Access to information should be handled with clarity and restraint.
This interim manual explains the categories of records Lantern currently holds, how access requests may be made, and how those requests will be considered while the platform is still developing.
If you have questions about this manual or want to make a records request, contact privacy@lanternapp.co.za.
Section 1
Introduction
This manual is published in accordance with the Promotion of Access to Information Act, 2000 (PAIA).
Lantern is currently under development as a support-facilitating platform intended to help individuals connect with trusted support organisations in a safer, more structured manner.
This document describes the records currently held by Lantern, how requests for access to records may be made, and how Lantern intends to comply with its obligations under PAIA as the project develops.
Because Lantern is not yet fully operational, this manual reflects the project's current development phase and may be updated as services, partnerships, and operational processes evolve.
Section 2
Contact Details
The current contact details for PAIA-related communication are:
Lantern (South Africa)
To be formally appointed prior to operational launch
Republic of South Africa
Section 3
Purpose of Lantern
Lantern is being developed to:
- Improve access to trusted support pathways
- Reduce barriers to seeking help
- Support continuity between individuals and support organisations
- Promote privacy-conscious and safety-focused support coordination
Lantern is not:
- A public emergency hotline
- A law-enforcement service
- A medical service
- A counselling practice
- A substitute for emergency intervention
Section 4
Records Currently Held
During the development phase, Lantern may hold records including:
Project documentation, policies and procedures, legal and compliance documents, partnership enquiries, and operational planning records.
Website contact submissions, partner interest forms, technical website logs, and security or audit information.
Email correspondence, partnership discussions, consultation records, and feedback submissions.
Lantern may introduce additional record categories as the platform evolves.
Section 5
Records That May Become Available In Future
As Lantern develops, records may include:
- Partner organisation records
- Partner onboarding records
- User account records
- Support pathway records
- Audit and accountability records
- Security incident records
The existence of future record categories does not guarantee public access to those records.
Access requests will be evaluated in accordance with applicable law and any privacy, safeguarding, confidentiality, or legal obligations.
Section 6
Requesting Access To Records
A person seeking access to records held by Lantern may submit a written request to privacy@lanternapp.co.za.
Requests should include:
- Full name
- Contact information
- Sufficient detail to identify the requested record
- Reason for the request where applicable
- Preferred method of receiving a response
Lantern may request additional information where necessary to verify identity or locate requested records.
Section 7
Grounds For Refusal
Access to records may be refused where permitted by PAIA.
This may include circumstances involving:
- Personal information belonging to another person
- Confidential information
- Information protected by legal privilege
- Information that may endanger a person's safety
- Information relating to children or vulnerable persons
- Information protected by safeguarding obligations
- Security-related information
- Information restricted by law
Lantern will consider each request on its own merits.
Section 8
Protection Of Personal Information
Lantern processes personal information in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013 (POPIA), applicable South African law, and Lantern's Privacy Notice.
Where records contain personal information, access requests will be assessed alongside Lantern's privacy and safeguarding obligations.
Section 9
Fees
During the development phase, Lantern does not currently charge fees for routine information requests.
Lantern reserves the right to introduce reasonable fees where permitted by law as the platform develops.
Any applicable fees will be communicated before processing a request.
Section 10
Availability Of This Manual
The most recent version of this manual will be made available through the Lantern website.
Lantern may update this manual as services evolve, new record categories are introduced, operational processes mature, or legal requirements change.
Section 11
Development Phase Notice
Lantern remains under active development.
This manual reflects the current state of the project and should not be interpreted as a guarantee regarding future services, features, partnerships, or operational capabilities.
Lantern is committed to developing its governance, privacy, safeguarding, and information-access practices responsibly as the platform grows.