Privacy Policy
Last updated: April 5, 2026
At HotDot, we take your privacy seriously. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our service.
1. Information We Collect
Personal Information
When you create an account, we collect:
- Organisation name
- First and last name
- Email address
- Password (encrypted)
Anonymised Usage Data
We collect fully anonymised usage data to understand search patterns and improve our service. This data is never linked to any individual user and cannot be used to identify you. We do not track IP addresses, device information, or browser details.
The anonymised data we collect includes:
- Aggregated search terms and suburb/postcode queries
- Filter combinations and frequency of use
- General geographic areas of interest
- Pages visited and time spent on pages
This data is used solely to identify demand trends, improve search relevance, and prioritise our coverage across Australia. Your privacy is fully preserved — all data is anonymous by design.
Cookies and Tracking Technologies
We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to improve your experience and analyze usage patterns.
2. How We Use Your Information
We use the collected information for the following purposes:
- To provide and maintain our service
- To authenticate your account and verify your identity
- To personalize your experience and improve our service
- To send you updates, notifications, and service-related information
- To respond to your inquiries and provide customer support
- To monitor and analyze usage patterns and trends
- To detect, prevent, and address technical issues and security threats
- To comply with legal obligations
3. Information Sharing and Disclosure
We do not sell your personal information. We may share your information in the following circumstances:
- Service Providers: We may share information with third-party service providers who assist us in operating our service (e.g., hosting, analytics, authentication)
- Legal Requirements: We may disclose information if required by law or in response to valid legal requests
- Business Transfers: If HotDot is involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred
- With Your Consent: We may share information for other purposes with your explicit consent
4. Third-Party Services
Our service uses the following third-party services:
- Firebase Authentication: For user authentication and account management
- Mapbox: For interactive map features and location services
These services have their own privacy policies governing the use of your information. We encourage you to review their policies.
5. Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
6. Data Retention
We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to provide our service and fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy. You may request deletion of your account and associated data at any time.
7. Your Rights
You have the following rights regarding your personal information:
- Access: Request access to the personal information we hold about you
- Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
- Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information
- Objection: Object to the processing of your personal information
- Data Portability: Request a copy of your information in a portable format
To exercise these rights, please contact us through our Contact page.
8. Children's Privacy
Our service is not intended for individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have collected information from a child, please contact us immediately.
9. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page and updating the "Last updated" date. Continued use of the service after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
10. International Data Transfers
Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your own. By using our service, you consent to the transfer of your information to Australia and other countries where our service providers operate.
11. Contact Us
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us through our Contact page.