Privacy Policy

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Information you provide directly

• Full name, email address, phone number
• Business name and address (for business clients)
• Details of your IT issue or service request
• Payment information (processed securely via third-party payment providers — we do not store card details)

1.2 Information collected automatically

• IP address, browser type and version, operating system
• Pages visited on our website, time spent, referring URLs
• Device identifiers and cookie data (see Section 7)

1.3 Information from service delivery

• Technical information about your devices and systems (only as necessary to deliver support)
• Job notes, service reports and correspondence

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information to:

• Provide, manage and deliver IT support services
• Respond to enquiries and booking requests
• Send job confirmations, invoices and service reports
• Improve our website and services
• Send marketing communications (only with your consent — you may opt out at any time)
• Comply with legal obligations
• Prevent fraud and maintain security

3. Disclosure of Your Information

We do not sell, trade or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information with:

• Service providers — email platforms, payment processors, cloud storage and scheduling tools that assist us in operating our business (bound by confidentiality obligations)
• MSP partners — if you are an end-client of a Managed Service Provider who has engaged us, relevant job information will be shared with that MSP
• Law enforcement or regulatory authorities — where required by law or to protect our rights
• Business transfers — in the event of a merger, acquisition or sale of all or part of our business

4. Data Storage & Security

Your information is stored on secure servers located in Australia or with reputable international cloud providers (e.g. Google Workspace, Microsoft 365) that comply with appropriate data protection standards.

We implement industry-standard security measures including:

• SSL/TLS encryption on our website
• Password-protected and access-controlled systems
• Regular security reviews

While we take all reasonable steps to protect your information, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security.

5. Retention of Information

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes outlined in this policy, and to comply with our legal obligations (typically 7 years for financial records under Australian tax law). After that period, your information is securely deleted or anonymised.

6. Your Rights

Under the Australian Privacy Principles, you have the right to:

• Access the personal information we hold about you
• Correct inaccurate or out-of-date information
• Request deletion of your information (subject to our legal obligations)
• Opt out of marketing communications at any time
• Complain to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) if you believe we have breached your privacy

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at info@thetechmate.com.au. We will respond within 30 days.

7. Cookies

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to improve your experience. Cookies are small text files stored on your device. We use:

• Essential cookies — required for the website to function
• Analytics cookies — to understand how visitors use our site (e.g. Google Analytics)

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect some website functionality.

8. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites (e.g. Facebook, Instagram, Google). We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies.

9. Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed at children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you become aware that a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us and we will delete it.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date. Continued use of our website or services after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

11. Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns or complaints about this Privacy Policy or our handling of your personal information, please contact:

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

• Website: oaic.gov.au
• Phone: 1300 363 992