Privacy Policy
Last Updated: 7 Feb 2025
1. Introduction
This privacy policy outlines how Ballarat Smartphones Pty Ltd (“we”, “us” or “our”) collects, uses, and stores your (the “Customer”) data. Your privacy is important to us, and we are committed to safeguarding your personal information. By using our products and/or services, you agree to the practices outlined in this policy.
For details regarding our policy on Data Retention relating to Data Transfer and/or Backup, please see our Device and Data Retention Policy.
Please visit our website for any updates to the privacy policy or on our services.
2. Information We Collect
We may collect the following types of customer data:
2.1 Personal Information:
- Name (first and surname)
- Contact information (email address, phone numbers)
- Username and passwords for emails provided verbally, only in instances that require it. For example, the Customer has issues accessing emails; we would verbally receive the username and password to provide a detailed diagnosis and repair.
We may collect certain details in person using pen and paper for immediate service needs. We do not retain this information beyond what is necessary to assist you. Your privacy and security are our top priorities, and we take reasonable steps to protect all information we collect from you.
2.2 Non-Personal Information:
- Device name (Make, Model)
- Usage data (Passcode or Pattern for repair purposes)
- Cookies and tracking data may be used to improve user experience and analyse website traffic. Customers can manage their cookie preferences via browser settings.
2.3 Sensitive Information:
We understand the importance of safeguarding your sensitive information, including health data (such as fitness or medical information stored on devices like Apple Watches). While our business operations generally do not involve collecting sensitive information, we may occasionally come across them during the repair process.
In such cases:
- We take all reasonable steps to protect your sensitive information and ensure it is not accessed, disclosed, or misused.
- We will not collect, store, or use any sensitive information, including health data, without your explicit consent or unless required by law.
- Our technicians are trained to respect your privacy and will only access data necessary to complete the repair. If health or other sensitive data is encountered, it will be handled with the utmost care and confidentiality.
If you have any concerns about how your information is handled, or if you would like to discuss additional precautions, please contact us.
3. How We Use Customer Data
We use customer data for the following purposes:
3.1 Providing Services
- To deliver our products and/or services and provide customer support.
3.2 Communication
- To send notification texts/emails and contact the customer if further information pertaining to the repair is required/customer requests to be informed of any changes to result during repair.
3.3 Legal Compliance
- To comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our terms and policies.
3.4 Marketing Communications:
- With your explicit consent, we may send promotional emails about our services. You may opt out at any time by following the unsubscribe option provided or contacting us directly and requesting to be removed from our marketing list.
- We respect your request and ensure you no longer receive direct marketing communications. Please note that opting out will not affect your ability to receive important service-related communications, such as repair updates or invoices.
- We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to any third parties.
4. Data Security
We take all appropriate measures to protect customer data from unauthorised access, disclosure, alteration, and destruction. This includes but is not limited to encryption, access controls, and regular security assessments.
Our technicians are trained in data confidentiality, and access to your personal data is limited to authorised personnel only. Devices are stored securely within restricted access areas to prevent unauthorised access.
In the event of a data breach, affected individuals will be notified promptly in accordance with our legal obligations.
5. Data Retention and Disposal
We retain customer data only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes outlined in this policy or as required by law.
6. Data Sharing
We may share customer data with:
6.1 Service Providers:
- Third-party service providers who assist us in delivering our products and services. This includes a micro-soldering specialist whose services we use for more complex repairs that we might not have the necessary tools for.
6.2 Legal Requirements:
- To comply with legal obligations, such as responding to lawful requests and court orders.
6.3 Business Transactions:
- In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of all or part of our business, customer data may be transferred to the acquiring entity. In this instance, their own Privacy Policy then becomes the governing body for your data.
6.4 Third-Party Links:
- Our website may include links to third-party websites for your convenience or reference. Please note that these sites operate independently, and we are not responsible for their privacy practices or content.
- We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit, as their data handling practices may differ from ours.
7. Your Rights
You have the following rights regarding your data:
- Access: You can request to access your personal data that has been collected by us.
- Correction: You can request to correct inaccuracies in your personal data (e.g., a change in contact number or email address).
- Deletion: You can request for us to delete your personal data after you have ceased with our services.
- Data Portability: You can request a copy of your personal data in a machine-readable format.
- Opt-Out: In the event of us developing any e-communication promotional material, you can request to opt out of receiving this communication from us.
- Complaints: If you believe your data privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with us. Refer to the Contact Details section of this document. We will aim to respond to complaints within 30 business days.
- Anonymity and Pseudonymity: You have the right to interact with us anonymously or use a pseudonym, where it is lawful and practical. However, in cases where we need your personal details to provide specific services (e.g., device repairs, processing payments, or fulfilling legal requirements), we may require you to identify yourself.
8. Children’s Privacy
Our products and/or services are not intended for individuals under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect data from children under 13. If you believe a child has provided us with their data, please contact us to have it removed.
We require an adult or guardian to authorise repairs for any device used by a minor. If such data is collected, it will be securely deleted upon request.
9. Changes to this Privacy Policy
We may update this privacy policy to reflect any changes in our practices. The updated policy will be posted on our website with the effective date.
10. Contact Us
If you have any questions, concerns, or requests related to this privacy policy, please contact us at:
Ballarat Smartphones
Address: 34 Grant Street, Ballarat VIC 3350.
Phone: (03) 4416 2838
E-mail: [email protected]
11. Consent
By using our products and/or services, you consent to the collection, use, and storage of your personal information as described in this policy.