Privacy & Cookie Policy
Last updated: 14 July 2026
The Baseline (“we”, “our” or “us”) is committed to protecting the privacy of our readers, sources and website visitors. This Privacy & Cookie Policy explains how we collect, use, store and protect personal information when you visit thebaseline.co.za or interact with our newsroom.
Our handling of personal information is guided by the Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013 (POPIA) and other applicable South African laws.
Information We Collect
Depending on how you interact with our website, we may collect the following information:
Information You Provide
You may voluntarily provide personal information when you:
- Contact our newsroom.
- Submit a news tip.
- Report an error or request a correction.
- Enquire about advertising or partnerships.
- Subscribe to newsletters or other communications.
- Complete a contact form.
This information may include your name, email address, telephone number and any information you choose to include in your correspondence.
Information Collected Automatically
When you visit our website, certain technical information may be collected automatically, including:
- IP address.
- Browser type and version.
- Device type.
- Operating system.
- Pages visited.
- Time spent on the website.
- Referring websites.
- General location information derived from your IP address.
This information helps us understand how readers use our website and improve their experience.
How We Use Your Information
We may use personal information to:
- Respond to enquiries and correspondence.
- Receive and investigate news tips.
- Improve our journalism and website.
- Analyse readership trends and website performance.
- Prevent fraud, abuse or security threats.
- Comply with legal obligations.
- Communicate with readers where they have requested information.
We only collect information that is reasonably necessary for these purposes.
Confidential Sources
Protecting confidential sources is a fundamental principle of journalism.
Where a source requests confidentiality, we take reasonable steps to protect their identity and any information that could identify them, subject to applicable law.
While we employ appropriate security measures, no electronic communication can be guaranteed to be completely secure. Individuals sharing particularly sensitive information should contact our newsroom to discuss secure methods of communication.
Cookies
Like most websites, The Baseline uses cookies to improve your browsing experience.
Cookies are small text files stored on your device that help websites function efficiently.
We may use cookies to:
- Remember user preferences.
- Improve website functionality.
- Measure website traffic and performance.
- Understand how readers interact with our content.
- Maintain website security.
Most web browsers allow you to manage, restrict or disable cookies through your browser settings. Please note that disabling certain cookies may affect the functionality of the website.
Analytics
The Baseline may use website analytics services to better understand how visitors use our website.
Analytics data is generally collected in an aggregated or anonymised form and helps us improve our content, website performance and user experience.
Third-Party Services
Our website may include embedded content or links to third-party services, including social media platforms, maps, videos or external websites.
These services operate under their own privacy policies, and The Baseline is not responsible for the privacy practices or content of third-party websites.
Information Sharing
We do not sell, rent or trade personal information to third parties.
We may share information where:
- Required by law.
- Necessary to protect our legal rights.
- Required to operate our website through trusted service providers.
- You have given your consent.
Where third-party service providers process information on our behalf, they are expected to handle it responsibly and securely.
Data Security
We take reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect personal information against unauthorised access, disclosure, alteration or destruction.
Although we strive to safeguard information entrusted to us, no internet-based service can guarantee absolute security.
Your Rights
Subject to POPIA and other applicable laws, you may have the right to:
- Request access to personal information we hold about you.
- Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information.
- Request deletion of personal information where appropriate.
- Object to certain processing of your personal information.
- Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent.
Requests should be submitted to our editorial team using the contact details below.
Children’s Privacy
The Baseline does not knowingly collect personal information from children without appropriate legal authority or consent where required.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy & Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in legislation, technology or our newsroom practices.
The date at the top of this page indicates when the policy was last revised.
Contact Us
If you have any questions about this Privacy & Cookie Policy or how we handle personal information, please contact us:
Editor
editor@thebaseline.co.za
The Baseline
Published by KVNI MEDIA