Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Australian Racing Calendar ("we", "our", "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard information when you visit our website at horseracingcalendar.com ("the Site").

This policy complies with the Australian Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

We do not require user registration or accounts. The only information you may voluntarily provide is:

• Email correspondence if you contact us

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

When you visit the Site, we automatically collect:

• Analytics Data: We use Vercel Analytics to collect anonymous usage statistics including:
  • Pages visited and time spent on pages
  • Referring website
  • Browser type and version
  • Device type (desktop, mobile, tablet)
  • General geographic location (country/region level)
• Technical Data: IP addresses may be temporarily processed for security and performance purposes but are not stored in identifiable form.

2.3 Local Storage (Favorites)

When you save races to your favorites, this data is stored locally in your browser using localStorage. This data:

• Never leaves your device
• Is not transmitted to our servers
• Is not accessible by us
• Can be cleared by you at any time through your browser settings

3. How We Use Information

We use collected information to:

• Understand how visitors use the Site to improve our service
• Monitor Site performance and fix technical issues
• Respond to enquiries sent to our contact email
• Comply with legal obligations

We do not use your information for marketing, advertising targeting, or to build user profiles.

4. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

4.1 Essential Cookies

We use minimal cookies necessary for the Site to function. These are strictly necessary and cannot be disabled.

4.2 Analytics

Vercel Analytics collects anonymous, aggregated data about Site usage. This service is designed to be privacy-focused and does not use cookies that track users across websites.

4.3 Managing Cookies

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Note that disabling cookies may affect Site functionality.

5. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information. We may share data:

• Service Providers: With Vercel (hosting and analytics) who process data on our behalf under strict confidentiality agreements
• Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or government request
• Safety: To protect the rights, safety, or property of our users or the public

6. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect information, including:

• HTTPS encryption for all Site communications
• Regular security updates and monitoring
• Limited access to any collected data

However, no internet transmission is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security of information transmitted to the Site.

7. Data Retention

• Analytics Data: Aggregated statistics are retained for up to 12 months
• Email Correspondence: Retained for as long as necessary to respond to enquiries, then deleted
• Local Storage: Remains on your device until you clear it

8. Your Rights

Under Australian privacy law, you have the right to:

• Access: Request information about what personal data we hold about you
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate personal data
• Complaint: Lodge a complaint with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) if you believe we have breached the Privacy Act

To exercise these rights, contact us at contact@horseracingcalendar.com

9. Children's Privacy

The Site is not directed at children under 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have inadvertently collected information from a child, please contact us immediately.

10. International Visitors

The Site is operated from Australia. If you access the Site from outside Australia, please be aware that your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in Australia where data protection laws may differ from your country.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will post any changes on this page and update the "Last Updated" date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

12. Contact Us

For privacy-related questions or to exercise your rights, contact us at:

Email: contact@horseracingcalendar.com

Complaints: If you are not satisfied with our response, you may lodge a complaint with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner at oaic.gov.au