Privacy Policy

Last updated: April 1, 2026 | Effective: April 1, 2026

Introduction

SMSLite (Pty) Ltd ("SMSLite", "we", "us", or "our") is committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we handle data collected through our website at smslite.co.za and our SMS gateway platform.

This Policy is aligned with the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 (POPIA) and applies to all users of our services.

What We Collect

We collect information in the following categories:

Account data: Name, email address, company name, phone number, and password (hashed).
Billing data: Payment method details processed securely by Yoco or PayFast. We do not store full card numbers.
Usage data: Messages sent, recipient numbers, delivery status, API call logs, and platform activity.
Technical data: IP address, browser type, device information, and session identifiers.
Contact data: Phone numbers and names you upload to send SMS messages to your recipients.

How We Use Your Data

To provide and operate the SMSLite platform and send SMS messages on your behalf.
To process payments and manage your credit balance.
To send transactional emails such as invoices, alerts, and account notifications.
To improve our platform through anonymised analytics and usage patterns.
To comply with legal obligations including POPIA, ICASA regulations, and tax law.
To prevent fraud, abuse, and unauthorised access.

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes. Ever.

We share personal information only with trusted service providers who help us operate the platform:

Mobile network operators — to route and deliver your SMS messages.
Yoco / PayFast — for secure payment processing.
Hosting providers — for infrastructure and data storage (South Africa-based where possible).
Legal authorities — where required by law or valid court order.

Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as your account is active. After account closure, we retain data for up to 7 years to comply with South African tax and financial record-keeping laws.

Message logs (recipient numbers and content) are retained for 12 months for delivery verification purposes, then deleted.

Your Rights Under POPIA

As a data subject under POPIA, you have the right to:

Access the personal information we hold about you.
Request correction of inaccurate or outdated information.
Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal retention requirements).
Object to the processing of your information.
Lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator of South Africa.

To exercise any of these rights, email us at privacy@smslite.co.za.

Security

We use industry-standard security measures including TLS/SSL encryption, hashed passwords, access controls, and regular security audits. No method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

Cookies

We use essential cookies to maintain your login session and platform functionality. We do not use third-party advertising or tracking cookies. You can disable cookies in your browser, but this may affect platform functionality.

Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed at children under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from minors. If you believe a minor has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. We will notify you of material changes via email and by posting the updated policy on this page with a revised date. Continued use of the platform after changes constitutes acceptance.

Contact Our Privacy Team

Email: privacy@smslite.co.za
Information Officer: SMSLite (Pty) Ltd
Response time: Within 5 business days