Privacy Policy
How we collect, use, and protect your personal information
Effective Date: 2026
Auto.co.za (Pty) Ltd (Auto.co.za, we, our, or us) respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and share your information when you use our AI-powered car marketplace.
By using our services, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy.
Who We Are
Auto.co.za is a South African technology platform that connects car buyers, sellers, and dealerships through artificial intelligence, automation, and digital tools. We are committed to protecting the privacy and data of all users in accordance with POPIA and applicable South African privacy laws.
Information We Collect
We may collect and process the following categories of personal information:
Information You Provide
- Full Name
- Email Address
- Mobile Number
- Physical location (e.g. province, city)
- ID number (when required for verification)
- Car details, photos and description
- Dealer registration documents (for dealers)
Information Collected Automatically
- IP address and browser type
- Device information and usage data
- Cookies and tracking technologies
- Activity logs (e.g. clicks, time on page, searches)
Optional/Transactional Data
- Financial information (if applying for financing or insurance quotes)
- WhatsApp communication logs (if using our integrated chat feature)
How We Use Your Information
We use your information to:
- Register and manage your user or dealer account
- Facilitate buying, selling, and negotiation processes
- Enable AI-powered tools (e.g. valuations, recommendations, auto-listing)
- Connect you with matching cars, buyers, or dealers
- Deliver customer support and improve platform performance
- Send service notifications, alerts, and promotional offers (if opted in)
- Detect fraud, abuse, and unauthorized access
Cookies and Tracking
We use cookies and similar technologies to:
- Recognize your browser and remember preferences
- Analyze platform usage for performance improvements
- Serve personalized ads and content (where applicable)
You may manage your cookie preferences via your browser settings.
Sharing Your Information
We may share your personal information with:
- Verified buyers, sellers, and dealers you interact with
- Trusted third-party service providers (e.g. hosting, analytics, payment gateways)
- Financial or insurance partners if you request quotes
- Legal or regulatory bodies if required by law
- Marketing platforms, only with your consent
We do not sell your personal information.
Storage and Retention
We store personal data on secure servers and retain it only as long as:
- Required to provide services
- Required by law or regulation
- Needed for record-keeping, audits, or fraud prevention
After the retention period, data is securely deleted or anonymized.
Your Rights Under POPIA
As a data subject, you have the right to:
- Access the personal data we hold about you
- Request correction or deletion of inaccurate data
- Object to the processing of personal data
- Withdraw marketing consent at any time
- Lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator of South Africa
To exercise these rights, email us at privacy@auto.co.za.
How We Protect Your Information
We implement appropriate security measures, including:
- Data encryption and firewalls
- Access control and authentication systems
- AI-based fraud monitoring
- Staff training on data privacy and POPIA compliance
Children's Privacy
Our services are not intended for users under 18. We do not knowingly collect personal data from minors.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. All updates will be posted on our website with a revised effective date. Continued use of the platform constitutes acceptance of the updated terms.
Contact Us
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this Privacy Policy or how your data is handled, please contact:
- 📧 privacy@auto.co.za
- Auto.co.za (Pty) Ltd, Johannesburg, South Africa
Auto.co.za — Smarter, Safer, and Private by Design.