Privacy Policy

Effective date: 16 March 2026

1. Introduction

Hern's Handbook on South African Coins & Patterns ("Hern Coin Catalogue", "we", "us", or "our") operates the Hern Coin Catalogue mobile application (the "App"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your information when you use our App.

2. Information We Collect

We collect minimal information necessary to operate the App:

• Membership Code: The unique code you enter to access the App. This is used solely to verify your membership status.
• Member Name: Your name as registered by the membership administrator, displayed within the App for personalisation and watermarking.
• Contact Information: Email address and phone number, if provided during membership registration. This is stored for administrative purposes only.
• Usage Logs: We log membership validation attempts (timestamp and IP address) for security and abuse prevention purposes.

3. How We Use Your Information

• To authenticate your membership and grant access to the catalogue content.
• To display a personalised watermark on catalogue pages to protect copyrighted content.
• To detect and prevent unauthorised access or abuse of the service.
• To communicate with you regarding your membership, if necessary.

4. Data Storage and Security

Your membership code is stored securely on your device using encrypted storage provided by the operating system. Our server database is hosted on a secured virtual private server in South Africa with the following protections:

• Encrypted HTTPS connections for all data in transit.
• Restricted database file permissions (owner-only access).
• Firewall and rate limiting to prevent brute-force attacks.
• SSH key-only server access (no password authentication).

5. Content Protection

The App includes content protection measures to safeguard copyrighted material:

• A watermark displaying your membership code is overlaid on catalogue pages.
• Screenshot and screen recording prevention features are enabled on supported devices.

These measures are in place to protect the intellectual property of the catalogue authors and publishers.

6. Third-Party Services

The App does not share your personal information with third parties. We do not use third-party analytics, advertising, or tracking services. The App communicates only with our own server for membership validation.

7. Data Retention

Your membership data is retained for the duration of your active membership. Validation logs are retained for security auditing purposes. You may request deletion of your data by contacting us.

8. Children's Privacy

The App is not directed at children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children.

9. Your Rights

In accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) of South Africa, you have the right to:

• Request access to the personal information we hold about you.
• Request correction of inaccurate information.
• Request deletion of your personal information.
• Object to the processing of your personal information.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be reflected on this page with an updated effective date. Continued use of the App after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

11. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your data rights, please contact us:

Email: info@hernhandbook.co.za

Website: hernhandbook.co.za