PRIVACY POLICY

The Probe Journal · TheProbe.co.bw
Last updated: 17 September 2026

This privacy policy explains how The Probe Journal handles personal information when you visit TheProbe.co.bw, contact us, submit material, or engage with our publication.

1. Who we are

The Probe Journal is operated by The Probe Journal. In this policy, “we”, “us” and “our” refer to The Probe Journal, which is responsible for deciding how personal information is used in operating this publication.

For privacy enquiries, contact eli@theprobe.co.bw or theprobejournal@gmail.com.

2. Information we collect

Information you provide: When you email us, make an enquiry, submit a story or correction, or contact us about a professional relationship, we receive the information you choose to share. This may include your name, email address, telephone number, organisation, correspondence and attachments. Please provide only information relevant to your enquiry.

Website usage information: We use Google Analytics to understand how visitors use TheProbe.co.bw. Depending on the service configuration and your browser or consent settings, information may include pages viewed, interactions, referral sources, visit duration, approximate location, browser and device information, and cookie-based identifiers.

Technical information: Website and hosting services may process connection and security information, such as IP addresses, request times, browser details and error logs, to deliver the website and protect it against misuse.

3. How we use information

We use personal information to respond to enquiries and privacy requests; assess editorial submissions and corrections; manage contributor and business communications; operate and secure the website; understand readership and improve our content; and meet applicable legal obligations.

We limit our use of personal information to relevant purposes. Where a new use requires additional notice or consent, we will provide that notice or seek consent before proceeding.

4. Legal basis for processing

Our handling of personal information is subject to applicable data protection law, including Botswana’s Data Protection Act, 2024.

Depending on the activity, the basis for processing may be your consent; steps needed to respond to your request before entering an agreement or to perform an agreement; a legal obligation; or a legitimate interest in running, securing and improving the publication, where that interest is not overridden by your rights.

Where processing relies on consent, you may withdraw it. Withdrawal does not affect the lawfulness of processing carried out before withdrawal.

5. Google Analytics and cookies

Google Analytics helps us measure readership and understand how people interact with our website. It can use cookies, including a first-party cookie called _ga, to distinguish browsers and visits. Cookie identifiers and usage records may constitute personal information even when they do not contain your name.

Information is processed by Google to provide analytics services. Read how Google uses information from sites that use its services and Google’s Privacy Policy for further details.

You can manage or delete cookies in your browser settings. Blocking cookies may affect some website functions. Google also offers a Google Analytics opt-out browser add-on for supported browsers; it affects Google Analytics measurement, not all website data collection.

Where consent is required for non-essential cookies or tracking, those technologies must be used in accordance with that requirement. This policy does not itself provide or replace your consent.

6. Newsletter development

Our newsletter is currently being developed. Before newsletter registration opens, we will provide information about the details collected, the email service provider and how subscriber information is used.

Newsletter subscriptions will be voluntary. Subscribers will be able to unsubscribe through an unsubscribe link or by contacting us. Contacting the publication about another matter will not automatically subscribe you to marketing emails.

7. Sharing information and service providers

We do not sell or rent personal information. Information may be processed by service providers needed to operate the publication, including website hosting, email and analytics providers. Google processes information associated with our use of Google Analytics.

We limit disclosures to what is necessary for the relevant purpose and require appropriate protection where a provider acts on our behalf. We may also disclose information when legally required or where necessary and lawful to protect rights, address security incidents or establish, exercise or defend legal claims.

If an engagement requires sharing information with a separate partner, we will explain the relevant arrangement. This policy does not grant blanket permission to share reader or client information with unrelated organisations.

8. International processing

Online service providers, including Google and email providers, may process information outside Botswana. Where personal information is transferred internationally, applicable legal requirements and appropriate safeguards must be met. You may contact us for information about the arrangements relevant to your personal information.

9. Retention and security

We retain personal information for as long as reasonably necessary for the purpose for which it was collected, taking account of ongoing enquiries, professional relationships, legal record-keeping duties, disputes and security needs. We then delete or anonymise it, subject to applicable retention requirements and backup processes.

Google Analytics retention depends on the settings applied to our analytics property; we do not describe all analytics records as permanently anonymous. Contact us if you need information about retention relevant to your data.

Personal information must be protected using appropriate technical and organisational measures, with access limited to people who need it for their responsibilities. No website, email service or storage system can guarantee absolute security. Where a data breach requires notification under applicable law, we will notify the relevant authority and affected individuals as required.

10. Your privacy rights

Subject to applicable law and any relevant exceptions, you may request access to your personal information, correction of inaccurate information, deletion, restriction of processing or portability. You may also object to certain processing and withdraw consent where consent is the basis for that processing.

Send requests to eli@theprobe.co.bw or theprobejournal@gmail.com. Describe your request and the information concerned. We may need proportionate information to verify your identity before disclosing or changing personal information.

We will respond within the period required by applicable law and explain any lawful limitation on your request. You may also lodge a complaint with Botswana’s Information and Data Protection Commission or another competent supervisory authority where applicable.

11. Editorial submissions and children’s information

Correspondence, story submissions and source material may contain personal information about you or other people. Share only what is relevant, and tell us if material is confidential or if you have concerns about being identified. Ordinary email should not be assumed to provide a secure or anonymous reporting channel.

We exercise particular care with information about children and vulnerable people. If you believe a child’s information has been provided or published inappropriately, contact us so we can assess the matter and take appropriate action.

12. External websites

Links to other websites are provided for reference or further information. Those websites have their own privacy practices, and this policy does not govern their handling of information. Review the relevant policy before providing personal information to another website.

13. Changes and contact

We may update this policy to reflect changes in our services, data practices or applicable law. We will update the date on this page and provide further notice where required. A policy update does not replace any consent that the law requires.

Privacy contact: The Probe Journal
Website: TheProbe.co.bw
Email: eli@theprobe.co.bw
Alternative email: theprobejournal@gmail.com