Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

cityHQ.au ("we", "us", or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our directory service.

We comply with the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) contained in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and are committed to protecting and respecting your privacy.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

We collect information that you voluntarily provide to us when you:

• Submit a Business Listing: Business name, contact details, address, phone number, email, website URL, business description, services offered, ABN
• Send an Inquiry: Your name, email address, phone number (optional), and message content
• Contact Us: Name, email address, subject, and message content
• Use Our Website: Any other information you choose to provide

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our Directory, we may automatically collect:

• Device Information: IP address, browser type, operating system, device type
• Usage Data: Pages viewed, time spent on pages, links clicked, referring website
• Location Data: General geographic location based on IP address
• Cookies: See Section 8 for detailed cookie information

2.3 Information from Third Parties

When you submit your business website URL for automated information extraction, we may collect publicly available information from your website including business details, contact information, and service descriptions.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

3.1 To Provide Services

• Create and maintain business listings
• Process and respond to inquiries
• Facilitate communication between users and businesses
• Provide customer support

3.2 To Improve Our Services

• Analyze usage patterns and trends
• Improve website functionality and user experience
• Develop new features and services
• Conduct research and analysis

3.3 To Communicate

• Send administrative information and updates
• Respond to inquiries and requests
• Send notifications about your listing status
• Provide important notices about changes to our services

3.4 For Legal Compliance

• Comply with legal obligations
• Enforce our Terms of Service
• Protect our rights and property
• Prevent fraud and abuse

4. How We Share Your Information

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. We may share your information in the following circumstances:

4.1 Public Listings

Business information submitted for listing (business name, description, contact details, location) is publicly displayed on our directory for users to find and contact businesses.

4.2 Service Providers

We may share information with third-party service providers who perform services on our behalf:

• Web hosting providers
• Email service providers
• Analytics providers (e.g., Google Analytics)
• AI/ML services for content extraction (e.g., OpenAI)

4.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required by law or in response to valid legal requests from government authorities.

4.4 Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred to the acquiring entity.

5. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information:

• Secure server infrastructure
• Encryption of data in transit (SSL/TLS)
• Access controls and authentication
• Regular security assessments
• Employee training on data protection

However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your personal information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to:

• Maintain active business listings
• Comply with legal obligations
• Resolve disputes and enforce agreements
• Provide services you have requested

When your information is no longer needed, we will securely delete or anonymize it.

7. Your Rights and Choices

Under Australian privacy law, you have the following rights:

7.1 Access

Request access to the personal information we hold about you.

7.2 Correction

Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete personal information.

7.3 Deletion

Request deletion of your personal information, subject to legal retention requirements.

7.4 Opt-Out

Opt-out of receiving promotional communications from us.

7.5 Complaint

Lodge a complaint about our handling of your personal information.

8. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience:

8.1 Types of Cookies

• Essential Cookies: Necessary for website functionality
• Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how visitors use our site
• Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and preferences

8.2 Managing Cookies

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Note that disabling cookies may affect website functionality.

9. Third-Party Links

Our Directory contains links to third-party websites (including business websites). We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies.

10. Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to children under 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have collected information from a child, please contact us immediately.

11. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries outside Australia, including countries that may not have the same data protection laws. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for such transfers.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes by posting a notice on our website or sending you an email. Your continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

13. Contact Information

If you have questions, concerns, or complaints about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

14. Complaints and Disputes

If you have a complaint about how we handle your personal information, please contact us first. We will investigate and respond within 30 days.

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