Cookie Policy (South Africa)

Last Updated: July 23, 2025
Last Reviewed: July 23, 2025
Applies to: South African Users of Jobbers.io
Service Provider: Varlorys (French Company)
Governing Law: POPIA – Protection of Personal Information Act (Act 4 of 2013)
Platform: International Freelance Marketplace

1. Introduction

This Cookie Policy explains how Jobbers.io (operated by Varlorys, a French company) uses cookies and similar technologies when you visit our website at https://www.jobbers.io (the “Website”). Jobbers.io is an international freelance platform operated from France, serving users worldwide including South Africa.

This policy is designed to comply with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA – Act 4 of 2013) for our South African users, and describes what cookies are, how we use them, your choices regarding cookies, and how to contact us for more information.

As a South African resident or visitor to our platform, you have specific rights under South African data protection law, which are outlined in this policy. Please note that as a French-based company, our primary operations and data processing activities are conducted from France, subject to European data protection standards, while ensuring compliance with South African privacy requirements for our South African users.

2. Responsible Party Information

Responsible Party: Varlorys
Address: 145 Rue du général Leclerc, 95130 Franconville, France
Email: [email protected]
Information Officer: [email protected]

3. What Are Cookies and Similar Technologies?

3.1 Cookies

A cookie is a small text file that is stored on your computer, mobile device, or other internet-connected device when you visit our Website. Cookies allow us to recognize your device and store certain information about your preferences and past actions.

3.2 Scripts

Scripts are pieces of program code embedded in our Website that make it function properly and interactively. Scripts may be executed on our servers or on your device.

3.3 Web Beacons (Pixel Tags)

Web beacons are small, invisible images or pieces of code placed on our Website or in emails to monitor user activity and collect usage information.

4. Lawful Basis for Processing and Consent

Lawful Bases for Cookie Processing under POPIA:

• Necessary Cookies: Legitimate interests (Section 11(1)(f)) – essential for website functionality
• Functional Cookies: Consent (Section 11(1)(a)) – to enhance user experience
• Analytics Cookies: Consent (Section 11(1)(a)) – for website optimization
• Marketing Cookies: Consent (Section 11(1)(a)) – for advertising purposes

When you first visit our Website, we will display a cookie consent banner explaining our use of cookies. By using Jobbers.io, you acknowledge that you are using an international freelance platform operated by a French company, and your personal information will be processed accordingly.

You have the right to:

• Give voluntary, specific, and informed consent
• Accept all cookies or select specific categories
• Customize your cookie preferences in detail
• Withdraw your consent at any time
• Be informed about cross-border information transfers

Manage Cookie Preferences

Note: If you disable non-essential cookies, some features of our Website may not function optimally. As an international platform, some data processing is essential for connecting freelancers and clients globally.

5. Types of Cookies We Use

5.1 Necessary/Technical Cookies

These cookies are essential for the basic functionality of our Website. They enable you to navigate the site and use key features. We do not need your consent to place these cookies as they are necessary for service delivery.

Lawful Basis: Legitimate interests (Section 11(1)(f) POPIA)

Examples: Session management, security features, load balancing, payment processing (PayPal, Stripe)

5.2 Functional Cookies

These cookies enhance your experience by remembering your preferences and settings. We ask for your consent to place these cookies.

Lawful Basis: Consent (Section 11(1)(a) POPIA)

Examples: Language preferences, user interface customizations, login information

5.3 Analytics/Statistics Cookies

We use analytics cookies to understand how visitors interact with our Website, helping us improve user experience and site performance. These cookies collect information in an aggregated form.

Lawful Basis: Consent (Section 11(1)(a) POPIA)

Purpose: Website optimization, usage analysis, performance monitoring

5.4 Advertising/Marketing Cookies

These cookies are used to deliver relevant advertisements and measure the effectiveness of our marketing campaigns. They may create profiles based on your browsing behavior.

Lawful Basis: Consent (Section 11(1)(a) POPIA)

Purpose: Targeted advertising, campaign measurement, audience insights

Profiling: Some advertising cookies may involve automated decision-making and profiling to show relevant ads.

5.5 Social Media Cookies

When you interact with social media features on our Website (such as sharing buttons), social media platforms may place cookies on your device. This content might store and process information for personalized advertising.

Platforms: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, WhatsApp (all located in the United States)

Note: Please read the privacy policies of these social networks as they are independent responsible parties.

6. Specific Cookies and Services

7. Cross-Border Information Transfers

Important Notice: Jobbers.io is operated by Varlorys, a French company. As an international freelance platform serving users worldwide, your personal information is primarily processed in France and may be transferred to service providers in other countries.

