Privacy Policy

Purpose:

This Website Privacy Policy outlines how "Paws and Panels" (referred to as "the Company") collects, uses, stores, and protects personal data of website visitors and users. This policy ensures compliance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), including the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs), and other applicable laws in Victoria, Australia.

Scope:

This policy applies to all visitors to the "Paws and Panels" website, including customers, subscribers, and affiliate partners interacting with the platform. It governs all data collection, usage, and sharing practices across the website and affiliated services.

Policy Statement:

"Paws and Panels" is committed to protecting personal information in compliance with the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs). Personal data will be collected and processed lawfully, fairly, and transparently, ensuring users have control over their personal information.

  1. Types of Personal Information Collected:

The Company may collect and process the following types of personal data:

  • Identity Information: Name, date of birth, username, and contact details.
  • Contact Information: Email address, postal address, and phone number.
  • Technical Information: IP address, browser type, device data, and website usage analytics.
  • Marketing and Communication Preferences: Consent for email subscriptions and promotional activities.
  • Financial Information: Payment information for commission disbursement purposes (processed by third-party gateways).

Sensitive Information:

The Company does not intentionally collect sensitive information (e.g., health data, racial or ethnic origin, political beliefs) unless legally required and with explicit consent.

  1. Collection and Use of Personal Information:

Personal data will only be collected where necessary for legitimate business purposes, including:

  • Providing website services and user support.
  • Managing affiliate marketing programs and commission payments.
  • Sending newsletters, promotional content, and special offers (with consent).
  • Conducting website analytics and improving user experience.
  • Complying with legal and regulatory obligations.
  1. Legal Basis for Collection (APP 3):

Data will be collected and processed under the following lawful bases:

  • Consent: When the user voluntarily provides data for marketing communications.
  • Contractual Necessity: To fulfill agreements with affiliate partners and service users.
  • Legal Obligation: To comply with applicable laws, such as tax reporting.
  • Legitimate Interests: Improving website performance and user experience.
  1. Data Retention and Storage:
  • Personal data will be retained only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected or as required by law.
  • When no longer required, personal data will be securely deleted or anonymized, following the "Data Retention and Deletion Policy" (POL-ALL-005).
  • Data will be stored on secure servers within Australia and may be processed by trusted third-party services under strict data protection agreements.
  1. Disclosure of Personal Information:

Personal data may be shared only in the following situations:

  • Affiliate Partners: Sharing relevant data for commission tracking and affiliate agreements.
  • Service Providers: Engaging third-party vendors for secure payment processing and analytics services.
  • Legal Compliance: If required by law or regulatory authorities.

Third-Party Vendors:

All third-party vendors handling personal data must comply with the "Third-Party Vendor Management Policy" (POL-ALL-010).

  1. International Data Transfers:

If data is transferred outside Australia (e.g., cloud services), the Company will ensure:

  • The recipient is located in a country with equivalent data protection laws, or
  • Appropriate safeguards (e.g., contractual clauses) are in place under APP 8.
  1. Data Security Measures:

"Paws and Panels" implements industry-standard measures to protect personal data, including:

  • Encryption of sensitive data during transmission and storage.
  • Access controls to limit data access to authorized personnel only.
  • Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments, as outlined in the "Regular Security Testing and Audits Procedure" (PRC-ALL-013).
  1. Direct Marketing and Opt-Out Rights (Spam Act 2003):
  • Marketing communications will only be sent with user consent, following the Spam Act 2003.
  • Users can opt out of marketing communications at any time through a provided unsubscribe link.
  1. Cookies and Tracking Technologies:
  • The website uses cookies to improve functionality and personalize user experiences.
  • Users will be informed about cookie usage and provided options to manage preferences via the "Cookie Policy" (POL-ALL-002).
  1. Rights of Data Subjects (APP 12 & 13):

Users have the following rights concerning their personal data:

  • Right to Access: Request copies of personal data.
  • Right to Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or outdated data.
  • Right to Deletion: Request deletion of personal data under applicable conditions.
  • Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent for data processing.

Requests related to data access or modification can be made following the "Handling Data Subject Requests Procedure" (PRC-ALL-004).

  1. Children’s Privacy (APP 3):
  • The website is not intended for use by children under 13 years of age.
  • If data from minors is collected, parental consent will be required as per the "Children's Online Privacy Policy" (POL-ALL-020).
  1. Data Breach Notification:

In case of a data breach involving personal information:

  • Affected individuals and the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) will be notified promptly.
  • Actions will be taken as per the "Data Breach Notification Policy" (POL-ALL-006).
  1. Policy Review and Updates:
  • This policy will be reviewed annually or after significant changes to data handling practices.
  • Users will be notified of material updates via the website.
  1. Non-Compliance and Reporting:

Non-compliance with this policy may lead to disciplinary action and potential legal consequences. Reporting mechanisms are described in the "Non-Compliance Reporting Procedure" (PRC-ALL-027).

  1. Contact Information:

For privacy-related inquiries or to exercise data rights, please contact us at: info@pawspanels.com.au

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