Privacy Policy
Last Updated: January 2025 | Effective Date: January 2025
1. Introduction
Welcome to AU Guide. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, disclose, and protect your personal information.
Important Note: AU Guide is currently in its startup phase. While our annual turnover does not reach $3 million and we are not classified as an APP entity under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), we voluntarily comply with the Australian Privacy Principles to protect your privacy rights.
2. Information We Collect
2.1 Information You Provide
- Account Information: Email address, password (encrypted)
- Service Preferences: Map query preferences, cities and areas of interest
- Payment Information: Processed through Stripe; we do not store your credit card details
- Communications: Your correspondence with us, feedback, and inquiries
2.2 Automatically Collected Information
- Website Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent, click behavior
- Technical Information: IP address, browser type, device type
2.3 Third-Party Services
- Google Analytics: Website traffic analysis
- Stripe: Payment processing
- Supabase: User authentication and data storage
3. How We Use Your Information
- Provide Core Services: Display map data, generate personalized recommendations
- Account Management: Create, maintain, and protect your account
- Communications: Send service notifications, updates (marketing emails with your consent)
- Service Improvement: Analyze usage patterns to optimize user experience
4. Email Communications
In accordance with the Spam Act 2003:
- We only send marketing emails with your explicit consent
- Every marketing email includes an "unsubscribe" link
- You can manage email preferences in your account settings at any time
5. Information Sharing
We commit to never selling your personal information. We only share information in the following circumstances:
- Service Providers: Essential technical services (payment, email, analytics)
- Legal Requirements: Responding to legal processes or law enforcement requests
- Business Transfers: In case of acquisition or merger, we will notify you in advance
6. Data Security
- SSL/TLS encryption for all data transmission
- Passwords stored using secure encryption algorithms
- Regular security audits
- Access controls based on the principle of least privilege
7. Your Rights
Under the Australian Privacy Principles, you have the following rights:
- Right of Access: View the personal information we hold about you
- Right of Correction: Request correction of inaccurate information
- Right of Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information
- Right to Opt-Out: Unsubscribe from marketing communications, refuse analytics cookies
Exercise Your Rights: Please send an email to info@auguide.com.au. We will respond to your request within 30 days.
8. Cookies
- Essential Cookies: Maintain login status, security features
- Analytics Cookies: Understand website usage (you can opt out)
9. Data Retention
- Account Information: Duration of active account + 12 months after closure
- Transaction Records: 7 years (tax requirements)
- Usage Logs: 12 months
10. Children's Privacy
AU Guide does not provide services to children under 15 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 15.
11. Policy Changes
We may update this Privacy Policy. For significant changes, we will notify registered users by email 30 days in advance.
12. Complaints
If you are dissatisfied with our privacy practices:
- First, contact us: info@auguide.com.au
- If you are not satisfied with our response, you may lodge a complaint with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC)
13. Contact Us
This Privacy Policy is available in both English and Chinese versions. In case of any discrepancy, the English version shall prevail. This policy is governed by Australian law.
