Privacy

Introduction

Maine Chartered Accountants is strongly committed to protecting personal data. This privacy statement describes why and how we collect and use personal data and provides information about individuals’ rights in relation to their personal data. It applies to personal data provided to us, both by individuals themselves or by others. We may use personal data for any of the purposes described in this privacy statement or as otherwise stated at the point of collection.

As used in this privacy statement, “Maine Chartered Accountants,” “us,” and “we” refer to the firm and/or one or more of its partners or affiliates that may process your personal information. Each entity within Maine Chartered Accountants operates as a separate legal entity. The data controllers of your personal information are one or more of these entities.

In this privacy statement, “personal data” or “personal information” refers to any information that identifies you. We also refer to actions such as handling, collecting, protecting, or storing this data as “processing”. Our policy is to be transparent about why and how we process personal data.

Legal Grounds for Processing Personal Data

Depending on local legal requirements, we rely on one or more of the following legal grounds:

• Legitimate interests: For example, to deliver services to you and operate our business effectively.
• Compliance with legal obligations: For regulatory or professional reasons (e.g., required by law or professional bodies).
• Contractual performance: When we need to fulfill obligations under a contract with you.
• Consent: When no other legal grounds apply, we will seek your consent for specific purposes.

Transfers of Personal Data

Cross-border Transfers

If your personal data is processed, it may be transferred and stored outside the country where you are located. This includes countries that may not have the same level of data protection laws. When transferring data outside the EEA (European Economic Area), we ensure:

• Transfers are made to a country with adequate protection levels, or
• Standard contractual clauses approved by the European Commission are used to safeguard your information.

Other Entities and Third-Party Providers

We may share data within Maine Chartered Accountants entities when necessary to provide services. For example, personal data may be shared between different offices involved in advising the same client.

We also use third-party providers for IT infrastructure, data hosting, analytics, and other services. These providers are required to maintain strict confidentiality and security standards. In some cases, third-party contractors may engage their own subcontractors (sub-processors) to process data on our behalf.

Disclosures to Third Parties

Personal data may also be disclosed:

• To legal advisers for business operations or to defend legal rights.
• When explicitly requested by you or to deliver publications and event materials.
• To law enforcement, government agencies, or professional bodies as required by law.

If you have any questions or wish to exercise your data rights, please contact us directly.

POPIA Disclaimer

Your privacy is important to us, and we are committed to protecting your personal information in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) of South Africa.

By using this website, you acknowledge and agree to the following:

1. Collection of Personal Information
   We may collect, process, and store your personal information for the purpose of providing you with our services, improving user experience, and complying with legal obligations. This may include information such as your name, email address, contact details, and browsing activity.
2. Use of Personal Information
   Your personal information will only be used for the purposes for which it was collected and will not be shared with third parties without your explicit consent, unless required by law.
3. Data Security
   We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to ensure the security of your personal information and to prevent unauthorized access, alteration, or disclosure.
4. Your Rights
   As a user, you have the right to:
   • Access and request a copy of your personal information.
   • Request correction or deletion of your personal information.
   • Withdraw your consent for the processing of your personal information.
   • Lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator if you believe your rights have been violated.
5. Cookies and Tracking
   This website may use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your browsing experience. You may opt out of cookies by adjusting your browser settings; however, certain functionalities of the site may be affected.
6. Third-Party Services
   We may use trusted third-party service providers to process your information on our behalf. These parties are required to handle your data securely and in compliance with POPIA.
7. Changes to this Policy
   We reserve the right to update this disclaimer and our privacy practices from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page.
8. Contact Us
   If you have any questions or concerns about how we handle your personal information, please contact us at (018) 386 1440 or info@maine-acc.co.za.