Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy for Autotude

Last Updated: 31-01-2026

1. Introduction

Welcome to Autotude (“we,” “our,” “us,” or “Autotude”). We operate the Autotude website and mobile platform (collectively, the “Platform”), an online marketplace connecting buyers and sellers of vehicles in South Africa.

We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our Platform, register an account, list a vehicle, browse listings, or use any of our services.

By accessing or using the Autotude Platform, you consent to the practices described in this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with our policies and practices, please do not use our services.

This Policy is drafted in accordance with the South African Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013 (POPIA).

2. Information We Collect

We collect information that identifies, relates to, describes, or could reasonably be linked, directly or indirectly, with you or your household (“Personal Information”). This includes:

A. Information You Provide Directly:

• Account Information: Name, surname, email address, phone number, and password when you create an account.

• Profile Information: Profile picture, business name (if applicable), and address.

• Vehicle Listing Information: Details about vehicles you list for sale, including make, model, year, VIN, registration number, photographs, description, and price.

• Communication Data: Contents of messages you send to other users through the Platform, enquiries to sellers, and communications with our support team.

• Transaction Data: While we facilitate connections, we may collect information related to enquiries, offers, and, if applicable, payment facilitation details (though actual payment processing may be handled by third-party providers).

B. Information Collected Automatically:

• Device and Usage Data: IP address, browser type, operating system, device identifiers, pages viewed, time spent on pages, links clicked, and search queries.

• Location Data: General location information (like city or suburb) derived from your IP address or, if you permit, precise location from your device to show you relevant local listings.

• Cookies and Tracking Technologies: We use cookies, web beacons, and similar technologies to enhance user experience, analyze trends, and administer the Platform. You can control cookie settings through your browser.

C. Information from Third Parties:

• We may receive information from third-party services (like social media platforms if you log in through them) or marketing partners, in accordance with their privacy policies and applicable law.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your Personal Information for the following lawful business purposes:

• To Provide and Operate the Platform: Create and manage your account, process listings, display vehicle ads, facilitate communication between users, and provide customer support.

• To Personalise Your Experience: Show you relevant vehicle listings, content, and advertisements based on your preferences, searches, and location.

• To Communicate with You: Send you service-related announcements (e.g., account verification, listing status updates, responses to enquiries), administrative messages, and marketing communications (where you have consented). You can opt out of marketing at any time.

• For Security and Fraud Prevention: To verify accounts, monitor for fraudulent or suspicious activity (such as scam listings), and protect the security and integrity of the Platform and our users.

• For Analytics and Improvement: To understand how users interact with our Platform, analyse trends, and improve our services, features, and user interface.

• To Comply with Legal Obligations: To comply with applicable South African laws, regulations, legal processes, or enforceable governmental requests.

4. How We Share Your Information

We do not sell your Personal Information. We may share it only in the following circumstances:

• With Other Users: Your contact information (as you choose to display it) and vehicle listing details are shared with potential buyers or sellers when you interact on the Platform.

• With Service Providers: We share information with trusted third-party vendors who perform services on our behalf, such as hosting, data analysis, payment processing, email delivery, customer service, and marketing assistance. These parties are contractually bound to protect your information.

• For Legal Reasons: If required by law, subpoena, or other legal process; to protect and defend our rights, property, or safety, or that of our users or the public; or to investigate fraud or security issues.

• Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, sale of company assets, financing, or acquisition of all or a portion of our business by another company.

• With Your Consent: For any other purpose disclosed to you at the time we collect the information, with your explicit permission.

5. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organisational security measures designed to protect your Personal Information from unauthorised access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. These include encryption, secure servers, and access controls. However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

6. Your Rights Under POPIA

As a data subject in South Africa, you have the right to:

• Access: Request access to the Personal Information we hold about you.

• Correction: Request correction of any inaccurate or incomplete Personal Information.

• Deletion (Erasure): Request deletion of your Personal Information under certain conditions.

• Object to Processing: Object to the processing of your Personal Information, particularly for direct marketing purposes.

• Lodge a Complaint: Lodge a complaint with the South African Information Regulator.

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the details in Section 10. We may need to verify your identity before fulfilling your request.

7. Data Retention

We retain your Personal Information only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes outlined in this Policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law (e.g., for tax, legal, or accounting purposes). When we no longer need your information, we will securely delete or anonymise it.

8. Third-Party Links

Our Platform may contain links to third-party websites (e.g., financing partners, vehicle history check services). This Privacy Policy does not apply to those sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.

9. Children’s Privacy

Our Platform is not intended for individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect Personal Information from children. If we become aware of such collection, we will take steps to delete it.

10. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the new policy on the Platform and updating the “Last Updated” date. Your continued use of the Platform after such changes constitutes your acceptance of the new policy.

11. Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact our Information Officer:

Autotude (Pty) Ltd
[Physical Address]
Email Address for Privacy Inquiries, e.g., enquiry@autotude.co.za
[Phone Number]

Information Regulator (South Africa)
Complaints can be lodged with the Information Regulator at:
Details as per the Information Regulator's official website