Cookie Policy

Last Updated: 1 November 2025

This Cookie Policy explains how TradeJournal.co.za (operated by Tapnet (Pty) Ltd) uses cookies and similar tracking technologies in compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act (ECT Act).

What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are placed on your device (computer, smartphone, or tablet) when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently and provide useful information to website owners.

Cookies help us remember your preferences, understand how you use our platform, and improve your overall experience. They do not typically contain personal information that can identify you, but may be linked to information stored in your account.

Types of Cookies We Use

1. Essential Cookies (Strictly Necessary)

Purpose: Required for the platform to function properly

Cannot be disabled: These cookies are necessary for core functionality

Examples:

  • Authentication cookies (keep you logged in)
  • Security cookies (prevent fraud and protect your account)
  • Session management cookies
  • Load balancing cookies

Legal Basis: Legitimate interest and contractual necessity - no consent required under POPIA

2. Functional Cookies (Preference Cookies)

Purpose: Remember your preferences and settings

Consent required: Yes (you can opt-out)

Examples:

  • Language preference
  • Theme selection (light/dark mode)
  • Dashboard layout preferences
  • Timezone settings
  • Currency display preferences

Without these cookies, you'll need to reset your preferences each visit

3. Analytics and Performance Cookies

Purpose: Understand how visitors use our platform

Consent required: Yes (you can opt-out)

Examples:

  • Google Analytics (anonymized)
  • Page view tracking
  • Time spent on pages
  • Navigation patterns
  • Error tracking and diagnostics

Information collected:

  • Pages visited
  • Time and date of visits
  • Browser and device type
  • Geographic location (country/city level only)
  • Referring website

This data is anonymized and used solely to improve our Service

4. Marketing and Advertising Cookies

Purpose: Deliver relevant advertising and measure campaign effectiveness

Consent required: Yes (you can opt-out)

Examples:

  • Retargeting cookies (show ads on other websites)
  • Social media pixels (Facebook, LinkedIn)
  • Conversion tracking
  • Ad performance measurement

These cookies may be set by third-party advertising networks

Third-Party Cookies and Services

We use trusted third-party services that may set their own cookies. We have no direct control over these cookies but carefully select partners who comply with data protection laws.

Google Analytics

Payment Processors

  • Purpose: Secure payment processing
  • Providers: [List payment providers used]
  • Cookies: Used for fraud prevention and secure transactions

Social Media Platforms

  • Purpose: Social sharing and login features
  • Platforms: Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter (if applicable)
  • May track your activity across websites

How to Manage Cookies

You have the right to accept or reject cookies (except essential cookies required for the platform to function). Here's how:

1. Cookie Consent Banner

When you first visit TradeJournal, you'll see a cookie consent banner where you can:

  • Accept all cookies
  • Reject non-essential cookies
  • Customize your cookie preferences

2. Account Settings

Once logged in, you can manage cookie preferences in your account settings under "Privacy & Cookies"

3. Browser Settings

Most browsers allow you to control cookies through settings. Here's how for popular browsers:

  • Chrome: Settings → Privacy and security → Cookies
  • Firefox: Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies
  • Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Cookies
  • Edge: Settings → Privacy → Cookies

Note: Blocking all cookies may prevent you from using certain features of our platform

4. Mobile Devices

  • iOS: Settings → Safari → Block All Cookies
  • Android: Chrome → Settings → Site settings → Cookies

Need Help?

Contact us at privacy@tradejournal.co.za if you need assistance managing your cookie preferences

Cookie Duration

Cookies can be either "session" or "persistent" cookies:

Session Cookies

  • Temporary cookies that expire when you close your browser
  • Used for authentication and navigation
  • Automatically deleted at the end of your browsing session

Persistent Cookies

  • Remain on your device for a set period or until you delete them
  • Used to remember preferences and login status
  • Duration varies: from days to months depending on purpose

Typical Cookie Durations:

  • Authentication: Session or up to 30 days
  • Preferences: Up to 1 year
  • Analytics: Up to 2 years
  • Marketing: Up to 90 days

Your Rights Under POPIA

Under South Africa's POPIA, you have the right to:

  • Consent: Choose whether to accept non-essential cookies
  • Access: Know what cookies are being used and what data is collected
  • Withdraw Consent: Change your cookie preferences at any time
  • Object: Opt-out of specific types of cookies
  • Deletion: Request deletion of cookie data (subject to technical limitations)

For more information about your privacy rights, see our Privacy Policy.

Other Tracking Technologies

In addition to cookies, we may use:

Web Beacons (Pixels)

Small graphics embedded in emails or web pages to track email opens, page views, or user actions

Local Storage

HTML5 local storage for storing preferences and improving performance

Log Files

Server logs that record technical information (IP address, browser type, timestamps) for security and diagnostics

These technologies are subject to the same consent requirements as cookies where applicable.

Updates to This Cookie Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in technology, legal requirements, or our practices.

When we make changes:

  • We'll update the "Last Updated" date
  • Material changes will be communicated via email or platform notification
  • You'll have the opportunity to review and accept updated cookie preferences

Contact Us

If you have questions about our use of cookies:

Tapnet (Pty) Ltd (Trading as TradeJournal)

Email: privacy@tradejournal.co.za

Website: https://tradejournal.co.za

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