Deposit Guardian ("we", "us", "our") is committed to protecting your privacy. This policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and your rights regarding your data.

1. Who We Are

Deposit Guardian is an Australian platform providing deposit protection for private machinery and vehicle transactions. We hold a buyer's deposit securely, via direct bank transfer or PayID, until the buyer confirms they are satisfied with the purchase — regardless of which marketplace or classifieds site the transaction started on.

2. Information We Collect

When you use Deposit Guardian, we may collect:

• Account information: Your name, email address and phone number when you register
• Identity verification information: Information required to confirm your identity before a transaction, in line with our regulatory obligations
• Transaction details: The item being bought or sold, agreed price, and details of the deposit being protected
• Bank account details: Information needed to transfer your deposit into the holding account and, for sellers, to release funds to your nominated account
• Communications: Messages you send us for support or to raise a dispute

We do not collect your browsing history or any data from websites you visit unrelated to a transaction you've started with us.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Hold and release deposits in line with our Terms and Conditions
• Verify your identity and confirm transaction details
• Manage your account
• Investigate and resolve disputes between buyers and sellers
• Meet our obligations under Australian financial services and anti-money-laundering law
• Provide customer support
• Send important service notifications (not marketing without consent)

4. No Sale of Data

We do not share your personal information with third parties except:

• With your explicit consent
• With our banking and payment partners, solely to process and confirm your deposit transfer
• To comply with Australian law, a court order, or our obligations to financial regulators
• To protect the safety of our users or the public
• With service providers who process data on our behalf under strict confidentiality agreements

5. Data Storage and Security

Your data is stored on secure Australian servers. We use industry-standard encryption for data in transit and at rest. Transaction records are retained for as long as required by Australian financial recordkeeping law, after which they are securely deleted.

We will notify you promptly in the event of any data breach that affects your personal information, as required by the Australian Privacy Act 1988.

6. Your Rights

Under the Australian Privacy Act 1988, you have the right to:

• Access the personal information we hold about you
• Request correction of inaccurate information
• Request deletion of your account and associated data, subject to our legal record-keeping obligations for completed transactions
• Opt out of any marketing communications

To exercise any of these rights, email us at privacy@depositguardian.com

7. Cookies

Our website uses essential cookies for login sessions and security. We do not use advertising or tracking cookies. You can disable cookies in your browser settings, though this may affect some site functionality.

8. Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed at children under 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from minors. If you believe a minor has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately.

9. Changes to This Policy

We may update this privacy policy from time to time. We will notify registered users of any significant changes by email. The date at the top of this page indicates when it was last updated.

10. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this privacy policy or how we handle your data:

• Email: privacy@depositguardian.com
• Support: support@depositguardian.com
• Website: depositguardian.com