Under POPIA Chapter 9, we are required to inform you about cross-border transfers of your personal information.

7.1 Primary Operations

• France: Our main operations, servers, and data processing activities
• European Union: Additional service providers and backup systems

7.2 Third-Party Service Providers

• United States: Google (Analytics, Fonts, YouTube), Meta/Facebook, LinkedIn, PayPal, Stripe, Twitter/X
• European Union: Various hosting and technical service providers
• Other countries: Where our freelancers and clients are located globally

7.3 Cross-Border Transfer Safeguards

Before transferring your personal information internationally, we ensure adequate levels of protection by:

• Obtaining your consent for the transfer where required
• Ensuring the recipient country has laws providing adequate protection
• Having binding corporate rules or approved contractual clauses in place
• Verifying that the transfer is necessary for service delivery or performance of a contract
• Our French operations comply with GDPR standards, providing strong protection

International Freelance Platform: As a global marketplace connecting freelancers and clients worldwide, some personal information may be shared with users in other countries as part of the service (e.g., when you apply for jobs or hire freelancers). This sharing is essential for the platform’s functionality and occurs with your consent when you use our services.

8. Data Retention

We retain cookie data for the periods specified in the table above. Retention periods are based on:

• The purpose for which the information was collected
• Legal requirements and statutory limitation periods
• Business needs and legitimate interests
• Your consent (which can be withdrawn)

9. How to Control Cookies

9.1 Browser Settings

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Most browsers allow you to:

• View cookies stored on your device
• Delete cookies individually or all at once
• Block cookies from specific websites
• Block all third-party cookies
• Clear cookies when you close your browser
• Receive notifications when cookies are placed

9.2 Industry Opt-Out Tools

For advertising cookies, you can also use these opt-out tools:

• Your Online Choices (International)
• Network Advertising Initiative
• Digital Advertising Alliance

10. Your Rights Under South African Law

Under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), you have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Right to be Informed: Know why your personal information is needed, what will happen to it, and how long it will be retained
• Right of Access: Access your personal information that we process
• Right to Correction: Supplement, correct, have deleted, or blocked your personal information
• Right to Destruction/Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information where retention is no longer necessary
• Right to Object: Object to the processing of your personal information
• Right to Data Portability: Request your personal information in a structured, commonly used format
• Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent at any time without affecting lawfulness of previous processing
• Right to Lodge Complaints: Submit complaints to the Information Regulator South Africa

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information below. We will respond within a reasonable timeframe, typically within 30 days.

Complaints: You have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator South Africa if you’re not satisfied with our response.

11. Automated Decision-Making and Profiling

Some of our marketing cookies may involve automated decision-making and profiling to:

• Show relevant advertisements
• Measure campaign effectiveness
• Analyze user behavior patterns

You have the right to object to profiling and request information about automated decision-making processes that significantly affect you.

12. Data Breach Notification

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information. In the event of a data breach that poses a risk of harm to you, we will:

• Notify the Information Regulator South Africa within 72 hours where feasible
• Notify affected individuals without undue delay when the breach is likely to result in a high risk of harm
• Provide information about the breach and steps you can take to protect yourself

13. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. We will notify you of material changes by:

• Posting the updated policy on our Website
• Updating the “Last Updated” date
• Obtaining fresh consent where required by law
• Email notification for significant changes (where we have your email)

14. Contact Information

If you have questions about this Cookie Policy, wish to exercise your rights, or have privacy concerns, please contact us:

Responsible Party:

Varlorys (French Company)
Business: International Freelance Platform (Jobbers.io)
Address: 145 Rue du général Leclerc, 95130 Franconville, France
Jurisdiction: Subject to French data protection law with POPIA compliance for South African users

Contact Details:

Website: https://www.jobbers.io
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +33 6 88 95 37 10 (French timezone: CET/CEST)

Information Officer:

For all data protection inquiries and to exercise your POPIA rights:
Email: [email protected]

Information Regulator Complaints:

If you’re not satisfied with our response, you can lodge a complaint with:

Information Regulator South Africa
Address: P.O. Box 31533, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, 2017
Physical Address: JD House, 27 Stiemens Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg
Website: www.justice.gov.za/inforeg/
Phone: +27 (0)10 023 5200
Complaints Email: [email protected]
General Email: [email protected]

International Business Hours:

Primary Hours: French business hours (CET/CEST)
South African Inquiries: We respond to South African privacy matters within 24-48 hours
Urgent Matters: Mark emails as “URGENT – South African Privacy Inquiry” for priority handling