Privacy Policy

Last updated: June 24, 2025

1. Introduction

Knowledge Beacon ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles under the Privacy Act 1988 (Commonwealth) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) where applicable.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website or use our services.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

We may collect the following types of personal information:

• Contact information (name, email address, phone number, postal address)
• Financial information (income, debt details, credit history) when you engage our services
• Identification information (date of birth, government identifiers) as required for our services
• Communication records (emails, phone calls, chat transcripts)
• Website usage data and preferences

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect:

• IP address and browser information
• Device and operating system information
• Website usage statistics and navigation patterns
• Cookies and similar tracking technologies (see our Cookie Policy)

3. How We Collect Information

We collect information through:

• Direct interactions (forms, phone calls, emails, consultations)
• Website analytics and tracking technologies
• Third-party sources (credit reporting agencies, with your consent)
• Public records and databases where legally permitted

4. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information for the following purposes:

• Providing debt management and financial education services
• Responding to your inquiries and communicating with you
• Processing payments and managing accounts
• Personalizing your experience and improving our services
• Marketing and promotional communications (with your consent)
• Legal compliance and regulatory reporting
• Protecting against fraud and ensuring security

5. Legal Bases for Processing (GDPR)

For users in the European Union, we process your personal data based on:

• Consent: Where you have given clear consent
• Contract: To perform services you've requested
• Legal obligation: To comply with legal requirements
• Legitimate interest: For business operations and improvements

6. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We may share your information with:

• Service providers: Third parties who assist with our operations
• Professional advisors: Lawyers, accountants, and consultants
• Regulatory bodies: When required by law
• Credit reporting agencies: With your consent for credit-related services
• Business transfers: In case of merger, acquisition, or sale

We do not sell your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes.

7. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information, including:

• Encryption of sensitive data in transit and at rest
• Access controls and authentication systems
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Staff training on data protection and privacy
• Incident response procedures

8. Data Retention

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

• Provide our services to you
• Comply with legal and regulatory requirements
• Resolve disputes and enforce agreements

Generally, we retain client records for 7 years after the end of our relationship, unless longer retention is required by law.

9. Your Rights and Choices

9.1 Australian Privacy Rights

Under Australian privacy law, you have the right to:

• Access your personal information
• Correct inaccurate or incomplete information
• Complain about privacy breaches
• Request not to receive marketing communications

9.2 GDPR Rights (EU Users)

If you're in the EU, you also have the right to:

• Data portability
• Erasure ("right to be forgotten")
• Restrict processing
• Object to processing
• Withdraw consent at any time

9.3 Exercising Your Rights

To exercise your rights, contact us at:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: (03) 9602 4622
• Post: Level 3, 142 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000

10. Cookies and Tracking

We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your website experience. For detailed information about our cookie usage, please see our Cookie Policy.

11. International Data Transfers

We primarily store and process data within Australia. If we transfer your data internationally, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, including:

• Adequacy decisions by relevant authorities
• Standard contractual clauses
• Certified privacy frameworks

12. Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to individuals under 18 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 immediately.

13. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any personal information.

14. Changes to This Policy

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

• Posting the updated policy on our website
• Sending email notifications to registered users
• Displaying prominent notices on our website

15. Contact Information

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us:

16. Complaints

If you believe we have breached your privacy, you can file a complaint with us. If you're not satisfied with our response, you can contact:

• Australia: Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) at oaic.gov.au
• EU: Your local Data Protection Authority