The Australian Internet Observatory (AIO) respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 and the Australian Privacy Principles. This policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard information from the various platforms and projects under this research initiative and our website, http://internetobservatory.org.au/, as part of our academic research mission.

Information Collection

We collect personal information necessary for conducting research on social data and digital platforms. This may include, but is not limited to, names, contact details, demographic data, and behavioural insights from online interactions. Information may be collected directly from you, through cookies on our website, or via research surveys and forms.

AIO may collect the following types of information through our research and website:

• Behavioural data: Interactions with our website and affiliated digital platforms, such as clickstream data, page views, navigation paths, session duration, and referral sources.

• Technical information: IP addresses, browser type, device identifiers, operating systems, and access times.

• Tracking and analytics data: Data collected via third-party tools (e.g., Google Analytics) to better understand usage patterns and improve user experience.

• Survey and form responses: Any additional information voluntarily provided by users in response to research participation requests, feedback forms, or academic studies.

Use and Disclosure of Information

AIO uses your personal information for operational purposes and to improve our website and services. 

Specifically, we use this data to:

• Facilitate research participation and study outcomes

• Enhance user experience on our website, resources and services

Data Security

To safeguard your personal information, we implement strict security measures, consistent with ARDC Identifiable data guidelines. Access to personal data is restricted to authorised personnel, and data is stored securely in compliance with national research data protocols.

To support our operations and enhance the functionality of our website, AIO may engage trusted third-party service providers. These may include providers of website hosting, cloud storage, analytics tools, and email communication services. Data shared with these parties is limited to what is necessary to perform their services and is governed by strict confidentiality and data protection agreements.

No personal information is sold or shared for commercial purposes. AIO retains personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfil the research and operational purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, or to comply with legal, ethical, or funding obligations. Once data is no longer required, it is securely deleted or permanently de-identified in line with national research data protocols.

User Rights

You have the following rights under the Privacy Act 1988 and the Australian Privacy Principles:

• To request access to your personal information held by AIO

• To request correction of any inaccurate, out-of-date, or incomplete personal information

• To withdraw consent to the collection or use of your information (where consent has been previously given)

• To make a complaint regarding a breach of your privacy

• To interact with us anonymously or under a pseudonym, where lawful and practical

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at: contact@internetobservatory.org.au 

Cookies and Website Tracking

The AIO website uses cookies and other tracking technologies to enhance user experience, support accessibility features, and collect information that informs our academic research on digital behaviour. By continuing to use our website, you consent to our use of cookies in line with this Privacy Policy. Where data collection is not essential for core site functionality or research obligations, AIO provides users with options to opt out. You can manage your cookie preferences and tracking permissions via your browser settings or decline participation in surveys and data collection activities.

Policy Updates

This Privacy Policy may be updated periodically to reflect changes in AIO’s operational practices, research focus, or relevant regulations. The version posted on our website will always include the most recent effective date, and we encourage all users and research participants to review the policy periodically to remain informed of any changes.

For further information or inquiries about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at contact@internetobservatory.org.au.

Effective date: 17 April, 2025