This Privacy Policy explains how Africa360° ("Africa360°", "we", "us", or "our") collects, uses, shares, and protects personal information when you visit africa360degrees.com, read our analysis, subscribe to our newsletters, or contact us (together, the "Site"). It also sets out the rights you hold over your information and how to exercise them. By using the Site, you agree to the practices described here.

Who we are and scope

Africa360° is a pan-African digital publication that decodes power, systems, and global structures through African conditions. For the purposes of data protection law, Africa360° is the controller of the personal information described in this policy. This policy covers the Site only; it does not cover third-party platforms we may link to, which operate under their own terms.

Information we collect

We collect information in three ways:

• Information you give us. When you contact us, submit an editorial pitch, respond to a correction, apply to advertise, or subscribe to a newsletter, you may provide your name, email address, organisation, and the content of your message.
• Information collected automatically. When you read the Site, we and our service providers may collect your IP address, approximate location, device and browser type, pages viewed, referring URLs, and the dates and times of access, through cookies and similar technologies.
• Information from third parties. If you reach us through a social platform or a newsletter provider, we may receive limited information from that service, governed by its own privacy policy.

How we use your information

We use personal information to:

• respond to your enquiries, pitches, corrections, and advertising requests, and route them to the right desk;
• deliver newsletters and editorial updates you have asked to receive;
• operate, secure, and improve the Site, and understand which analysis readers find most useful;
• protect the Site against fraud, spam, and abuse, including verifying form submissions with anti-spam and reCAPTCHA checks;
• comply with legal obligations and enforce our Terms of Use.

Legal bases for processing

Where data protection law (such as the EU/UK GDPR) applies, we process personal information on these bases: your consent (for example, newsletter subscriptions, which you may withdraw at any time); our legitimate interests in running and securing a credible publication (for example, analytics and abuse prevention), balanced against your rights; performance of a request you have made (for example, replying to your message); and legal obligation where we must retain or disclose information by law.

Cookies and analytics

The Site uses cookies and similar technologies to keep the Site working, to remember preferences, and to measure readership. Analytics cookies help us understand, in aggregate, how readers engage with our analysis; they are not used to build advertising profiles of individuals. You can control or block cookies through your browser settings, though blocking some cookies may affect how the Site functions. Where required, we ask for your consent before setting non-essential cookies.

Forms, anti-spam, and reCAPTCHA

Our contact and advertising forms are protected by a hidden anti-spam field and, where configured, Google reCAPTCHA. reCAPTCHA collects hardware and software information and sends it to Google to distinguish humans from bots; its use is subject to Google's Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. We use it solely to keep the forms free of automated abuse.

Sharing and disclosure

We do not sell your personal information. We share it only with:

• Service providers who process data on our behalf, across hosting, email and newsletter delivery, analytics, and security, under contracts that require them to protect it and use it only as we instruct;
• Legal and safety recipients where disclosure is required by law, or necessary to protect the rights, safety, and integrity of the Site, our readers, or our journalism;
• Successors in the event of a merger, acquisition, or reorganisation, subject to this policy.

International data transfers

Africa360° operates across borders, and our service providers may process information in countries other than your own, including the United States. Where personal information is transferred internationally, we rely on appropriate safeguards (such as standard contractual clauses) to protect it consistently with this policy and applicable law.

Data retention

We keep personal information only for as long as needed for the purposes set out here: correspondence for as long as needed to handle your enquiry and keep a reasonable record; newsletter data until you unsubscribe; and analytics data for limited, rolling periods. When information is no longer needed, we delete or anonymise it.

Security

We use reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect personal information against loss, misuse, and unauthorised access. No method of transmission or storage is completely secure, but we work to safeguard your information and to respond promptly if a risk arises.

Your rights

Depending on where you live, you may have the right to access the personal information we hold about you; to correct or delete it; to object to or restrict certain processing; to withdraw consent; to data portability; and to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority. Where the laws of your jurisdiction (such as the GDPR or the California Consumer Privacy Act) grant these rights, we honour them. To exercise any right, contact us using the details below; we may need to verify your identity before acting.

Children's privacy

The Site is intended for a general, adult readership and is not directed at children. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, contact us and we will delete it.

