Application Hosting Solutions

SyntiqCloud (Pty) Ltd ("SyntiqCloud", "we", "us", or "our") is committed to protecting the privacy and security of personal information entrusted to us. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard personal data when delivering our managed hosting, email, infrastructure, and related technology services.

This policy is designed to align with the principles of the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and internationally recognized privacy standards.

1. Scope of Policy

This Privacy Policy applies to:

• Customers and prospective customers
• Users of hosted applications
• Website visitors
• Authorized customer personnel

2. Information We Collect

We may collect and process the following categories of personal information:

Account Information:

• Names
• Business details
• Email addresses
• Telephone numbers
• Billing information

Technical Information:

• IP addresses
• Login records
• Device metadata
• Support communications
• Security logs

Hosted Data:

SyntiqCloud may process data stored by customers on our infrastructure strictly for the purpose of providing services.

We do not access hosted data except:

• When required for technical support
• To maintain system security
• When legally required
• At the customer's instruction

3. Lawful Basis for Processing

We process personal information only where:

• Necessary to perform a contract
• Required for legitimate business interests
• Needed to comply with legal obligations
• Authorized by the customer

4. How We Use Personal Information

Personal information is used to:

• Deliver hosting services
• Maintain platform security
• Process payments
• Provide technical support
• Communicate service updates
• Meet regulatory obligations
• Prevent fraud and abuse

We do NOT sell personal data.

5. Data Security

SyntiqCloud implements reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect personal information from:

• Unauthorized access
• Disclosure
• Alteration
• Loss
• Destruction

Security measures include access controls, encryption where appropriate, monitoring, and infrastructure protections.

However, no internet-based service is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

6. Sub-Processors and Third-Party Infrastructure

To provide reliable services, SyntiqCloud utilizes reputable third-party infrastructure providers ("sub-processors").

These providers are contractually required to maintain appropriate security and confidentiality standards.

7. Cross-Border Data Transfers

Because modern cloud infrastructure may span multiple regions, personal data may be processed outside the country in which it was collected.

When transferring data internationally, SyntiqCloud takes reasonable steps to ensure appropriate safeguards are in place consistent with applicable data protection principles.

8. Data Retention

We retain personal information only for as long as necessary to:

• Provide contracted services
• Comply with legal obligations
• Resolve disputes
• Enforce agreements

Upon termination of services, data may be deleted in accordance with our retention procedures unless legally required otherwise.

9. Customer Responsibilities

Customers are responsible for ensuring they have the legal right to upload and process personal data using our services.

Customers remain the data controller for information they host with us.

10. Individual Rights

Where applicable, individuals may have the right to:

• Request access to their personal information
• Request correction of inaccurate data
• Request deletion where legally permissible
• Object to certain processing activities

Requests may be subject to identity verification and legal limitations.

11. Incident Notification

If SyntiqCloud becomes aware of a confirmed security incident affecting personal data, we will notify affected customers without undue delay in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

12. Children's Information

Our services are not intended for direct use by children, and we do not knowingly collect personal data from minors without appropriate authorization.

13. Policy Updates

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect operational, legal, or regulatory changes. The latest version will always be available on our website.

14. Contact Information

Privacy-related inquiries may be directed to:

SyntiqCloud (Pty) Ltd
Website: hostingstudio.co.za
Email: privacy@hostingstudio.co.za (recommended)

If you believe your data has been handled improperly, you are encouraged to contact us so we may investigate and resolve the matter promptly.

Hosting Terms of Service

1. Agreement

These Terms govern the provision of managed hosting, email, infrastructure, and related services by SyntiqCloud (Pty) Ltd, a private company registered in the Republic of South Africa ("SyntiqCloud", "we", "us") to the client ("Customer", "you"). By accessing or using our services, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

2. Nature of Services (Managed Hosting Clarification)

SyntiqCloud provides managed hosting services, including:

• Email hosting
• Web hosting
• Application hosting
• Infrastructure and platform services

"Managed hosting" means SyntiqCloud maintains and operates the underlying infrastructure. Customers remain responsible for the applications, data, content, and configurations they deploy unless explicitly included in a managed support plan. We utilize enterprise-grade third-party infrastructure providers to deliver reliable and secure services.

3. Acceptable Use

Customers may not use the services to:

• Send spam or unsolicited bulk communications
• Host phishing pages or impersonation services
• Distribute malware or malicious software
• Conduct illegal activities
• Interfere with network integrity or platform stability
• Mine cryptocurrency without written authorization
• Transmit unlawful or infringing data

SyntiqCloud reserves the right to immediately suspend or restrict services where misuse threatens security, infrastructure stability, or third parties.

4. Customer Responsibilities

Customers are responsible for:

• Maintaining strong passwords and access controls
• Managing mailbox access and user permissions
• Securing end-user devices
• Maintaining independent backups unless backup services are explicitly included

SyntiqCloud is not responsible for compromise, data loss, or service impact caused by weak credentials, customer misconfiguration, or customer-side security failures.

5. Data Protection & Privacy

SyntiqCloud processes data in accordance with applicable data protection laws, including the Protection of Personal Information Act, and implements reasonable technical and organisational safeguards. Customers acknowledge that data may be processed using trusted third-party infrastructure providers acting as sub-processors, as described in our Privacy Policy and Data Processing Addendum.

6. Service Availability

While we strive for high availability, services are provided on a commercially reasonable efforts basis unless a formal Service Level Agreement (SLA) states otherwise. Temporary interruptions may occur due to:

• Scheduled maintenance
• Security events
• Upstream provider incidents
• Network or power failures

7. Backups

Unless explicitly included in a service plan, customers remain responsible for maintaining independent backups. SyntiqCloud does not guarantee data restoration unless backup services are contracted in writing.

8. Suspension Rights

SyntiqCloud may suspend services where necessary to:

• Protect infrastructure or other customers
• Comply with legal obligations
• Prevent abuse or security threats
• Enforce these Terms

Where reasonable, notice will be provided.

9. Force Majeure

SyntiqCloud shall not be liable for failure or delay in performance caused by events beyond reasonable control, including but not limited to:

• Major network outages
• Cloud or infrastructure provider failures
• Cyberattacks or security incidents
• Natural disasters
• Power disruptions
• Government actions or labor disputes

10. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law: SyntiqCloud's total liability arising from any claim shall not exceed the total fees paid by the Customer during the preceding six (6) months. SyntiqCloud shall not be liable for:

• Indirect or consequential damages
• Loss of profits or revenue
• Business interruption
• Loss of data
• Reputational harm

11. Intellectual Property

Customers retain all rights to their data and content. SyntiqCloud retains all rights to its infrastructure, systems, software, tooling, and service methodologies.

12. Third-Party Infrastructure

SyntiqCloud relies on reputable third-party infrastructure providers, including providers such as Cloud.co.za. Customers acknowledge that service performance may depend partly on these providers.

13. Payment & Service Continuity

Services operate on a recurring billing model unless otherwise agreed in writing. Failure to maintain payment may result in suspension or termination. Customers agree to contact SyntiqCloud to resolve billing concerns before initiating chargebacks. Improper chargebacks may result in immediate service suspension.

14. Termination

Either party may terminate services with reasonable notice. SyntiqCloud may terminate immediately in cases of:

• Illegal activity
• Severe abuse
• Non-payment
• Security or infrastructure risk

15. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa.