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.
Your Rights & Consent
Your POPIA Rights
Under POPIA, you have the following rights:
- Right to Access: Request a copy of personal information we hold about you
- Right to Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
- Right to Object: Object to processing of your personal information in certain circumstances
- Right to Erasure: Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal retention requirements)
- Right to Lodge Complaint: Lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator if you believe your rights have been violated
Exercising Your Rights
To exercise any of your rights, please contact us:
Email: info@vpgtrust.co.za
Phone: 083 380 6766
We will respond to your request within 30 days as required by POPIA.
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.
Contact Us