Third-party links and content

Our analysis frequently cites and links to external sources, institutions, and data. We do not control those sites and are not responsible for their privacy practices. We encourage you to read the privacy policy of any site you visit through our links.

Changes to this policy

We may update this policy from time to time. Changes take effect when posted on this page, and the "last updated" date above reflects the most recent revision. Where changes are significant, we will take reasonable steps to bring them to your attention.

Contact us

For any privacy question, or to exercise your rights, email contact@africa360degrees.com, or use our contact page. We aim to respond within a reasonable period and within the timeframes required by applicable law.

1. Who We Are

Africa 360 Degrees (“we”, “us”, or “our”) is a digital news publication dedicated to delivering insightful, high-quality journalism on Africa’s role and voice in a global context. Our editorial tagline, “The Pulse of Africa in a Global Frame,” reflects our commitment to responsible, independent reporting.

Our registered website is accessible at https://africa360degrees.com. For all data protection enquiries, we may be contacted at privacy@africa360degrees.com.

This Privacy Policy sets out the basis on which we collect, use, store, disclose, and protect personal data obtained through your use of our website and related services. It has been prepared in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (“GDPR”), the UK GDPR as retained in UK law under the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018, and other applicable international data protection standards.

By accessing or using our website, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with its terms, please discontinue use of the website.

2. Data Controller

Africa 360 Degrees acts as the Data Controller in respect of personal data collected through this website. As Data Controller, we are responsible for determining the purposes and means of processing your personal data.

Contact details for data protection matters:

• Email: privacy@africa360degrees.com
• Website: https://africa360degrees.com/contact

3. Information We Collect

3.1 Personal Data You Provide Directly

We may collect personal data that you voluntarily provide when you:

• Subscribe to our newsletter or mailing list;
• Submit a comment or engage with published articles;
• Contact us through our website contact form or via email;
• Register for events, webinars, or other activities we may organise;
• Contribute articles, tips, or press releases to our editorial team.

The categories of personal data collected in these contexts may include your full name, email address, organisation or affiliation, country of residence, and any information you voluntarily include in your communications with us.

3.2 Data Collected Automatically

When you visit our website, certain technical data is collected automatically through our web server logs, cookies, and third-party analytics services. This may include:

• Internet Protocol (IP) address;
• Browser type, version, and operating system;
• Device type and screen resolution;
• Referring URL and exit pages;
• Pages visited, time on page, and navigation paths;
• Date and time of access;
• Geographic location (country/region level, derived from IP address).

This data is collected for the purposes of website performance monitoring, security, and improving the user experience. It is processed in aggregate where possible and is not ordinarily used to identify individual users directly.

3.3 Data from Third-Party Sources

We may receive supplementary data about you from third-party platforms, including social media networks, advertising partners, or analytics providers, where you have consented to such sharing under the terms of those platforms. We will treat such data in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

4. How We Use Your Data

We process personal data only for specified, explicit, and legitimate purposes. The purposes for which we may use your data include:

• Delivering the newsletter and editorial updates to which you have subscribed;
• Responding to enquiries, correspondence, and comment submissions;
• Administering and improving the functionality and content of the website;
• Analysing user behaviour and traffic patterns to enhance user experience;
• Ensuring the security and integrity of our digital infrastructure;
• Complying with legal obligations, court orders, or regulatory requirements;
• Detecting, preventing, and investigating fraud or other unlawful activity;
• Conducting internal research and audience analytics to inform editorial strategy.

We will not use your personal data for purposes that are incompatible with those stated above without first obtaining your consent or establishing another lawful basis for processing.

5. Legal Basis for Processing

In accordance with Article 6 of the GDPR, we process your personal data on the following lawful bases:

• Consent (Article 6(1)(a)): Where you have given clear, affirmative consent to processing, such as when subscribing to our newsletter or accepting non-essential cookies. You may withdraw your consent at any time without prejudice to the lawfulness of processing carried out prior to withdrawal.
• Contract Performance (Article 6(1)(b)): Where processing is necessary to fulfil a contractual obligation or to take steps at your request prior to entering into a contract.
• Legitimate Interests (Article 6(1)(f)): Where processing is necessary for our legitimate interests, or those of a third party, provided such interests are not overridden by your rights and freedoms. Our legitimate interests include operating a functional and secure website, understanding our readership, and improving our journalism.
• Legal Obligation (Article 6(1)(c)): Where processing is necessary to comply with a legal obligation to which we are subject, including applicable data protection, tax, and regulatory law.

6. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

6.1 What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files placed on your device by a web server when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites function effectively and to provide information to website operators. Cookies may be “session cookies” (which expire when you close your browser) or “persistent cookies” (which remain on your device for a set period or until manually deleted).

6.2 Categories of Cookies We Use

• Strictly Necessary Cookies: These cookies are essential for the operation of the website and cannot be disabled. They enable core functionality such as page navigation, security, and access to restricted areas.
• Performance and Analytics Cookies: These cookies collect information about how visitors interact with the website, including pages visited and any error messages encountered. Data collected is aggregated and anonymised where possible and is used solely to improve website performance.
• Functionality Cookies: These cookies enable the website to remember your preferences and settings, such as language selection or region, to provide an enhanced and personalised experience.
• Targeting and Advertising Cookies: These cookies may be placed by third-party advertising networks with our permission. They track your browsing habits to deliver advertisements relevant to your interests. You may opt out of targeted advertising through your cookie preferences or via your browser settings.

6.3 Managing Your Cookie Preferences

You may manage, restrict, or delete cookies at any time through your browser settings. Please note that disabling certain cookies may affect the functionality of the website. For further information on managing cookies, please refer to your browser’s help documentation or visit www.allaboutcookies.org.

Where required by applicable law, we will seek your consent before placing non-essential cookies on your device.

7. Sharing Your Personal Data

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal data to third parties. We may, however, disclose your data in the following limited circumstances:

• Service Providers and Data Processors: We engage trusted third-party companies to provide services on our behalf, including email distribution platforms, web hosting providers, content delivery networks, and analytics services. Such providers are bound by contractual data processing agreements and are permitted to process your data only on our documented instructions.
• Legal and Regulatory Authorities: We may disclose your personal data to law enforcement agencies, courts, regulators, or other public authorities where required to do so by applicable law, or where such disclosure is necessary to protect our legal rights, prevent fraud, or ensure the safety of our staff, contributors, or the public.
• Business Transfers: In the event of a merger, acquisition, reorganisation, or sale of all or substantially all of our assets, your personal data may be transferred to the relevant successor entity. We will provide notice before your personal data becomes subject to a different privacy policy.
• Professional Advisers: We may share your data with lawyers, auditors, insurers, and other professional advisers in connection with the operation of our business, subject to obligations of confidentiality.
• Any third party with whom we share your data is required to handle it in accordance with applicable data protection law and our contractual requirements.

8. International Data Transfers

Africa 360 Degrees serves a global readership, and as a result, your personal data may be transferred to and processed in countries outside the European Economic Area (EEA) or the United Kingdom. Some of these countries may not provide the same level of data protection as your home jurisdiction.

Where we transfer personal data internationally, we ensure that appropriate safeguards are in place in accordance with applicable law. These safeguards may include:

• Adequacy decisions issued by the European Commission or UK Secretary of State;
• Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) approved by the relevant regulatory authority;
• Binding Corporate Rules or other legally recognised transfer mechanisms.

You may request further information about the specific safeguards applied to international transfers of your data by contacting us at privacy@africa360degrees.com.

9. Your Data Protection Rights

Subject to applicable law and certain conditions, you have the following rights in respect of your personal data:

• Right of Access (Article 15 GDPR): You have the right to request a copy of the personal data we hold about you, along with information about how it is processed.
• Right to Rectification (Article 16 GDPR): You have the right to request correction of inaccurate or incomplete personal data we hold about you.
• Right to Erasure (Article 17 GDPR): You have the right to request deletion of your personal data where there is no compelling reason for its continued processing (“the right to be forgotten”).
• Right to Restriction of Processing (Article 18 GDPR): You have the right to request that we restrict the processing of your personal data in certain circumstances, for example where you contest the accuracy of the data.
• Right to Data Portability (Article 20 GDPR): Where processing is based on your consent or the performance of a contract, you have the right to receive your personal data in a structured, commonly used, and machine-readable format, and to request its transfer to another controller where technically feasible.
• Right to Object (Article 21 GDPR): You have the right to object to the processing of your personal data where that processing is based on our legitimate interests. We will cease processing unless we can demonstrate compelling legitimate grounds that override your interests, rights, and freedoms.
• Rights Related to Automated Decision-Making and Profiling (Article 22 GDPR): You have the right not to be subject to decisions based solely on automated processing, including profiling, that produce legal or similarly significant effects concerning you.
• Right to Withdraw Consent: Where processing is based on your consent, you may withdraw that consent at any time without affecting the lawfulness of prior processing.

