Legal & Privacy Policy

Our commitment to protecting your privacy and complying with South African data protection laws.

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

This policy is effective as of the date above

Privacy Policy

Our Commitment to Your Privacy

VPG Trust (Virtuous Polygraphs) is committed to protecting your personal information and respecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal information in compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), 2013.

1. Information We Collect

We collect the following types of personal information:

  • Identity Information: Full name, ID number (if required), date of birth
  • Contact Information: Email address, phone number, physical address
  • Appointment Information: Examination date, time, location, service type
  • Examination Data: Physiological measurements, questions asked, responses given, test results
  • Medical Information: Health conditions, medications, or factors that may affect testing
  • Technical Data: IP address, browser type, device information when using our website
  • Payment Information: Billing details (if payment is processed through us)

2. How We Collect Information

We collect information through:

  • Online booking forms and contact forms on our website
  • Phone conversations when you call to book or inquire
  • Email correspondence
  • Pre-test interviews and consent forms
  • During the polygraph examination itself
  • Automatically through website cookies and analytics

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information for the following purposes:

  • Service Delivery: To conduct polygraph examinations and provide professional reports
  • Communication: To schedule appointments, send reminders, and respond to inquiries
  • Legal Compliance: To meet professional standards, legal requirements, and maintain records
  • Quality Improvement: To improve our services and customer experience
  • Security: To protect against fraud, unauthorized access, and maintain data integrity

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. We may share your information only in the following circumstances:

  • With Your Consent: When you explicitly authorize disclosure (e.g., to your employer or legal representative)
  • Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or legal process
  • Professional Standards: With professional bodies (SAPFED, APA) for quality assurance or ethics investigations
  • Service Providers: With trusted third-party service providers (e.g., IT support, secure storage) under strict confidentiality agreements

5. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information:

  • Encrypted data transmission (SSL/TLS) for all online communications
  • Secure storage systems with access controls and authentication
  • Regular security audits and updates
  • Staff training on data protection and confidentiality
  • Physical security measures for paper records and equipment
  • Secure disposal of outdated records

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal information only as long as necessary:

  • Examination Records: Retained for 7 years as per professional standards
  • Contact Form Submissions: Retained for 2 years unless you become a client
  • Booking Information: Retained for 5 years for business records
  • Marketing Consent: Until you withdraw consent

After the retention period, information is securely destroyed or anonymized.

POPIA Compliance

VPG Trust complies with the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 (POPIA) and adheres to the eight conditions for lawful processing of personal information.

Accountability

We take responsibility for all personal information under our control

Processing Limitation

Information is processed lawfully, with your consent, for specific purposes

Purpose Specification

We collect information only for specific, lawful purposes

Further Processing

Information is not used for purposes incompatible with original purpose

Information Quality

We ensure information is complete, accurate, and up to date

Openness

We are transparent about how we process your information

Security Safeguards

Appropriate technical and organizational measures protect your data

Data Subject Participation

You have rights to access, correct, and object to processing

Terms of Service

1. Service Agreement

By booking a polygraph examination with VPG Trust, you agree to these terms and conditions. Our services are provided in accordance with SAPFED and APA professional standards.

2. Appointment Booking and Cancellation

  • Appointments must be scheduled in advance through phone, email, or online booking
  • Cancellations or rescheduling require at least 24 hours notice
  • Late cancellations (less than 24 hours) may incur a cancellation fee
  • We reserve the right to reschedule appointments due to examiner availability or unforeseen circumstances

3. Examination Conduct

  • All examinations are conducted with respect for your constitutional rights
  • Written consent is required before any examination
  • You have the right to discontinue the examination at any time
  • Attempting to use countermeasures may result in inconclusive results
  • Examinations will not proceed if you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs

4. Results and Reporting

  • Results are typically provided within 24-48 hours
  • Reports are provided to you or the party who commissioned the examination (with your consent)
  • Results serve as support evidence, not sole basis for determination of guilt
  • We do not guarantee specific outcomes or results

5. Limitation of Liability

VPG Trust provides professional polygraph examination services in accordance with industry standards. We are not liable for decisions made by third parties based on examination results. Our liability is limited to the fees paid for the examination service.

6. Intellectual Property

All examination reports, methodologies, and materials remain the intellectual property of VPG Trust. Reports may not be reproduced, modified, or shared without authorization.

Questions About Our Policies?

If you have any questions about our privacy policy, POPIA compliance, or terms of service, please don't hesitate to contact us.

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