Privacy Policy
How we protect and use your information
Last Updated: April 29, 2026
Introduction
The African Society for Sexual Medicine (ASSM) is committed to protecting your privacy. This policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard your personal information in compliance with South Africa's Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).
Organization Details
Organization Name: African Society for Sexual Medicine (ASSM)
Status: Non-Profit Organisation (NPO)
Address: 913 Inanda Road, Newland West, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, RSA, 4037
Email: office@assmweb.org
Phone (South Africa): +27 31 577 2765
Phone (Kenya): +254 790 897 057
What Information We Collect
Public Website (Phase 1):
- ✓Language preference (EN/FR)
- ✓Contact form submissions (name, email, message)
- ✓Membership inquiry information
- ✓Device and browser information
- ✓IP address (for security)
Member Portal (Phase 2):
- ✓Name, email, professional credentials
- ✓Course progress and completion
- ✓Login history and session data
- ✓Member communications
How We Use Your Information
We use your information to:
- ✓Provide access to educational content
- ✓Process membership applications
- ✓Communicate about courses and events
- ✓Improve our website and services
- ✓Comply with legal obligations
- ✓Protect against fraud and abuse
We do NOT:
- ✗Sell your information to third parties
- ✗Use your data for marketing without consent
- ✗Share with unauthorized parties
Legal Basis for Processing
Under POPIA, we process your data based on:
- ✓Consent: When you submit forms or create an account
- ✓Contractual Necessity: To provide membership services
- ✓Legitimate Interests: To improve our services
- ✓Legal Obligation: To comply with South African law
Data Storage & Security
Storage:
- ✓Data stored in secure servers
- ✓Located in South Africa or compliant jurisdictions
- ✓Encrypted in transit and at rest
- ✓Regular security audits
Retention:
- ✓Member data: Duration of membership + 2 years
- ✓Contact inquiries: 1 year
- ✓Course records: 7 years (educational requirements)
Your Privacy Rights
Under POPIA, you have the right to:
- ✓Access your personal information
- ✓Request correction of inaccurate data
- ✓Request deletion (right to be forgotten)
- ✓Object to processing
- ✓Withdraw consent
- ✓Lodge a complaint with Information Regulator
To exercise your rights:
Email: office@assmweb.org Subject: "Data Privacy Request" We will respond within 30 days.
Third-Party Services
We may use:
- ✓Web hosting providers
- ✓Email services
- ✓Payment processors (Phase 2)
- ✓Analytics (with consent)
All third parties are contractually required to protect your data.
International Data Transfers
Data may be transferred outside South Africa only to:
- ✓Countries with adequate protection (as per POPIA)
- ✓Organizations with appropriate safeguards
- ✓With your explicit consent
Children's Privacy
Our services are intended for healthcare professionals (18+). We do not knowingly collect data from minors.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this policy periodically. Material changes will be announced via:
- ✓Website notification
- ✓Email (to members)
- ✓Updated "Last Updated" date
Contact Us
For privacy questions or concerns:
African Society for Sexual Medicine
913 Inanda Road
Newland West
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, RSA, 4037
South Africa
Email: office@assmweb.org
Phone (South Africa): +27 31 577 2765
Phone (Kenya): +254 790 897 057
Data Protection Queries: Subject line "Data Protection"