Privacy Policy
1. Introduction & Commitment to Privacy
Welcome to houseSEEKER.com.au
This document outlines how houseSEEKER.com.au, an innovative Australian online real estate platform, collects, uses, stores, and discloses personal information. The platform leverages cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence (AI) and advanced data analytics to revolutionize the property search experience, aiming to help users find their next home effortlessly, transform data into actionable insights, and provide personalized guidance through its AI Buyer’s Agent. The commitment to protecting user personal information is paramount to houseSEEKER.com.au, recognising its profound importance in building and maintaining trust, especially given the data-intensive nature of the platform. This policy details the practices employed and the rights users have concerning their data, ensuring that privacy is taken as seriously as the user does.
Compliance with Australian Privacy Principles (APPs)
houseSEEKER.com.au is bound by the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the thirteen Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) outlined within it. These principles establish clear standards, rights, and obligations regarding the collection, use, disclosure, and management of personal information in Australia. Adherence to all 13 APPs ensures the highest standards of privacy protection. This explicit declaration of compliance with Australian privacy laws, including the APPs, serves as a foundational element of the policy. It immediately signals houseSEEKER.com.au's commitment to regulatory adherence and trustworthiness. For an AI-driven platform, where data usage can be perceived as complex or opaque, this upfront and strong declaration helps to mitigate initial user anxieties about how their data might be handled by algorithms. It establishes a clear legal and ethical framework from the outset, which is crucial for fostering user confidence in an innovative technological service.
Agreement to Terms
By accessing or using any of houseSEEKER.com.au's services, individuals acknowledge and agree to the terms outlined in this Privacy Policy. This policy applies to all personal information collected through the houseSEEKER.com.au website, mobile applications, and any associated products or services offered.
2. What is Personal Information?
Definition of Personal Information
In the context of this Privacy Policy, 'personal information' refers to information or an opinion about an identified individual, or an individual who is reasonably identifiable, whether the information or opinion is true or not, and whether the information or opinion is recorded in a material form or not. This broad definition is crucial as it encompasses not only data directly provided by users but also information derived or generated by the platform's AI. Examples of personal information collected include, but are not limited to, name, address, email address, phone number, date of birth, gender, occupation, and any other details that can identify an individual.
Sensitive Information
'Sensitive information' is a specific subset of personal information that receives a higher level of protection under the Privacy Act. This category includes details such as health information, racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, or criminal records. houseSEEKER.com.au generally does not collect sensitive information. Should there be a need to collect such information in the future, it will only occur when it is reasonably necessary for the platform's functions or activities, and only with the individual's explicit consent, or where legally required or authorised. For instance, if houseSEEKER.com.au were to integrate a mortgage application service, certain financial or background details might fall under the definition of sensitive information. The policy's explicit distinction between general personal information and sensitive information, along with the higher standards for collecting the latter, is vital for both legal compliance and building user confidence. This proactive approach manages user expectations and reduces the risk of accidental non-compliance, demonstrating an understanding of the heightened privacy risks associated with such data.
3. Collection of Personal Information
This section details the types of personal information houseSEEKER.com.au collects and the various methods employed, with particular emphasis on the unique aspects of an AI-driven platform. Collection practices are designed to be necessary for, or directly related to, the platform's functions or activities. The interplay between direct user input, data sourced from third parties, and insights generated by AI creates a complex data ecosystem. Clearly explaining this multi-faceted data flow is essential for user understanding and adherence to APP 1 (Open and Transparent Management) and APP 5 (Notification of Collection). Without this clarity, users might perceive their data being used in unforeseen or opaque ways, potentially eroding trust.
3.1 Types of Information Collected
Contact and Demographic Details
This category includes personal identifiers such as name, email address, phone number, residential address, age/birth date, gender, profession, occupation, and job title. This information is typically collected when a user registers an account, subscribes to property alert services, or makes direct enquiries through the platform.
Property Preferences and Search Criteria
This encompasses detailed information actively provided by users through the natural language search interface (e.g., typing 'A modern apartment with ocean views under $800,000'). It also includes selections from advanced search criteria such as desired features, locations, walkability scores, lifestyle preferences, transit scores, architectural styles, or preferred school zones. Users' stated goals, such as 'finding an investment property, your first home, or a lifestyle upgrade,' are also collected to refine search parameters. This data is fundamental to houseSEEKER.com.au's AI functionality and its ability to provide personalized services. The nuanced information gleaned from natural language queries, for example, allows the AI to move beyond basic filtering to perform 'intent-based matching' and generate highly 'personalized recommendations,' which is a deeper form of user profiling than traditional keyword searches.
