Effective Date: 4/12/2024
1. Introduction
EdScout Pty Ltd (“we,” “us,” or “our”) is committed to protecting your privacy and complying with the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).
This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your personal information when you use our services as an educational discovery and comparison site. By accessing or using our services, you consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of your personal information as described in this policy.
2. Open and Transparent Management of Personal Information
We are committed to managing your personal information in an open and transparent way. This Privacy Policy provides detailed information about our data handling practices and how you can contact us with any queries or concerns.
3. Anonymity and Pseudonymity
Where practicable, you have the option of interacting with us anonymously or by using a pseudonym. However, to provide certain services, such as assisting school discovery, we may need to collect personal information that identifies you.
4. Collection of Personal Information
4.1 Types of Personal Information Collected
We collect personal information that is reasonably necessary for our business purposes. This may include:
- Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, and postal address.
- Demographic Information: Family details including education preferences, and location preferences.
- Billing and Payment Information: If applicable, credit card details and billing information.
- User-Generated Content: Comments, reviews, enquiries, and other submissions.
- Technical Information: IP address, device information, browser type, cookies, and usage data collected via website interactions.
4.2 How We Collect Personal Information
We collect personal information through various means, including:
- When you create an account or profile on our website.
- When you use our services to discover and compare schools or suburbs
- When you communicate with us via email, phone, or other channels.
- When you participate in user generated content, reviews, surveys, promotions, or feedback requests.
- Through cookies and similar tracking technologies when you use our website.
4.3 Unsolicited Personal Information
If we receive unsolicited personal information about you, we will determine whether we could have collected the information under APP 3 (Collection of Solicited Personal Information). If not, we will destroy or de-identify the information as soon as practicable, provided it is lawful and reasonable to do so.
5. Notification of the Collection of Personal Information
At or before the time we collect your personal information (or as soon as practicable thereafter), we will take reasonable steps to notify you or ensure that you are aware of:
- Our identity and contact details.
- The purposes for which we are collecting the information.
- The main consequences (if any) of not providing the information.
- This Privacy Policy and how you can access it.
6. Use or Disclosure of Personal Information
6.1 Primary Purposes
We may use or disclose your personal information for the primary purposes for which it was collected, including:
- Providing Our Services: Facilitating your use of our school discovery and comparison services.
- Account Management and Customer Support: Managing your account, responding to your enquiries, and providing customer support.
- Processing Payments: Handling billing and payment transactions.
- Marketing Communications: Sending you updates, newsletters, and promotional materials (you can opt out at any time).
- Service Improvement: Analysing usage to improve our services, content, and user experience.
- Legal Compliance: Complying with legal obligations, resolving disputes, and enforcing our agreements.
8. Quality of Personal Information
We take reasonable steps to ensure that the personal information we collect, use, and disclose is accurate, up to date, and complete. We encourage you to review and update your personal information through your account settings or by contacting us.
9. Security of Personal Information
We take reasonable steps to protect your personal information from misuse, interference, loss, unauthorised access, modification, or disclosure.
10. Access to Personal Information
You have the right to request access to the personal information we hold about you. To make a request, please contact us using the details provided below. We will respond to your request within a reasonable period and may charge a reasonable fee for providing access.
11. Correction of Personal Information
If you believe that any personal information we hold about you is incorrect, incomplete, or out of date, you can request that we correct the information. We will take reasonable steps to correct the information to ensure it is accurate, up to date, and complete.
12. Disclosure of Information
We may disclose personal information to:
- Service Providers: For hosting, data analysis, and email communication purposes.
- Third-Party Partners: With your consent, to businesses featured on our platform or other EdScout Third Party Partners if relevant to your inquiries.
- Regulatory Authorities: When required by law.
We do not sell, rent, or share your personal information with unrelated third parties.
13. Complaints and Enquiries
If you have any questions, concerns, or complaints about our handling of your personal information, please contact us using the details provided below. We will investigate your complaint and respond within a reasonable time. If you are not satisfied with our response, you may contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC).
14. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience on our website, analyse site usage, and assist with our marketing efforts. You can manage your cookie preferences through your browser settings. However, disabling cookies may affect the functionality of our website.
15. Links to Third-Party Websites
Our website may contain links to third-party websites for your convenience and information. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these websites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.
16. Changes to this Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal obligations. If we make significant changes, we will notify you by email or through a notice on our website. Your continued use of our services after any changes indicates your acceptance of the updated policy.
17. Contact Us
If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us at:
Email: info@edscout.com.au
