ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY

South African Furniture Initiative (SAFI) Platform & Industry Catalogue

Effective Date: 1 March 2025
Last Updated: 1 March 2025

This Acceptable Use Policy (“AUP”) governs the use of the SAFI Platform and SAFI Industry Catalogue, ensuring they remain secure, professional, and aligned with the values and mission of the South African Furniture Initiative (SAFI). By accessing or using these websites, you agree to comply with this policy.

1. PURPOSE & SCOPE

SAFI provides a professional industry platform to:

      • Support furniture manufacturers, sales professionals, and industry stakeholders.
      • Facilitate industry collaboration, market access, and knowledge sharing
      • Ensure accurate and transparent presentation of manufacturers’ products and information.

Users are expected to engage ethically, professionally, and in good faith when using the SAFI platform and catalogue.

2. ACCEPTABLE USE

The SAFI websites are to be used exclusively for industry-related activities, including but not limited to:

      • Browsing manufacturer product listings for sales and procurement.
      • Accessing industry resources, news, and professional forums.
      • Participating in tenders and employment opportunities.
      • Communicating professionally with manufacturers and other users.

3. UNACCEPTABLE USE

Users may not engage in any activity that:

3.1. Misuse of Product Information & Replication

      • Misrepresents manufacturer products, specifications, or branding.
      • Uses product images, descriptions, or specifications for unauthorised replication at an alternative manufacturer.
      • Sells or markets a product under a different manufacturer without authorisation.
      • Fails to ensure that a product, if sold, is manufactured by the listed manufacturer to
        maintain quality and warranty integrity.

3.2. Unauthorised Data Access & Sharing

      • Accesses, collects, or distributes confidential data beyond intended use.
      • Shares manufacturer product datasets without explicit authorisation.
      • Uses SAFI’s platform or catalogue for unauthorised third-party data scraping, indexing, or resale.

3.3. Security Violations

      • Attempts to bypass website security measures or gain unauthorised access.
      • Uploads malicious code, viruses, or harmful software.
      • Interferes with website performance, availability, or user access.

3.4. Misrepresentation & Fraudulent Activity

      • Registers or acts as a sales professional without genuine intent to sell furniture.
      • Creates fake accounts or misrepresents personal, business, or industry affiliation.
      • Engages in fraudulent transactions, false advertising, or deceptive business practices.

3.5. Harassment, Abuse & Unethical Conduct

      • Posts, transmits, or promotes offensive, abusive, defamatory, or discriminatory content.
      • Engages in spam, phishing, or solicitation not related to SAFI’s purpose.
      • Violates intellectual property rights of SAFI or any listed manufacturers.

4. PLATFORM & DATA SECURITY COMPLIANCE

SAFI complies with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and expects all users to:

      • Protect confidential business and personal data.
      • Use product and brand information strictly as per authorised guidelines.
      • Report suspected breaches, unauthorised access, or data misuse.

5. CONSEQUENCES OF POLICY VIOLATIONS

Violations of this AUP may result in:

      • Immediate suspension or termination of SAFI membership and platform access.
      • Legal action for unauthorised data use, misrepresentation, or breach of confidentiality.
      • Reporting to regulatory authorities for severe violations, including fraud or IP theft.

SAFI reserves the right to monitor platform usage and take action to protect its members, data integrity, and industry reputation.

6. REPORTING VIOLATIONS

Users may report violations of this policy to SAFI by contacting:

📧 Email: legal@southafricanfurnitureinitiative.co.za
🌐 Website: www.southafricanfurnitureinitiative.co.za

SAFI encourages responsible platform use and will take appropriate measures to ensure compliance and industry integrity.

By using the SAFI Platform and Industry Catalogue, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to this Acceptable Use Policy.

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