austen smith inc.
Last updated: 29 September 2026
austen smith inc. respects the privacy and confidentiality of personal information entrusted to us. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store and protect personal information when you interact with our website, communicate with us electronically, or contact us through services such as WhatsApp.
We process personal information in accordance with applicable South African data protection legislation, including the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 (POPIA).
1. Information We May Collect
When you contact or interact with austen smith inc., we may collect information that you voluntarily provide to us, including your:
- Name and surname
- Telephone or mobile number
- Email address
- WhatsApp profile and contact information made available through WhatsApp
- Messages, documents, images or other information you send to us
- Information submitted through our website
- Information reasonably required for us to provide legal services or respond to an enquiry
Our website may also collect limited technical information normally generated when accessing a website, such as browser, device, cookie and usage information.
2. WhatsApp Communications
austen smith inc. provides WhatsApp as an additional method for clients and prospective clients to communicate with the firm.
When you contact us through WhatsApp, your telephone number, profile information made available by WhatsApp, message contents and any files or information you send may be processed by austen smith inc. for the purpose of responding to your enquiry and, where applicable, providing legal services.
WhatsApp communications are facilitated using WhatsApp Business Platform services provided by Meta and may also be processed through communications systems and service providers used by austen smith inc. to manage client communications.
Information processed by Meta or WhatsApp is also subject to their applicable privacy terms and policies.
3. How We Use Personal Information
We may use personal information to:
- Respond to enquiries and communications
- Communicate with clients and prospective clients
- Provide and administer legal services
- Manage client relationships and matters
- Maintain appropriate business and legal records
- Operate, secure and improve our website and communication systems
- Prevent fraud, misuse or security incidents
- Comply with legal, regulatory and professional obligations
We will not use personal information for purposes that are incompatible with the purpose for which it was collected unless permitted or required by law.
4. Sharing of Information
austen smith inc. does not sell personal information.
Information may be shared with authorised employees, professional advisers, service providers, technology providers or other parties where this is reasonably necessary to operate our business, provide our services, maintain our systems, or comply with legal and professional obligations.
Where third-party service providers process personal information on our behalf, we take reasonable steps to ensure that appropriate privacy and security safeguards are applied.
5. Security
We take reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect personal information against loss, unauthorised access, interference, alteration, disclosure or destruction.
No electronic communication or storage system can be guaranteed to be completely secure, and users should avoid sending information through electronic channels where they are uncomfortable with the associated risks.
6. Retention of Information
Personal information is retained only for as long as reasonably necessary for the purpose for which it was collected, to provide our services, maintain appropriate business records, or meet legal, regulatory and professional requirements.
Information that is no longer required will be securely deleted, destroyed or de-identified where appropriate.
7. Your Rights
Subject to applicable law, you may request information regarding personal information held about you and may request that inaccurate information be corrected or that information be deleted where austen smith inc. is not legally required or otherwise entitled to retain it.
Requests relating to personal information can be submitted using the contact details provided below.
8. Third-Party Services
Our website and communication services may make use of third-party platforms and technology providers, including Meta and WhatsApp.
These organisations may process certain information independently in accordance with their own privacy policies. austen smith inc. is not responsible for the privacy practices of independent third-party services.
9. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes to our services, technology, legal obligations or privacy practices.
The latest version will be published on this website with the date on which it was last updated.
10. Contact Us
For questions, requests or concerns regarding privacy or the processing of personal information, please contact:
austen smith inc.
Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal
South Africa
Email: mail@austensmith.co.za
Telephone: +27 33 392 0500
Website:https://www.austensmith.co.za/