Usage and Technical Data
Information automatically collected about how users interact with the website and services. This includes the Internet Protocol (IP) address of the user's device, device type, browser type and version, operating system, the specific pages visited, time spent on those pages, date and time of visit, unique device identifiers (e.g., REAUID), referring URLs, content clicked, and search queries executed. This data is crucial for understanding user behaviour, identifying trends, and continuously improving the platform's performance and user experience.
Inferred Data and AI Insights
This category comprises information derived or generated by houseSEEKER.com.au's AI and data analytics systems. It is based on user inputs, usage patterns, and other collected data. Examples include personalized property recommendations, AI Buyer's Agent profiles, market trend insights tailored to individual interests, and analyses of a user's potential buyer/investor status or specific preferences [User Query]. This inferred data is essential for delivering the core AI-powered features, such as intent-based matching and comprehensive recommendations. As this inferred data is linked to an identifiable individual, it constitutes personal information. The policy's explicit inclusion of 'Inferred Data and AI Insights' as a type of collected personal information is a forward-thinking approach. It ensures comprehensive transparency and clearly states that these AI-generated insights are subject to all APP protections, including collection, use, disclosure, security, access, and correction. This proactive disclosure addresses potential user concerns about 'black box' AI processing, as it clarifies that even algorithmically-derived data about them is considered their personal information.
Location Information
houseSEEKER.com.au may collect location information from a user's mobile device, IP address, or by requesting a postcode/address. This data is used to provide location-based search results, relevant property suggestions, and local market insights.
Financial Information (if applicable)
While houseSEEKER.com.au operates on a 'No credit card required' model for initial search [User Query], the policy anticipates future service expansions. If the platform integrates or partners with financial services (e.g., mortgage applications, as seen in realestate.com.au's policy ), it may collect additional financial information. This could include details about assets, financial situation, bank account details, proof of earnings and expenses. Including clauses for potential future collection of financial information ensures the policy remains comprehensive and legally sound without requiring immediate amendments if such services are introduced.
Identification Information
For certain services requiring identity verification, such as potentially future rental applications or secure transaction facilitation, houseSEEKER.com.au may collect identification information like a driver's license or passport details.
Information from Communications
Any personal details, preferences, or feedback provided when contacting customer support, submitting feedback, participating in surveys, or engaging in general enquiries.
Table 1: Types of Personal Information Collected and Their Primary Uses
This table provides a concise, at-a-glance overview of the categories of personal information houseSEEKER.com.au collects, along with clear examples and the primary purposes for which each type of data is used. This structured presentation enhances clarity and compliance with APP 1 (Open and transparent management of personal information) by providing users with a quick, accessible overview of the platform's data practices. For an AI-driven platform like houseSEEKER.com.au, this table is particularly valuable as it explicitly includes 'Inferred Data & AI Insights,' visually communicating that AI-generated data is a distinct category of personal information subject to protection. It also helps demystify the AI's operation by showing how user inputs lead to new, derived data, fostering greater user understanding and trust.
Type of Information Examples/Details Primary Purpose(s) of Collection & Use Contact & Demographic Details Name, email, phone, address, age, gender, occupation Account management, communication, service delivery, user support Property Preferences & Search Criteria Natural language queries ('modern apartment with ocean views'), desired features (walkability, school zones), budget, goals (investment, first home) AI-powered search, personalized recommendations, intent-based matching, market analysis Usage & Technical Data IP address, device type, pages visited, time on site, clicks, search queries Website improvement, analytics, personalization, security, fraud prevention Inferred Data & AI Insights Personalized recommendations, AI Buyer's Agent profiles, market trends, inferred buyer/investor status Core AI service delivery, enhanced personalization, expert guidance, internal product development Location Information Postcode, GPS data, IP-derived location Location-based search, relevant property suggestions, local market insights Financial Information (if applicable) Bank account details, earnings, expenses, loan details Provision of financial services (e.g., mortgage applications), financial assessment Identification Information (if applicable) Driver's license, passport Identity verification for secure services or compliance Information from Communications Enquiries, feedback, survey responses Customer support, service improvement, addressing concerns 3.2 How Information is Collected
Directly from the User
Most personal information is collected directly from users when they interact with the website and app. This includes creating an account, submitting natural language search queries, filling out online forms, subscribing to newsletters or alerts, participating in surveys, providing feedback, or communicating directly with staff.
Indirectly from Third-Party Sources
Property Data Providers
houseSEEKER.com.au integrates and takes in data from various third-party sources, including other real estate portals like domain.com.au, property data aggregators, public records, and government entities. This data primarily includes property attributes (e.g., bedrooms, bathrooms), property type, estimated value, sale/rent history, images, and videos. This reliance on third-party data highlights a key aspect of data aggregation. When combining data from external sources with user-provided data, it is crucial to ensure that the original collection by the third party was lawful and that houseSEEKER.com.au's subsequent use aligns with the original purpose or a reasonably expected secondary purpose. This also implies a need for robust data governance and potentially data sharing agreements with these third parties.
Service Providers & Partners
Information may be received from business partners, referral partners, or other service providers who assist in delivering services.
Publicly Available Sources
Information may be collected from publicly accessible registers or databases.
Important Note
If a user provides personal information about another person (e.g., a referee for a rental application, if houseSEEKER.com.au expands to offer such features), the user must ensure they have that person's consent to do so and have informed them about this Privacy Policy.
Automatically Through Use of Website and Services
Cookies and Tracking Technologies
Automated tools such as cookies, web beacons, pixels, JavaScript, and web server logs are used to automatically collect usage and technical data. This helps understand how users interact with the platform, personalize their experience, and deliver relevant content and advertisements.
AI Processing of Interactions
The platform's AI systems continuously learn and adapt based on user search patterns, preferences, and interactions with the platform. This real-time processing generates inferred data and insights that are then used to refine recommendations and enhance the personalized experience.
3.3 What Happens If Personal Information Cannot Be Collected
If a user chooses not to provide certain personal information, or if they request anonymity where it is not practicable for the service, houseSEEKER.com.au may be unable to provide the full range of its services. This includes, but is not limited to, personalized recommendations from the AI Buyer's Agent, tailored property insights, the ability to save searches, or access to certain advanced features that rely on specific user data. This transparently communicates the necessary trade-off between privacy choices and service functionality. By clearly stating that withholding certain data will limit the AI's ability to personalize and provide 'expert-level guidance,' the policy educates users about the inherent requirements of an AI-driven service. This aligns with APP 2 (Anonymity and Pseudonymity) by setting clear boundaries and reinforcing the legitimate purpose of data collection for core service delivery, fostering trust and preventing user frustration.
4. How Personal Information is Used
Personal information collected by houseSEEKER.com.au is used to provide, personalize, and enhance its AI-powered property search and analytics services.
To Provide and Enhance Services
Personal information is used to deliver the core functionalities of houseSEEKER.com.au, including AI-powered search, natural language search, advanced data analytics, and dynamic visualizations [User Query]. Crucially, user data enables the AI Buyer's Agent to generate personalized property recommendations, provide expert-level guidance, and offer 24/7 support tailored to unique needs and preferences [User Query]. The platform processes enquiries and facilitates communication with real estate agents, property developers, and other listing providers when a user expresses interest in a property. User information is used to create and manage user accounts, ensuring smooth access to features and compliance with website terms of use. Data is continuously used to improve the functionality, performance, and security of the website, mobile applications, and underlying systems.
To Personalize the User Experience
AI and advanced analytics transform user data into actionable insights, allowing for the tailoring of content, property listings, and advertisements to specific interests and preferences based on search history, interactions, and inferred insights. This ensures a highly relevant and efficient property search journey.
For Internal Data Analysis, Research, and Development
Comprehensive data analysis is conducted to identify usage trends, assess the effectiveness of features and promotional campaigns, and understand market dynamics. User data, often in aggregated or de-identified forms, is vital for developing new products, services, and continuously enhancing the accuracy and intelligence of AI models and algorithms [User Query]. This highlights a continuous feedback loop where user interaction with the AI refines the AI itself. The policy transparently communicates that user data (including inferred data) contributes to the ongoing development and improvement of the AI models and algorithms. This is a reasonable expectation for users of an AI product, as it directly leads to a better service, and aligns with APP 6 (Use or Disclosure of Personal Information) where improving the service is a reasonably expected use. Information may be aggregated to create statistical or business data for internal use or for disclosure to third parties, ensuring individual privacy is maintained.
For Marketing and Promotional Communications
Personal information may be used to send communications about houseSEEKER.com.au's own products, services, special offers, and promotions that are believed to be of genuine interest to the user. Crucial Opt-Out: A clear, simple, and accessible way to 'opt out' of receiving such marketing communications will always be provided at any time. This distinction between AI-driven 'personalized recommendations' as a core service feature and 'direct marketing' of third-party products is carefully managed. While AI recommendations are integral to the service, any direct marketing of third-party products would require explicit consent and a robust opt-out mechanism, aligning with APP 7 (Direct Marketing). The most robust approach is to limit sharing for direct marketing to houseSEEKER.com.au's own services, with a clear opt-out, and only share with third parties (like agents) when the user initiates an enquiry.
