Data Minimization Principle
POPIA Principle of Minimality: Our digital architecture operates on the principle of data minimization. We do not employ third-party advertising data brokers, cross-site profiling trackers, or invasive telemetry scripts.
1. What Are Cookies and Local Storage?
A cookie is a small text file placed on your computer or mobile device when you visit a website. Cookies allow websites to remember user actions, authenticate sessions, and store preferences over time.
Web Storage (HTML5 LocalStorage & SessionStorage): In addition to traditional cookies, modern web platforms utilize browser LocalStorage. Unlike cookies, data stored in LocalStorage does not get transmitted automatically to web servers with every HTTP network request, resulting in superior privacy, faster load times, and reduced bandwidth usage.
2. Categories of Storage Technologies We Utilize
We classify our browser storage mechanisms into distinct functional categories:
- 1. Strictly Necessary Storage: Essential for the operation of the website. These enable core features such as secure page navigation, accessibility settings, and retaining skincare items in your active shopping bag drawer as you browse between pages. Because these are strictly necessary to deliver the service you request, they do not require prior consent under POPIA.
- 2. Functional & Preference Storage: Used to recognize you when you return to our website, preserving choices such as treatment categories, product filters, or dismissed announcement bars.
- 3. Anonymized Performance & Diagnostic Telemetry: Aggregated, non-personally identifiable metrics (such as page load speeds, Core Web Vitals performance, and HTTP error rates) used solely to ensure technical stability across South African mobile networks.
3. Exact Storage Elements Deployed on This Website
| Storage Key / Name |
Type & Expiry |
Category |
Exact Purpose |
skinlab_cart |
LocalStorage (Persistent) |
Strictly Necessary |
Saves selected skincare items, quantities, and pricing in your active bag across page views until checkout. |
pref_reduced_motion |
LocalStorage (Persistent) |
Functional / Accessibility |
Remembers user accessibility preference for reduced motion and animations. |
active_filter_category |
SessionStorage (Session) |
Functional |
Retains your selected skincare filter tab (e.g. Brightening or Sun Protection) while navigating products. |
4. Third-Party Analytics & Embedded Media
Our website is designed with a lightweight, secure architecture:
- No Third-Party Retargeting Pixels: We do not load third-party ad network tracking beacons that track your browsing habits across unrelated external websites.
- Google Maps & Directions: Embedded Netcare Parklands Hospital location maps use privacy-enhanced container parameters that minimize tracking until you directly click to generate driving directions.
- WhatsApp Click-to-Chat: When you click our booking buttons, you are transferred directly to WhatsApp (a Meta platform). Your interaction within the WhatsApp application is governed by Meta's respective privacy policy.
5. How to Manage, Block, or Clear Cookies in Your Browser
Most modern web browsers allow you to control cookie preferences and clear stored local data at any time through your browser settings:
- Google Chrome: Settings → Privacy and security → Third-party cookies → See all site data and permissions.
- Apple Safari (iOS / macOS): Settings → Safari → Advanced → Privacy → Block All Cookies (or Manage Website Data).
- Mozilla Firefox: Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data → Clear Data.
- Microsoft Edge: Settings → Cookies and site permissions → Manage and delete cookies and site data.
Note: If you clear LocalStorage or block functional cookies, your active shopping bag items will reset when you refresh or close your browser tab.
6. Policy Inquiries & Information Officer
For questions or requests concerning our use of cookies, browser storage, or your personal data rights under POPIA, please contact our designated practice Information Officer:
Practice Information Officer
Attn: Dr Larisha Pather
Practice Base: Suite 2, Netcare Parklands Hospital, 45 Hopelands Road, Overport, Durban, KZN, 4001
Email: info@drlarisha.co.za
Comprehensive Data Policy: View our full POPIA Data Privacy Policy.
