Privacy Policy
Hushly
This Privacy Policy explains how Hushly (“we”, “our”, or “us”) collects, uses, and protects information when you use our website and services.
By accessing or using the Hushly website, you agree to the terms outlined in this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with this policy, you should discontinue use of the website.
We recommend reading this Privacy Policy together with our Terms and Conditions, as both documents explain how the platform operates.
1. About Hushly
Hushly is an online directory platform that allows independent service providers to publish listings and allows visitors to browse profiles and connect with those providers.
To operate the platform effectively, we collect certain information from visitors, registered members, and advertisers.
This Privacy Policy explains:
- What information we collect
- How we use it
- When it may be shared
- Your rights regarding your information
2. Consent to Data Processing
By submitting information through the website, creating an account, publishing a listing, or communicating with us, you consent to the collection and use of your information as described in this Privacy Policy.
Where applicable, we may request additional consent for certain communications such as marketing emails. You may opt out of these communications at any time.
3. Age Requirement
Hushly is strictly intended for individuals 18 years of age or older.
By using the website you confirm that you are at least 18 years old.
If we become aware that someone under 18 has submitted personal information, we will remove that information as soon as possible.
4. Information We Collect
When you interact with Hushly, we may collect several types of information.
Personal Information
Personal information may include:
- Name or stage name
- Email address
- Phone number
- Location or working area
- Profile images or uploaded media
- Account credentials
- Any information voluntarily submitted through forms or listings
For advertisers or listing owners, certain information may be publicly displayed on the website so potential clients can contact you.
Technical Information
We may also automatically collect technical information such as:
- IP address
- Browser type
- Device information
- Pages visited
- Date and time of access
- Search activity on the platform
This information helps maintain the performance and security of the website.
5. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
Hushly uses cookies and similar technologies to improve the user experience and analyse website usage.
Cookies are small files stored on your device that help websites remember information about your visit.
We may use cookies to:
- Maintain login sessions
- Improve website functionality
- Analyse visitor behaviour
- Optimise performance
You may disable cookies in your browser settings, although doing so may limit certain features of the site.
6. How We Use Your Information
The information collected may be used to:
- Operate and maintain the website
- Display listings and user profiles
- Enable communication between users and advertisers
- Provide customer support
- Improve platform performance and features
- Monitor activity to prevent misuse or fraud
- Send service announcements or updates
- Send marketing communications (which you may opt out of)
For listing owners, contact details submitted for listings may be publicly displayed as part of the advertising service provided.
7. User-Generated Content
Users may submit text, photos, profile details, reviews, or other content to the Hushly platform.
By submitting content, you confirm that:
- You have the legal right to publish the content
- The content does not violate any laws or third-party rights
- The content does not contain illegal or non-consensual material
Hushly does not independently verify all user-submitted content and cannot guarantee its accuracy.
We reserve the right to remove any content that violates our policies or applicable laws.
8. Profile Images and Media Rights
When you upload images, videos, or other media to Hushly, you grant Hushly a non-exclusive licence to store and display this content on the website for the purpose of operating the platform.
You confirm that:
- You own the content or have permission to publish it
- The content does not infringe the rights of others
- Any individuals appearing in the media have consented to its publication
We may remove media that violates our policies.
9. Search Engine Indexing
Listings and profiles published on Hushly may be indexed by search engines such as Google.
This means that public pages may appear in external search results.
While Hushly can remove content from its own website when requested, we cannot control how quickly search engines remove cached or indexed results.
10. Sharing of Information
Hushly does not sell personal information to third parties.
However, we may share limited information with trusted service providers who help operate the platform, including:
- Hosting providers
- Technical infrastructure providers
- Analytics services
- Customer support tools
We may also disclose information if required by law or to protect the rights and safety of users or the platform.
11. Data Retention
We retain personal information only for as long as necessary to operate our services, comply with legal obligations, and resolve disputes.
When information is no longer needed, we take reasonable steps to securely delete or anonymise it.
12. International Data Transfers
Because we may use global hosting or technical providers, your information may be processed or stored on servers located outside South Africa.
By using the platform you consent to such transfers where necessary to operate the service.
13. Data Security
We implement reasonable technical and administrative measures to protect user information, including:
- Secure encrypted connections (HTTPS)
- Password encryption
- Server access controls
- Security monitoring
Although we take strong precautions, no system can guarantee complete security.
14. Third-Party Websites
Hushly may contain links to external websites.
Once you leave our website, those sites operate under their own privacy policies. Hushly is not responsible for the privacy practices of third-party websites.
15. Your Data Rights
Under applicable laws such as the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), you may have the right to:
- Request access to your personal data
- Request corrections to inaccurate data
- Request deletion of your personal data
- Withdraw consent for certain uses
- Opt out of marketing communications
Requests may be made using the contact information provided below.
16. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time.
Updates will be posted on this page, and continued use of the website indicates acceptance of the updated policy.
17. Governing Law
This Privacy Policy is governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa, including the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).
18. Contact Information
For privacy-related questions or requests, please contact:
Email:
support@hushly.co.za
Content Removal Policy
Hushly allows users to publish listings and profiles. While we encourage responsible use of the platform, we recognise that issues may occasionally arise regarding posted content.
Individuals who believe that content on Hushly violates their rights may submit a removal request.
Content removal requests may include:
- Non-consensual images or media
- Impersonation or identity misuse
- Copyright violations
- Defamatory content
- Illegal material
Upon receiving a request, Hushly will review the content and may temporarily disable or permanently remove it if it violates our policies or applicable laws.
Requests may be submitted via:
Verification & Identity Policy
Hushly aims to maintain a safe and transparent platform for both advertisers and visitors.
In some cases, we may request verification information from users who publish listings.
Verification may include:
- Confirmation of identity
- Verification of contact information
- Confirmation that uploaded images belong to the listing owner
Verification helps reduce impersonation and fraudulent listings.
Hushly reserves the right to remove or suspend listings that cannot be verified or that appear misleading.
Safety & Consent Policy
Hushly supports responsible and consensual interactions between adults.
The platform is intended only for consenting adults aged 18 and older.
Users of the platform agree that:
- All interactions between parties must be consensual
- Illegal activities are strictly prohibited
- Exploitation, coercion, or trafficking is not permitted
Any listings suspected of illegal activity may be removed and reported to the appropriate authorities.
Hushly does not arrange or participate in services advertised on the platform and acts only as a directory connecting independent users.