To exercise any of the rights set out above, please submit a written request to:

• Email: privacy@africa360degrees.com
• Subject Line: “Data Subject Rights Request”

We will respond to your request within one calendar month of receipt. In complex or high-volume cases, we may extend this period by a further two months, in which case we will notify you accordingly. We will not charge a fee for handling your request unless it is manifestly unfounded or excessive.

If you are dissatisfied with our response, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the supervisory authority in your country of residence. In the United Kingdom, this is the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) at www.ico.org.uk. In the European Union, please consult the relevant national data protection authority.

10. Data Retention

We retain personal data only for as long as is necessary to fulfil the purposes for which it was collected, or as required by applicable law, regulation, or legitimate business need. The following general retention periods apply:

• Newsletter subscribers: Data is retained for the duration of your subscription and for up to 12 months following unsubscription, after which it is securely deleted or anonymised.
• Contact enquiries and correspondence: Retained for up to 3 years from the date of last contact, to allow us to respond to follow-up communications and for record-keeping purposes.
• Comments submitted on articles: Retained in accordance with our editorial moderation policy. Published comments may remain on the website indefinitely, subject to editorial review and your right to erasure.
• Website analytics data: Retained in aggregated or anonymised form for up to 26 months.
• Legal and compliance records: Retained for the period required by applicable law, which may be up to 7 years or longer in certain jurisdictions.

Upon expiry of the applicable retention period, personal data will be securely deleted, destroyed, or anonymised in a manner that prevents reconstruction.

11. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal data against accidental or unlawful destruction, loss, alteration, unauthorised disclosure, or access. These measures include, but are not limited to:

• Encryption of data in transit using Transport Layer Security (TLS);
• Access controls and authentication measures restricting data access to authorised personnel;
• Regular security assessments and vulnerability testing of our digital infrastructure;
• Staff training on data protection obligations and information security practices;
• Contractual obligations imposed on third-party data processors requiring equivalent security standards.

Notwithstanding the above, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is entirely secure. While we endeavour to protect your personal data, we cannot guarantee absolute security. In the event of a personal data breach that is likely to result in a high risk to your rights and freedoms, we will notify you and the relevant supervisory authority in accordance with applicable law.

12. Children’s Privacy

Our website is not directed at, and is not intended for use by, individuals under the age of 16 years. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children. If we become aware that we have inadvertently collected personal data from a child without appropriate parental or guardian consent, we will take steps to delete such data as soon as reasonably practicable.

If you believe that we may have collected personal data from a child, please contact us immediately at privacy@africa360degrees.com.

13. Third-Party Websites and Links

Our website may contain hyperlinks to third-party websites, applications, or services that are not operated by Africa 360 Degrees. This Privacy Policy applies solely to our website and does not extend to any third-party platforms.

We are not responsible for the privacy practices, content, or security of third-party websites. We strongly encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party websites you visit before providing any personal data.

14. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We reserve the right to amend or update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our data processing practices, legal obligations, or regulatory requirements. Any material changes will be communicated to users by posting an updated version of this policy on this page, accompanied by a revised “Last Reviewed” date at the top of the document.

Where changes are significant, we may provide additional notice, such as via email notification to newsletter subscribers or a prominent notice on the website homepage. We encourage you to review this policy periodically to remain informed of how we process your personal data.

Continued use of the website following the publication of an updated Privacy Policy constitutes acceptance of the revised terms.

15. Contact Us

For all enquiries, requests, or concerns relating to this Privacy Policy or our data processing practices, please contact us using the following details:

This Privacy Policy is effective as of 3 December 2020 and was last reviewed on 3 May 2026. © 2026 Africa 360 Degrees. All rights reserved.