Privacy Policy | The Caravan Database

1. Introduction

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).

By using our website and services, you consent to the collection and use of your information as described in this policy.

2. Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of personal information:

Identity information: name, date of birth
Contact information: email address, phone number, postal address
Account information: username, password (encrypted), account preferences
Technical information: IP address, browser type, device information, cookies
Usage information: pages visited, time spent on site, referring URLs
Communication information: correspondence with us, feedback, survey responses

3. How We Collect Information

We collect personal information through:

Direct interactions (forms, account registration, correspondence)
Automated technologies (cookies, server logs, analytics tools)
Third-party sources (identity verification services, publicly available information)

4. Purpose of Collection

We collect and use your personal information to:

Provide and improve our services
Create and manage your account
Communicate with you about our services
Send marketing communications (with your consent)
Comply with legal obligations
Protect our legitimate business interests
Analyse usage patterns to improve user experience

5. Disclosure of Information

We may disclose your personal information to:

Service providers who assist in operating our website and services
Professional advisers (lawyers, accountants, auditors)
Government authorities when required by law
Third parties in the event of a business sale or merger

We do not sell your personal information to third parties.

Overseas Disclosure

We may disclose personal information to overseas recipients, including cloud service providers. Where this occurs, we take reasonable steps to ensure the recipient complies with the APPs or is subject to a substantially similar privacy regime.

6. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal information, including:

Encryption of data in transit and at rest
Secure access controls and authentication
Regular security assessments
Staff training on data protection

While we take reasonable precautions, no method of transmission over the internet is completely secure.

7. Data Retention

We retain personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes for which it was collected, including:

Active accounts: for the duration of your account plus 7 years
Marketing preferences: until you withdraw consent
Transaction records: as required by Australian tax law (typically 5-7 years)
Technical logs: up to 12 months

8. Cookies and Tracking

We use cookies and similar technologies to:

Remember your preferences
Analyse website traffic
Improve user experience

You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect website functionality.

9. Your Rights

Under the APPs, you have the right to:

Access your personal information held by us
Correct inaccurate or outdated information
Request deletion of your information (subject to legal obligations)
Opt out of marketing communications
Complain about how we handle your information

To exercise these rights, contact us using the details below.

10. Direct Marketing

We may use your personal information for direct marketing purposes where you have consented or where we have a legitimate interest. You can opt out at any time by:

Clicking "unsubscribe" in our emails
Contacting us directly
Updating your account preferences

11. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies.

12. Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed at children under 16. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we become aware of such collection, we will delete the information promptly.

13. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of material changes by:

Posting the updated policy on our website
Sending you an email notification (where appropriate)

Your continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

14. Complaints

If you believe we have breached the APPs or mishandled your personal information, you may lodge a complaint:

Contact us using the details below
We will acknowledge your complaint within 7 days
We will investigate and respond within 30 days

If you are not satisfied with our response, you may contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC):

Website: www.oaic.gov.au
Phone: 1300 363 992
Email: enquiries@oaic.gov.au

15. Contact Us

For privacy-related enquiries or to exercise your rights:

Email: hello@thecaravandatabase.com