Privacy policy

Privacy Policy – The Zimbabwe Mail

Effective Date: [01 October 2025]
Last Updated:

The Zimbabwe Mail (“we”, “our”, “us”) respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, share, and safeguard your data in compliance with:

  • The Zimbabwe Data Protection Act [Chapter 11:12] (2021)

  • The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) (for visitors from the European Union and United Kingdom)

By using our website https://thezimbabwemail.com, you consent to the practices described in this Privacy Policy.

1. Who We Are

We are an independent digital newspaper delivering Zimbabwean and international news.
Website: https://thezimbabwemail.com

Email: Edditor@thezimbabwemail.com

2. Information We Collect

We may collect and process the following types of data:

  • Personal Identification Data: Name, email address, IP address, location data, and device/browser information.

  • Comments Data: Data entered into the comments form, IP address, and browser user agent string (for spam detection).

  • Account Data: If you create an account, we collect your username, password, and profile details.

  • Media Data: Uploaded images (excluding embedded GPS data, which visitors may extract).

  • Cookies & Tracking Data: Preferences, login information, analytics, and third-party embedded content.

3. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR Compliance)

We process your personal data under one or more of the following legal bases:

  • Consent: When you voluntarily provide information (e.g., newsletter subscription, comments).

  • Contract: When processing is necessary to deliver requested services (e.g., account registration).

  • Legal Obligation: When required by law (e.g., data retention, fraud prevention).

  • Legitimate Interests: For website security, analytics, and improvement of services.

4. Cookies and Tracking

We use cookies to:

  • Improve user experience

  • Remember login details and preferences

  • Analyse traffic and readership trends (e.g., Google Analytics)

You can manage or disable cookies via your browser settings.

5. How We Use Your Data

We use the collected data for:

  • Delivering and improving content and services

  • Preventing spam, fraud, and abuse

  • Personalising user experience

  • Responding to enquiries and support requests

  • Complying with legal requirements

6. Who We Share Your Data With

  • Third-Party Service Providers: Hosting, analytics (e.g., Google Analytics), email delivery, and spam detection.

  • Password Reset Requests: Your IP address may be included in the reset email.

  • Legal Authorities: Where disclosure is required to comply with Zimbabwean law or international regulations.

We do not sell or rent your personal data to third parties.

7. International Data Transfers

Your data may be stored or processed outside Zimbabwe, including in the EU, UK, or US. Where transfers occur, we ensure adequate safeguards are in place in accordance with GDPR and the Zimbabwe Data Protection Act.

8. Data Retention

  • Comments: Retained indefinitely (to recognise follow-ups).

  • User Accounts: Stored until deletion. Users may delete their profile at any time.

  • Cookies: Retained per duration specified (from 24 hours to 1 year).

  • Legal Compliance: Certain data may be retained as required by law.

9. Your Rights (GDPR & Zimbabwe Data Protection Act)

You have the following rights over your personal data:

  • Right to Access: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.

  • Right to Rectification: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data.

  • Right to Erasure (“Right to be Forgotten”): Request deletion of your data, except where legally required.

  • Right to Restrict Processing: Request limited use of your data in certain circumstances.

  • Right to Data Portability: Request your data in a structured, machine-readable format.

  • Right to Object: Opt-out of processing based on legitimate interests or marketing.

  • Right to Withdraw Consent: Where processing is based on consent, you may withdraw it at any time.

To exercise these rights, contact us at: [Insert Contact Email].

If you are based in the EU/UK, you may also lodge a complaint with your national Data Protection Authority.

If you are based in Zimbabwe, you may file a complaint with the Data Protection Authority of Zimbabwe (Cyber Security and Monitoring Centre, Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe – POTRAZ).

10. Data Security

We implement strict security measures (encryption, firewalls, secure servers) to protect your data. However, no system is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute protection against cyber threats.

11. Children’s Privacy

Our services are not directed to individuals under the age of 16. We do not knowingly collect data from children. If you believe a child has provided us with personal data, please contact us for removal.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in law, technology, or services. Updates will be published on this page with a revised “Last Updated” date.

13. Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy, please contact:

The Zimbabwe Mail
Email: compliance@thezimbabwemail.com

Website: https://thezimbabwemail.com