Legal

Privacy Policy

Last updated: 8 September 2026

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This policy applies to the website at aetherforgedesigns.com and to any services provided by AetherForge Designs. It explains how we collect, use and protect your personal information in line with the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 (POPIA).

Who We Are

AetherForge Designs is a South African web design, branding and digital automation agency, operated by SEMPER VIRENS (Pty) Ltd (Reg. 2026/615551/07), trading as AetherForge Designs. We work with service-based businesses, professionals and consultants to build websites and digital systems that generate real enquiries and support business growth.

When you interact with our website or commission services from us, we may collect certain personal information. This policy explains what we collect, why, and how we handle it.

Information We Collect

We collect personal information only when you choose to provide it. This includes:

  • Your name, email address and phone number when you submit our contact form
  • Business information you share with us when making an enquiry or commissioning work
  • Project-related content, files and communications shared during an engagement
  • Payment information processed securely through our payment provider (we do not store card details directly)

We do not collect sensitive personal information as defined under POPIA, and we do not collect information from children under the age of 18.

How We Use Your Information

We use the information you provide for the following purposes:

  • To respond to your enquiry and provide you with a quote or proposal
  • To deliver and manage the services you have engaged us for
  • To communicate project updates, timelines and deliverables
  • To process payments for services rendered
  • To send occasional updates about our work or new content, only where you have opted in

We do not sell, rent or share your personal information with third parties for marketing purposes.

How We Store and Protect Your Information

Your information is stored securely using industry-standard measures. We retain client information for as long as is necessary to fulfil the agreed services or as required by South African law. Enquiry data from visitors who do not proceed as clients is held for no longer than 12 months.

While we take reasonable steps to protect your information, no method of electronic transmission or storage is completely secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security, but we take this responsibility seriously.

Third Party Services

Our website and operations make use of the following third party services, each of which has its own privacy practices:

  • Google Fonts, used for website typography. Font files are loaded from Google's servers. No personal identifying information is transmitted in this process.
  • Email service provider, used to receive and manage contact form submissions and client communication.
  • PayFast, our payment processing partner for secure online payments. See below for more detail.

Payment Processing via PayFast

AetherForge Designs uses PayFast as our online payment processing partner. PayFast is a South African payment gateway that enables secure card and EFT payments.

When you complete a payment through our website, you are redirected to PayFast's secure platform. We do not store, see or handle your card details directly. All payment data is processed and held by PayFast in accordance with their own privacy policy and PCI DSS security standards.

PayFast payments are currently being activated and will be available as a payment option shortly.

Cookies

Our website uses minimal functional cookies necessary for basic site operation. We do not use advertising or behavioural tracking cookies. By continuing to use our website, you consent to our use of necessary cookies only.

Your Rights Under POPIA

As a data subject under the Protection of Personal Information Act, you have the right to:

  • Be informed about the personal information we hold about you
  • Access the personal information we hold about you
  • Request correction of inaccurate, irrelevant or outdated information
  • Request deletion of your personal information, subject to legal and contractual requirements
  • Withdraw consent to the processing of your information at any time
  • Lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator of South Africa if you believe your rights have been violated

To exercise any of these rights, contact us through the form on our website or email us at connect@aetherforgedesigns.com.

Links to Other Websites

Our website may contain links to external sites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those sites and encourage you to read their privacy policies separately.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this privacy policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. The current version is always available on this page. We encourage you to review it periodically.

Contact Us

If you have any questions about this privacy policy or how we handle your personal information, please contact us: