Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Rippa Contracts Pty Ltd (ABN: [TO BE INSERTED]) ("Rippa Contracts", "we", "us", or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy and personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our platform, website, and services (collectively, the "Platform").

Entity Structure: Rippa Contracts Pty Ltd is the operating entity responsible for the Platform and data processing activities. All intellectual property rights in the Platform are owned by Rippa Trust. Rippa Contracts Pty Ltd operates under license from Rippa Trust and is the data controller for purposes of privacy law compliance.

We are bound by the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs). This Privacy Policy should be read in conjunction with our Terms and Conditions.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

We collect personal information that you provide directly to us, including:

• Account Information: Name, email address, phone number, business name, ABN
• Profile Information: Trade/profession, location, business details
• Payment Information: Credit card details, billing address (processed securely by our payment providers)
• Contract Information: Contract details, client information, project information
• Communications: Messages, support requests, feedback
• Identity Verification: Documents for identity verification (if required)

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

When you use the Platform, we automatically collect:

• Usage Data: Pages viewed, features used, time spent, click patterns
• Device Information: IP address, browser type, device type, operating system
• Location Data: General location based on IP address
• Cookies and Similar Technologies: Session data, preferences, analytics

2.3 Information from Third Parties

We may receive information from:

• Payment processors (transaction confirmations)
• Identity verification services
• Social media platforms (if you connect your account)
• Other users (when they share contracts with you)

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information for the following purposes:

3.1 Providing Services

• Create and manage your account
• Process contracts and transactions
• Store contracts on blockchain
• Facilitate dispute resolution
• Provide customer support
• Send service-related notifications

3.2 Improving Our Services

• Analyze usage patterns and trends
• Develop new features and improvements
• Conduct research and analytics
• Test and optimize platform performance

3.3 Communication

• Send account updates and notifications
• Respond to inquiries and support requests
• Send marketing communications (with your consent)
• Notify you of changes to our services or policies

3.4 Legal and Security

• Comply with legal obligations
• Prevent fraud and abuse
• Protect our rights and property
• Enforce our Terms and Conditions
• Resolve disputes

4. How We Share Your Information

We do not sell your personal information. We may share your information in the following circumstances:

4.1 With Your Consent

We share information with other parties when you direct us to do so (e.g., sharing contracts with clients).

4.2 Service Providers

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

• Cloud hosting providers (data storage)
• Payment processors (Stripe, PayPal)
• Email service providers
• Analytics providers
• Customer support tools
• Blockchain infrastructure providers

4.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose information if required by law or in response to:

• Court orders or subpoenas
• Government or regulatory requests
• Legal proceedings
• Protection of rights, property, or safety

4.4 Within Our Corporate Structure

We may share information with Rippa Trust (the intellectual property owner) for purposes of platform development, improvement, and intellectual property protection. Any such sharing is subject to the same privacy protections outlined in this policy.

4.5 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 reasonable security measures to protect your personal information, including:

• Encryption of data in transit and at rest
• Secure authentication and access controls
• Regular security audits and updates
• Employee training on data protection
• Blockchain immutability for contract records

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

6. Data Retention

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

• Provide our services to you
• Comply with legal obligations (e.g., tax records for 7 years)
• Resolve disputes and enforce agreements
• Maintain blockchain records (permanently immutable)

When you close your account, we will delete or anonymize your personal information within 30 days, except where we are required by law to retain it or where it exists on the blockchain (which cannot be deleted).

7. Your Privacy Rights

Under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and Australian Privacy Principles, you have the following rights:

7.1 Right to Access

You can request access to the personal information we hold about you.

7.2 Right to Correction

You can request that we correct inaccurate or incomplete information.

7.3 Right to Deletion

You can request deletion of your personal information, subject to legal retention requirements and blockchain immutability.

7.4 Right to Object

You can object to certain processing of your information, including direct marketing.

7.5 Right to Complain

You can lodge a complaint with us or with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC).

To exercise your rights, use the form below or contact us at privacy@rippacontracts.com.au

8. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to:

• Essential Cookies: Required for platform functionality (authentication, security)
• Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how you use the Platform
• Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and preferences
• Marketing Cookies: Deliver relevant advertisements (with your consent)

You can control cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling essential cookies may affect platform functionality.

9. Third-Party Links and Services

The Platform may contain links to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third parties. We encourage you to review their privacy policies.

10. Children's Privacy

Our Platform is not intended for individuals under 18 years of age. 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 stored on servers located outside Australia. When we transfer information internationally, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, including:

• Transfers to countries with adequate privacy protections
• Standard contractual clauses
• Your explicit consent

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of material changes by:

• Posting the updated policy on the Platform
• Sending you an email notification
• Displaying a prominent notice on the Platform

Your continued use of the Platform after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

13. Contact Information

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your privacy rights, contact us:

Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC):
Website: www.oaic.gov.au
Phone: 1300 363 992