Cookie Policy

Last updated: 28 August 2025

This Cookie Policy explains how I Am Tourism Stories ("we", "us", or "our") uses cookies and similar technologies when you visit our website https://iamtourismstories.com (the "Service"). This policy complies with South Africa's Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).

What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small data files that are placed on your computer or mobile device when you visit a website. Cookies are widely used by website owners to make their websites work, or to work more efficiently, as well as to provide reporting information.

Why Do We Use Cookies?

We use cookies for several reasons:

• Essential functionality: To ensure our website functions properly
• Performance and analytics: To understand how visitors interact with our website
• Advertising and marketing: To show relevant content and advertisements
• User experience: To remember your preferences and improve your browsing experience

Types of Cookies We Use

1. Necessary Cookies

These cookies are essential for you to browse the website and use its features. Without these cookies, services you have asked for (like logging in or filling in forms) cannot be provided. These cookies:

• Are strictly necessary for the operation of our website
• Cannot be switched off in our systems
• Are usually only set in response to actions made by you
• Include cookies for website security, accessibility features, and basic functionality

Legal basis for processing: Legitimate interests (essential for website functionality)

Data retention: Session-based or up to 1 year

2. Analytics Cookies

These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website by collecting and reporting information. This includes:

• Google Analytics cookies that track website usage
• Information about pages visited and time spent on site
• Traffic sources and user behavior patterns
• Performance metrics to improve our website

Legal basis for processing: Consent

Data retention: Up to 26 months

Third parties: Google Analytics

3. Advertising/Marketing Cookies

These cookies are used to deliver advertisements that are relevant to you and your interests. They may be used to:

• Build a profile of your interests
• Show relevant ads on other websites
• Measure the effectiveness of advertising campaigns
• Limit the number of times you see an advertisement

Legal basis for processing: Consent

Data retention: Up to 2 years

Third parties: Google Ads, Facebook Pixel, and other advertising partners

Your Cookie Choices and Rights

Under POPIA, you have the right to:

Consent and Withdrawal

• Give or refuse consent: You can choose which types of cookies to accept when you first visit our website
• Withdraw consent: You can change your cookie preferences at any time by clicking the cookie preferences icon on our website
• Granular control: You can accept or reject different categories of cookies independently

Browser Settings

You can control cookies through your browser settings:

• Chrome: Settings > Privacy and security > Site Settings > Cookies
• Firefox: Preferences > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data
• Safari: Preferences > Privacy > Manage Website Data
• Edge: Settings > Site permissions > Cookies and site data

Impact of Disabling Cookies

Please note that blocking or disabling certain cookies may:

• Affect website functionality
• Prevent access to certain features
• Require you to re-enter information
• Result in a less personalized experience

Third-Party Cookies

Our website may contain cookies from third-party service providers, including:

Google Services

• Google Analytics: Website analytics and reporting
• Google Ads: Advertising and remarketing
• YouTube: Embedded video content

Social Media Platforms

• Facebook/Instagram: Social sharing and advertising pixels
• Twitter: Social sharing and embedded content
• LinkedIn: Professional networking and sharing

These third parties have their own privacy policies and cookie policies. We encourage you to review them:

• Google Privacy Policy
• Facebook Privacy Policy
• Twitter Privacy Policy
• LinkedIn Privacy Policy

POPIA Compliance

In accordance with South Africa's Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), we ensure that:

Lawful Processing

• We obtain your explicit consent before placing non-essential cookies
• We provide clear information about cookie purposes
• We only process personal information for specified, lawful purposes

Data Subject Rights

You have the right to:

• Access: Request information about cookies and data collected
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information
• Objection: Object to processing of your personal information
• Data portability: Request transfer of your data

Data Security

• We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures
• We protect against unauthorized access, loss, or destruction
• We regularly review and update our security practices

International Transfers

Some of our third-party service providers may be located outside of South Africa. When your data is transferred internationally, we ensure:

• Adequate levels of protection are maintained
• Appropriate safeguards are in place
• Transfer mechanisms comply with POPIA requirements

Data Retention

We retain cookie data for different periods depending on the type:

• Session cookies: Deleted when you close your browser
• Persistent cookies: Stored for a specified period (ranging from days to years)
• Analytics data: Retained for up to 26 months
• Marketing data: Retained for up to 2 years or until consent is withdrawn

Children's Privacy

Our website is not intended for children under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18. If we become aware that we have collected personal information from a child under 18, we will take steps to delete such information.

Updates to This Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect:

• Changes in our cookie practices
• Legal or regulatory requirements
• New features or services
• Feedback from users

We will notify you of any material changes by posting the updated policy on our website with a revised "Last updated" date. Continued use of our website after such changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

Contact Information

If you have questions about this Cookie Policy, your rights under POPIA, or our data practices, please contact us:

Cookie Management

To manage your cookie preferences on this website, click the cookie preferences icon typically located at the bottom left of your screen.

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This Cookie Policy is designed to comply with South Africa's Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA). For legal advice regarding your specific situation, please consult with a qualified attorney.