Who this policy covers
This policy explains how VT Info Publications Pty Ltd (ABN 12 345 678 901), the operator of thevtreehollywood.com, collects and handles personal information from visitors to this website. VT Info is bound by the Australian Privacy Act 1988 and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) which sit under that Act. This policy is written to be readable rather than legalistic; where a specific APP applies we note the reference for readers who want to cross-check.
What we collect
We collect only what we need to run this website and respond to legitimate correspondence. Specifically:
- Server logs: IP address, user-agent string, page requested, referrer, timestamp. These are collected automatically by our hosting provider for security and diagnostic purposes.
- Email correspondence: when you email us, we retain the correspondence in order to respond and to maintain a record of our editorial engagement history.
- Aggregate analytics: aggregated, non-identifying analytics data on pages visited and time on page. We do not use third-party advertising trackers.
We do not run a user account system, we do not sell products, and we do not require registration to read the site. Consequently we do not collect names, addresses, payment details or dates of birth from routine visitors. Any personal information we hold is collected directly from you at the point you send it (typically by email).
How we use information
Personal information is used for the purpose it was collected for. Email correspondence is used to respond to your query and to maintain an internal editorial record. Server logs are used for security monitoring and technical diagnostics. Aggregate analytics are used to understand which pages are read most and to prioritise editorial maintenance.
We do not use your information for direct marketing. We do not sell your information to third parties. We do not use your information for automated decision-making that has a significant effect on you. We do not share your information with operators, affiliate networks or advertising platforms.
Disclosure to third parties
The narrow circumstances in which we disclose personal information to third parties are:
- Our hosting provider, which sees server-log data as part of routine hosting operations.
- Our email provider, which handles the delivery and storage of email correspondence.
- Any Australian government authority requesting information under a lawful process (subpoena, warrant, statutory notice).
Our hosting and email providers are contractually required to handle personal information consistently with Australian privacy law. We do not otherwise disclose personal information to any third party.
Overseas storage
Some of the infrastructure we use is operated from servers outside Australia (typically in the United States or the European Union). Under APP 8, we take reasonable steps to ensure overseas recipients handle personal information consistently with the APPs. In practical terms this means we choose providers that meet or exceed the Australian standard and that are subject to comparable legal frameworks.
Your rights
Under the APPs you have the right to:
- Request access to the personal information we hold about you (APP 12).
- Request correction of that information if it is inaccurate, out of date or incomplete (APP 13).
- Make a complaint about our handling of your personal information.
- Escalate a complaint to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner if we do not resolve it satisfactorily.
Requests should be sent to [email protected]. We will respond within thirty days.
Security
Personal information is stored on hosting infrastructure with commercially reasonable technical and organisational safeguards. Email correspondence is protected in transit by TLS and at rest by our email provider's storage encryption. No system is perfectly secure; we take reasonable care but cannot guarantee against every possible security event.
Retention
Server logs are typically retained for ninety days. Email correspondence is retained for as long as the correspondence remains relevant to editorial matters, and typically no longer than two years unless a substantive editorial reason to retain it further exists. Aggregate analytics data is retained without personal identifiers.
Updates to this policy
We may update this policy from time to time. The "Last updated" date at the top of this page reflects the most recent update. Material changes will be announced on the homepage for a reasonable period after the update.