookie banner. This policy complements our Privacy Policy, which details broader data practices. If you have questions, contact our Information Officer at admin@electrocom.co.za or at 34 Noodsberg Road, Wartburg, 3233.

What Cookies We Use and Why

We employ cookies to facilitate a seamless browsing experience, support service inquiries, and maintain site security. Cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our content, such as exploring broadband plans or VoIP features, allowing us to refine our offerings for KZN residents and businesses. We do not use cookies for intrusive tracking or unsolicited advertising; instead, they align with our legitimate interests in providing reliable connectivity services.

Essential cookies are always active and do not require consent, as they are vital for basic functionality under ECTA. For example, if you leave a comment on our blog discussing rural broadband challenges, you may opt-in to saving your name, email address, and website in cookies. These are for your convenience, so you do not have to refill details for follow-up comments. Such cookies last for one year and contain no sensitive personal data beyond what you provide.

If you visit our login page—for client portals managing VoIP accounts or VPN setups—we set a temporary cookie to check if your browser accepts cookies. This cookie holds no personal data and is deleted upon closing your browser. Upon logging in, we establish several cookies to preserve your login information and screen display preferences. Login cookies endure for two days, while screen options cookies persist for a year. Selecting “Remember Me” extends your login to two weeks. Logging out removes these cookies immediately.

For content editing, such as publishing articles on hosted PBX benefits, an additional cookie is stored in your browser. This cookie lacks personal data, merely noting the post ID of the edited article, and expires after one day. These mechanisms comply with POPIA’s information quality and security conditions, ensuring data accuracy and protection against unauthorised access.

Non-essential cookies, used for analytics, require your explicit consent. We may employ tools like Google Analytics to monitor site traffic, anonymising IP addresses to align with POPIA’s minimisation principle. This helps us optimise content, such as coverage maps for Midlands towns like Pietermaritzburg or Greytown, without identifying individuals. Analytical cookies track aggregated data, such as page views on VPN security tips, aiding service improvements while respecting data subject rights.

Session cookies, temporary and deleted upon session end, support real-time features like live chat for broadband inquiries. Persistent cookies, lasting longer, remember preferences across visits, enhancing usability for returning users exploring uncapped plans.

Cookies from Embedded Content and Third Parties

Our site may embed content from external sources, such as videos demonstrating VoIP integration or interactive maps from fibre partners like Frogfoot or Openserve. Embedded content behaves as if you visited the third-party site directly, potentially setting cookies for functionality or tracking.

These third-party cookies may collect data, employ additional tracking, and monitor interactions, especially if logged into their services. For instance, a YouTube embed on hosted PBX tutorials could set cookies for playback preferences. We select partners with POPIA-compliant practices, but recommend reviewing their policies (e.g., Google’s at https://policies.google.com/privacy). Under POPIA, we notify you of such embeds and obtain consent where feasible, limiting data flows to essential purposes.

Third-party services like Gravatar for comment avatars may receive an anonymised email hash to display profiles. Their privacy policy governs this. We do not control these cookies but ensure embeds are non-intrusive, aligning with ECTA’s consumer protection requirements.

How We Manage Cookies and Obtain Consent

Upon visiting our site, a cookie consent banner appears, explaining categories and allowing granular choices per POPIA’s openness condition. You can accept all, reject non-essential, or customise preferences. Consent is voluntary, withdrawable anytime via browser settings or our “Manage Cookies” link.

We use first-party cookies (set by us) for core functions and third-party cookies for enhancements. No cookies are set before consent, except essentials. For South African users, we adhere to CPA guidelines, avoiding deceptive practices and ensuring easy opt-out.

Browser settings let you block or alert cookies; however, disabling essentials may impair site functionality, like form submissions for VPN quotes. Tools like browser extensions (e.g., uBlock Origin) offer further control.

Data Sharing and Retention Related to Cookies

Cookie data is shared minimally. For spam detection in comments, we may use automated services like Akismet, sending IP addresses and user agents. This aligns with our legitimate interest in site security, with data anonymised where possible.

Retention follows POPIA’s purpose specification: essential cookies last as described (e.g., one year for comment preferences), analytical up to 24 months for trend analysis. We delete data when no longer needed, conducting annual reviews. No cookie data is sold; sharing is limited to processors under agreements ensuring POPIA compliance.

International transfers (e.g., to Google servers) use standard contractual clauses or adequacy assessments, protecting data equivalents.

Your Rights Regarding Cookie Data

Under POPIA, you have rights to access, correct, or delete cookie-related personal information. Request an export of stored data, including cookie-generated profiles, or erasure (except for legal retention like audit trails). Object to processing if it impacts your rights unduly.

To exercise rights, email admin@electrocom.co.za with verification. We respond within 30 days, free unless excessive. For disputes, contact the Information Regulator.

Children under 18: We do not target minors; parental consent is required for any data collection.

Security Measures for Cookies

We secure cookie data with encryption, secure servers, and access controls per POPIA Section 19. Regular vulnerability scans and HTTPS protocols protect against breaches. In a breach involving cookie data, we notify affected parties and the Regulator promptly.

Changes to This Cookie Policy

We may revise this policy for legal or operational changes, posting updates with the new date. Continued use implies acceptance; check periodically.

Governed by South African law, complaints go to the Information Regulator at enquiries@inforegulator.org.za.