Introduction

At Protect My Books ABN 31 681 706 089, we are committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of the personal information we collect from our clients, website visitors, and business contacts. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, and safeguard your information in accordance with Australian privacy laws, including the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).

By using our services and website, you consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of your personal information as described in this policy.

1. Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of personal information in the course of providing our services:

• Personal Information: This includes names, contact details (phone numbers, addresses, email), employment information, financial information, and other details required to provide our advisory services.
• Business Information: Information about your business operations, financial status, governance structure, and other related data.
• Website Usage Data: Non-personal information such as your IP address, browser type, and browsing behavior on our website through cookies and analytics tools.

2. How We Collect Information

We collect personal information in several ways, including but not limited to:

• Direct Interactions: When you contact us via phone, email, or website forms, or when you engage our services.
• Client Agreements and Forms: Information provided through contracts, service agreements, and registration forms.
• Third-Party Sources: Information from publicly available sources or third parties, such as business partners or government agencies, where relevant to our services.
• Website Cookies: We may collect non-identifiable data through the use of cookies to enhance your website experience and improve our service offerings.

3. Use of Personal Information

We use the personal information collected to:

• Provide, manage, and deliver our services, including advisory, compliance, and governance support.
• Communicate with you regarding your inquiries, services, and any updates relevant to your business.
• Process payments, invoices, and manage billing-related issues.
• Comply with legal obligations, such as reporting and audits.
• Improve our services and understand how clients and visitors engage with our website.

4. Disclosure of Personal Information

Protect My Books does not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may, however, disclose your personal information under the following circumstances:

• Service Providers: We may share your information with trusted service providers who assist us in delivering our services, such as IT support, accountants, or auditors, but only to the extent necessary for them to perform their duties.
• Legal Obligations: We may disclose personal information to comply with legal or regulatory requirements, including responding to subpoenas or other lawful requests by authorities.
• Professional Advisors: In certain cases, we may share information with legal, financial, or professional advisors for business, legal, or compliance purposes.

5. Data Security

We take appropriate measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, alteration, or disclosure. Our security practices include:

• Encryption: Sensitive data, such as financial or legal information, is encrypted to protect it during transmission.
• Access Controls: Access to personal information is restricted to authorized employees and service providers who need the information to perform their duties.
• Regular Audits: We review and update our data protection practices regularly to ensure compliance with privacy laws and evolving security standards.

6. Data Retention

We retain personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected or as required by law. When personal information is no longer needed, we securely delete or anonymize it in accordance with industry best practices.

7. Access and Correction of Personal Information

You have the right to request access to your personal information held by Protect My Books. You may also request corrections to any inaccuracies in the personal information we hold about you. To exercise these rights, please contact us using the details provided below.

We will respond to your requests as soon as practicable and in accordance with our legal obligations.

8. Your Privacy Choices

You have choices regarding the use of your personal information, including:

• Opting Out of Marketing Communications: You may opt out of receiving promotional or marketing emails from us by following the unsubscribe instructions provided in each email or by contacting us directly.
• Managing Cookies: You can manage your cookie preferences by adjusting your browser settings to refuse or delete cookies.

9. Third-Party Links

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

10. Changes to This Privacy Policy

Protect My Books reserves the right to update or modify this Privacy Policy at any time to reflect changes in our practices or legal obligations. Any updates will be posted on this page, and we encourage you to review this policy periodically. Your continued use of our website and services following any changes signifies your acceptance of the updated policy.