Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

GippsBiz ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website and use our services.

Please read this privacy policy carefully. If you do not agree with the terms of this privacy policy, please do not access the site.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

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

• Register for an account
• Create or manage business listings
• Contact businesses through our platform
• Subscribe to our newsletter
• Contact us with inquiries

This information may include:

• Name and contact information (email, phone number)
• Business information (business name, address, description)
• Account credentials (username, password)
• Communication preferences

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect certain information about your device and usage, including:

• IP address and location data
• Browser type and version
• Operating system
• Pages visited and time spent on pages
• Referring website
• Date and time of visits

2.3 Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience on our website. These may include:

• Session cookies (temporary, deleted when you close your browser)
• Persistent cookies (remain on your device until deleted)
• Analytics cookies (help us understand website usage)
• Functional cookies (remember your preferences)

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for various purposes, including:

• Service Provision: To provide, maintain, and improve our services
• Account Management: To create and manage user accounts
• Communication: To respond to inquiries and provide customer support
• Business Listings: To display and manage business information
• Analytics: To understand how our website is used and improve user experience
• Security: To protect against fraud and unauthorized access
• Legal Compliance: To comply with applicable laws and regulations
• Marketing: To send promotional materials (with your consent)

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

4.1 Public Information

Business listings and related information are publicly displayed on our website and may be visible to all users and search engines.

4.2 Third-Party Service Providers

We may share your information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating our website and providing services, including:

• Web hosting providers
• Email service providers
• Analytics services (Google Analytics)
• Security services
• Payment processors (if applicable)

4.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required to do so by law or in response to valid requests by public authorities.

4.4 Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction.

5. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:

• Encryption of sensitive data
• Secure server infrastructure
• Regular security assessments
• Access controls and authentication
• Employee training on data protection

However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this privacy policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law. When we no longer need your information, we will securely delete or anonymize it.

7. Your Rights and Choices

Depending on your location, you may have certain rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: Request access to your personal information
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information
• Portability: Request a copy of your information in a portable format
• Objection: Object to certain processing of your information
• Restriction: Request restriction of processing

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided below.

8. Cookies and Opt-Out

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Most browsers allow you to:

• View and delete cookies
• Block cookies from specific websites
• Block all cookies
• Receive notifications when cookies are set

Note that disabling cookies may affect the functionality of our website.

9. Third-Party Links

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

10. Children's Privacy

Our services are not intended for children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware that we have collected personal information from a child under 13, we will take steps to delete such information.

11. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your own. We ensure that such transfers comply with applicable data protection laws and implement appropriate safeguards.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this privacy policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the new privacy policy on this page and updating the "Last updated" date. Your continued use of our services after any changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

13. Contact Information

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

• Through our website contact form
• By email (if provided)
• By mail (if address provided)