Ever get a call from an insurance company and feel annoyed because you haven’t given them your information? As it turns out, you might have, but may have just forgotten about it. In order for a business to have your personal information, be it your address, telephone number or ID number, they need to possess it lawfully. For this to be considered lawful, the business must have a legal basis  to have it, and in the majority of cases, this includes your consent.

Many people enter competitions online or request a quick online quote. In doing so, they will have given their permission to pass on their information that, legally, may be kept in a database in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information (PoPI) Act.

What Is The PoPI Act?

The PoPI Act is aimed at ensuring that the processing of personal information is regulated and that everyone’s right to privacy is protected in line with the South African Constitution. The PoPI Act also ensures that personal information is handled in a responsible, ethical, and secure manner.

At MiWayLife, we are aware that any information we have regarding our clients is sensitive and we go to great lengths to protect it. We have many internal policies to keep it safe as well as prevent data breaches such as phishing attacks or hacking.

How We Collect Your Information

There are several ways we can collect your information. Usually, it’s directly from you when you complete or even partially complete a product or service application form. (We already consider you a customer at this stage, so we may use this information to contact you in order to remind you to complete your outstanding application.)

Lastly, where relevant, your information may come from third-party sources, such as our trusted external partners and other entities within the Sanlam Group.

When You Change Your Mind

In accordance with the PoPI Act, you will always have the right to enquire – free of charge – whether the business has any of your personal information. You may also request a record or description of any of your information, including whether third parties have access to it. You also have the right to request to correct it, delete it or simply opt out of having this information processed. Processing is literally anything that can be done with your information – this includes organizing it or simply updating it.

If you’re wondering if MiWayLife has any of your information, simply call our Customer Service department on 0860 64 54 33. We’re happy to confirm it, update it or remove it.

To learn more about how MiWayLife collects your data, you can read our privacy notice here.