Your rights in relation to privacy

DataGene Limited (ACN 613 579 614) aims to assist Australian dairy farmers to improve the quality and profitability of their herds through improved genetic selection and the provision of management reports. DataGene understands the importance of protecting the privacy of an individual’s personal information. This statement sets out how DataGene aims to protect the privacy of your personal information, your rights in relation to your personal information managed by DataGene and the way DataGene collects, holds, uses and discloses your personal information.

In handling your personal information, DataGene will comply with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) (Privacy Act) and with the 13 Australian Privacy Principles in the Privacy Act. This policy statement may be updated from time to time. 

  1. What kind of personal information does DataGene collect?

Personal information is information or an opinion about an identified, or reasonably identifiable, individual. During the provision of our services, DataGene may collect your personal information.

Generally, the kinds of personal information DataGene collects include your name, postal address, telephone number, email address and other contact details, together with information you provide when interacting with DataGene.

  1. How does DataGene collect personal information?

Interactions with you and from third parties

DataGene may collect personal information directly from you during its interactions with you, including from forms that you fill out, telephone enquiries or online applications and communications.  DataGene may also collect personal information from service providers who are authorised to provide information to us and publicly available sources where permitted by law.

Generally, DataGene will only collect your personal information from sources other than you if it is unreasonable or impracticable to collect the personal information from you.

If we receive personal information that we did not request and are not permitted to retain, we will destroy or de-identify it where required by law.

Cookies

DataGene uses data collection devices such as “cookies” to monitor usage of its online resources. Cookies are small files placed on your computer’s hard drive when you access DataGene’s online resources. Cookies provide DataGene with information about your computer’s IP address, the date and time of your visit, and the resources or information you have accessed. This information assists DataGene in monitoring and improving how its online resources are being used. In particular, DataGene can use information obtained through cookies to tailor information to you and make your visits easier, more productive and more efficient.

While cookies do not generally collect personally identifiable information, in some circumstances they may enable DataGene to identify you. As with any information DataGene collects about you, any personal information obtained through the use of cookies will only be used for the purposes set out in this policy.

Social media

DataGene may use social media platforms and other interactive online forums through which to communicate and provide its services. Information you disclose to DataGene through such forums may be read, collected and used by DataGene. However, it may also be read, collected and used by other users, the actions of whom DataGene cannot control and for whom DataGene takes no responsibility. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or the content of any other websites to which any of our online platforms or forums may link or which link to our online platforms or forums. 

  1. Dealing with DataGene anonymously or by using a pseudonym

Where lawful and practicable, you may choose to deal with DataGene anonymously or by using a pseudonym. However, in many circumstances DataGene will need to collect personal information in order to provide services, respond to enquiries, verify identity, or comply with legal obligations.

  1. Why does DataGene need your personal information?

The information and data collected by DataGene is used for the following purposes:

  1. providing services to farmers;
  2. managing customer relationships;
  3. operating online platforms;
  4. responding to enquiries;
  5. conducting research and industry analysis;
  6. distributing reports and communications;
  7. meeting legal and regulatory obligations;
  8. improving products and services; and
  9. direct marketing (where permitted).

DataGene also collects, holds, uses and discloses your personal information where it is reasonably necessary for the purposes of carrying out its business and operations in providing services for dairy farmers and the dairy industry (including the herd improvement industry). This includes:

  • undertaking surveys in relation to the dairy industry, your experience with DataGene and/or products, services and issues related to the dairy herd improvement industry;
  • providing educational and awareness information about dairy herd improvement;
  • distributing, or facilitating the distribution of, industry-relevant publications;
  • accounting, billing and other internal administrative purposes;
  • identifying and informing you of resources, products, services and/or issues that may be of interest or relevance to you;
  • improving promotional and online services; and
  • any other legal requirements.

Where personal information is used and disclosed, DataGene takes steps reasonable in the circumstances to ensure the personal information is relevant to the purposes for which it is to be used or disclosed. You are under no obligation to provide your personal information to DataGene. However, without certain information from you, DataGene may not be able to provide its services to you.

  1. Who does DataGene disclose your personal information to?

DataGene discloses your personal information for the purpose for which it is collected. That is, generally, DataGene will only disclose your personal information for a purpose set out at paragraph 4. This may include disclosing your personal information to third parties engaged to perform administrative, promotional, research, information technology or other services. This disclosure is always on a confidential basis and subject to agreements prohibiting misuse of the personal information. DataGene may also disclose your personal information with your consent or if disclosure is required or authorised by law.

  1. Overseas disclosure

DataGene may disclose personal information to overseas recipients (located in Ireland, New Zealand, the United States and other jurisdictions in which DataGene’s service providers operate) for research, administrative or other business management purposes, including cloud hosting, analytics and technology providers.

Before disclosing any personal information to an overseas recipient, DataGene takes steps reasonable in the circumstances to ensure the overseas recipient complies with the Australian Privacy Principles or is bound by a substantially similar privacy scheme unless you consent to the overseas disclosure or it is otherwise required or permitted by law.

  1. Direct marketing

DataGene may use and disclose your personal information in order to inform you of products and services that may be of interest to you. This may include providing you with information related to the dairy industry or other industries. You may unsubscribe at any time using the unsubscribe link in electronic communications or by contacting us.

  1. Security of your personal information

DataGene takes reasonable steps in the circumstances to protect personal information from misuse, interference and loss, and from unauthorised access, modification or disclosure. These steps include physical security measures, access controls, secure information technology systems and other organisational measures appropriate to the nature of the information held by DataGene.

DataGene will destroy or de-identify personal information in circumstances where it is no longer required, unless DataGene is otherwise required or authorised by law to retain the information. 

  1. Can you access and correct the personal information that DataGene holds about you?

DataGene takes steps reasonable in the circumstances to ensure personal information it holds is accurate, up-to-date, complete, relevant and not misleading. Under the Privacy Act, you have a right to access and/or seek correction of your personal information that is collected and held by DataGene.

If at any time you would like to access or correct the personal information that DataGene holds about you, or you would like more information on DataGene’s approach to privacy, please contact DataGene via the contact details set out in paragraph 10 below.

DataGene will grant access to the extent required or authorised by the Privacy Act or other law and take steps reasonable in the circumstances to correct personal information where necessary and appropriate.

To obtain access to your personal information:

  • you will have to provide proof of identity. This is necessary to ensure that personal information is provided only to the correct individuals and that the privacy of others is protected;
  • DataGene requests that you be reasonably specific about the information you require; and
  • DataGene may charge you a reasonable administration fee, which reflects the cost to DataGene, for providing access in accordance with your request.

If DataGene refuses your request to access or correct your personal information, DataGene will provide you with written reasons for the refusal and details of complaint mechanisms. DataGene will also take steps reasonable in the circumstance to endeavour to provide you with access in a manner that meets your needs and the needs of DataGene.

DataGene will endeavour to respond to your request to access or correct your personal information within 30 days from your request.

  1. How to contact us

For further information or enquiries regarding your personal information held by DataGene, or if you would like to opt-out of receiving from DataGene any promotional communications, please contact DataGene’s Chief Executive Officer at enquiries@datagene.com.au, or calling 1800 841 848.

  1. Privacy complaints

If you believe DataGene has breached your privacy rights, please contact us using the details above.  We will acknowledge your complaint, investigate it and respond within a reasonable period.  We aim to respond to privacy complaints within 30 days wherever practicable.  If you are not satisfied with our response, you may contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) at www.oaic.gov.au.