1. Introduction
AusPlates ("we," "us," "our") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our mobile application and website. This Privacy Policy should be read together with our Terms of Service.
2. Information We Collect
2.1 Information You Provide
- Account Information: Name, email address, phone number. If you sign in with Apple, we receive your Apple ID, name, and either your real or Apple relay email address
- Profile Information: Profile photo, bio, preferences
- Listing Information: Plate details, photos, descriptions, pricing
- Payment Information: Processed by third-party providers (Stripe, Apple Pay), not stored by us
- Communications: Messages sent through the platform. AusPlates may access message content for the purposes of content moderation, enforcing our Terms of Service, and investigating reported violations
2.2 Automatically Collected Information
- Device Information: Device type, operating system, unique device identifiers
- Push Notification Tokens: If you enable push notifications, we store your Apple Push Notification service (APNs) device token to deliver notifications. You can disable push notifications at any time through your device settings
- Usage Data: Pages viewed, features used, time spent on platform, search queries
- Analytics Data: We use Firebase Analytics (Google Analytics 4) to collect usage statistics and Firebase Crashlytics to collect crash reports and diagnostic data on our iOS app. This data includes device information, app interactions, and crash logs
- Location Data: General location based on IP address (not precise GPS)
- Cookies and Tracking: We use cookies and similar technologies to improve user experience
3. How We Use Your Information
We use your information to:
- Provide and maintain the Service
- Process transactions and send notifications
- Communicate with you about your account and listings
- Moderate content and enforce our Terms of Service, including reviewing messages and listings for prohibited content
- Promote your listings on AusPlates social media channels (including Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and X) as described in our Terms of Service
- Improve and personalize your experience
- Analyse app usage and diagnose technical issues through analytics and crash reporting
- Prevent fraud and enhance security
- Comply with legal obligations
- Send marketing communications (with your consent)
4. How We Share Your Information
4.1 With Other Users
- Your public profile information is visible to other users
- Listing details you post are publicly visible
- Messages are visible to the parties in the conversation
4.2 With Service Providers
We share information with third-party service providers including:
- Apple for authentication (Sign in with Apple) and push notifications on iOS
- Stripe for payment processing
- Third-party providers for database hosting, analytics, crash reporting, email delivery, and web hosting
A current list of our service providers is available upon request by contacting us.
4.3 Social Media Promotion
As described in our Terms of Service, your listing content (including photographs, plate details, and descriptions) may be shared on AusPlates social media channels for the purpose of promoting your listing and the AusPlates platform. By creating a listing, you consent to this use of your content.
4.4 Legal Requirements
We may disclose information if required by law or to protect our rights and safety.
4.5 Business Transfers
Your information may be transferred in connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets.
5. Data Storage and Security
5.1 Storage Location
Your data is stored on secure servers located in Tokyo, Japan (Supabase).
5.2 Security Measures
We implement industry-standard security measures including:
- Encryption in transit (HTTPS/TLS)
- Encryption at rest for sensitive data
- Row-level security policies
- Secure authentication protocols
- Regular security audits
5.3 Data Retention
We retain your information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide services. When your account is deleted:
- Your personal profile information is deleted promptly
- Your listings are removed from public view
- Message history is retained for a reasonable period to protect other users involved in those conversations, after which it is deleted
- Transaction and payment records may be retained as required by applicable tax and financial reporting laws
- Anonymised usage data may be retained for analytics and service improvement purposes
You may request deletion of your account and data at any time by contacting us or using the delete account feature in your account settings.
6. Your Rights and Choices
6.1 Access and Correction
You can access and update your information through your account settings.
6.2 Data Export
You can request a copy of your personal data in a portable format through your account settings or by contacting us.
6.3 Data Deletion
You can request deletion of your account and personal data by contacting us or using the delete account feature in your account settings.
6.4 Marketing Communications
You can opt out of marketing emails by using the unsubscribe link or updating preferences.
6.5 Cookies
You can control cookies through your browser settings, though this may affect functionality.
6.6 Australian Privacy Rights
Under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), you have the right to:
- Access your personal information
- Correct inaccurate information
- Request deletion (subject to legal obligations)
- Complain to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC)
7. Children's Privacy
Our Service is not intended for users under 18. We do not knowingly collect information from children under 18. If you believe we have collected such information, please contact us immediately.
8. International Data Transfers
Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than Australia. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for such transfers.
9. Third-Party Links
Our Service may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites.
10. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes by posting the new policy on this page and updating the "Last Updated" date.
11. California Privacy Rights (CCPA)
While AusPlates is based in Australia, California residents have specific rights under CCPA:
- Right to know what personal information is collected
- Right to delete personal information
- Right to opt-out of sale of personal information (we do not sell personal information)
12. Contact Us
For questions about this Privacy Policy or to exercise your privacy rights:
For privacy complaints:
Office of the Australian Information Commissioner: www.oaic.gov.au
By using AusPlates, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy.
