Privacy
How we protect your information
Australia Online connects neighbours with local businesses across Australia. This policy covers how we collect, use, and safeguard information when you browse aubusinesses.com and when you submit updates, reviews, or contact requests.
Need help with a privacy request? Use the contact form
Information we collect
We collect only the information that helps us keep listings accurate, fight spam, and deliver a reliable directory.
Personal details you share
Information you submit through forms—such as your name, role, business affiliation, or contact details—when you request updates, add a listing, or leave a review.
Non-personal analytics data
IP addresses, device information, browser type, and on-site interactions collected to secure the platform, measure performance, and improve search relevance.
Cookies & similar tools
Session and advertising cookies that remember preferences, analyse traffic, and power features such as Google AdSense personalised ads.
How we use your information
Every data point has a clear purpose tied to running and improving Australia Online.
- Provide, maintain, and improve business listings, maps, and review functionality.
- Display relevant content and advertising, including placements delivered through Google AdSense.
- Analyse site performance and solve issues that affect reliability or security.
- Respond to support requests, ownership verification, or disputes submitted via our forms.
- Comply with legal obligations and enforce our terms of service.
Google AdSense & advertising partners
Advertising keeps Australia Online free to use. We partner with Google to deliver relevant promotions.
- Google AdSense and its partners may use cookies (including the DoubleClick DART cookie) to serve ads based on your visits to our sites or other websites.
- You can opt out of personalised advertising by visiting the Google Ads Settings.
- Learn how Google uses information from partner sites in the Google Privacy & Terms.
Cookies
Cookies help us remember preferences, analyse traffic patterns, and serve useful ads.
Most browsers accept cookies by default, but you can adjust your settings to refuse or delete them. Some features—such as keeping filters applied across pages—may not work correctly without cookies.
Data sharing & disclosure
We do not sell personal information. Limited sharing happens only when necessary.
- Trusted service providers (for example, hosting, analytics, email delivery, or advertising networks) that help operate Australia Online under strict confidentiality obligations.
- Legal, regulatory, or safety requirements where disclosure is necessary to comply with the law or protect users and our platform.
Data security
We apply technical and organisational measures to protect the data we hold.
Protection includes encryption in transit, access controls, spam and abuse monitoring, and regular reviews of our infrastructure. While no online system is 100% secure, we continuously improve our safeguards to reduce risk.
Your rights & choices
Your location may entitle you to specific privacy rights. We honour valid requests regardless of where you live.
Access or deletion
Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you or ask us to delete it using the contact form. We typically respond within 30 days. contact form.
Corrections
Let us know about inaccurate information so we can update or correct business records and reviews promptly.
Advertising preferences
Opt out of personalised ads through Google Ads Settings or browser-based controls. Cookie settings in your browser also affect how ads are personalised.
If you are located in jurisdictions with additional privacy rights (such as the EU or Quebec), mention this in your request so we can address applicable obligations.
Third-party links
External resources are provided for convenience.
Our directory may link to third-party websites. Their privacy practices are outside our control, so review those policies before sharing information.
Policy updates
We keep this policy current as laws, services, and technology evolve.
Changes will appear on this page with a refreshed “Last updated” date. We encourage you to review the policy regularly to stay informed about how we protect your information.
Contact us
We are here to answer privacy questions or concerns.
Submit any privacy-related request or question through our contact page. Please include enough detail for us to verify your identity and respond thoroughly. contact form.