To Comply with Legal Obligations and for Security
User information is used to investigate suspected unlawful activity, prevent fraud, and ensure the integrity and security of systems and services. Information may also be used to comply with any applicable law, rule, regulation, or lawful requests from governmental authorities, courts, or tribunals.
5. Disclosure of Personal Information
houseSEEKER.com.au may disclose personal information to third parties for various business operations and related purposes.
To Third-Party Service Providers
Personal information may be disclosed to external service providers who assist in operating the website, providing services, and managing business functions. These providers include: Web Hosting and Cloud-Based IT Service Providers: For secure storage, processing, and delivery of the website and data. Data Analytics and AI Processing Platforms: To power advanced AI models, natural language processing, and data analytics capabilities [User Query]. This highlights the AI ecosystem within which houseSEEKER.com.au operates. These platforms are distinct from generic IT administrators and are crucial for the core AI functions. Marketing and Advertising Platforms: For managing houseSEEKER.com.au's own marketing campaigns and delivering relevant advertisements about its services. Payment Processors: If and when financial services (e.g., mortgage applications) are introduced, to facilitate secure transactions. Customer Support Providers: To assist with user enquiries and support. Professional Advisors: Such as legal, accounting, or auditing firms. These service providers are contractually obliged to protect user information and use it only for the specific purposes for which it is disclosed to them, in accordance with instructions and applicable privacy laws.
To Real Estate Agents, Property Developers, and Other Listing Providers
When a user actively makes an enquiry about a specific property listing through the platform, relevant contact details and enquiry information will be shared with the respective listing agent, property developer, or other relevant party so they can respond to the user's interest. This is done with implied consent as part of the enquiry process and is a core function of a real estate portal.
To Related Entities and Business Partners
Information may be shared with related bodies corporate, joint venture entities, or trusted business partners where necessary to provide integrated services, for internal business operations, or for collaborative initiatives.
For Legal and Regulatory Purposes
Where required or permitted by law, information may be disclosed to law enforcement agencies, government authorities, or other enforcement bodies. This includes responding to subpoenas, court orders, or assisting in investigations of unlawful activity.
In Connection with Business Transfers
In the event that houseSEEKER.com.au is involved in a merger, acquisition, asset sale, or similar corporate transaction, personal information may be transferred as part of that transaction. Notice will be provided before personal information is transferred and becomes subject to a different privacy policy.
5.1 Cross-Border Disclosure
Explanation
As a technology-driven platform that leverages advanced AI and cloud computing, houseSEEKER.com.au may utilise global infrastructure and service providers. This means that personal information may be disclosed to, processed in, or stored by entities located outside of Australia. This is a critical aspect for an AI-driven platform, as AI models are often trained and processed on global cloud infrastructure.
Likely Overseas Recipients and Countries
This may include data hosting facilities, cloud-based IT service providers, and application software providers that support AI and data analytics functionalities. Countries where data may be processed or stored include, but are not limited to, the United States, Singapore, Ireland, and other regions where trusted service providers operate. This level of detail is crucial for robust APP 8 (Cross-border Disclosure of Personal Information) compliance, demonstrating a clear understanding of the data flow and the specific nature of the overseas processing.
Safeguards
houseSEEKER.com.au takes reasonable steps to ensure that overseas recipients of personal information handle it in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles. This typically involves implementing robust contractual agreements that impose similar privacy and security obligations on these overseas entities, ensuring data remains protected.
6. Cookies and Other Tracking Technologies
Explanation of Technologies
houseSEEKER.com.au uses automated tools such as 'cookies' (small data files placed on a user's device), 'web beacons' (tiny graphics), 'pixels,' 'JavaScript,' and 'web server logs' to collect information about users and their visits to the platform's sites. These tools collect technical and usage data, including IP address, device type, browser type, operating system, and how users interact with the website and services.
Purposes of Use
Site Functionality
These technologies enable essential website features, remember user preferences (e.g., saved searches), keep users logged in, and facilitate a faster and easier Browse experience on the platform.
Analytics and Performance
Data collected helps analyze site usage, understand audience size, identify any difficulties users may encounter, and generally observe how services are used. This continuous analysis supports ongoing improvement of the platform.
Personalization
Cookies and other tracking technologies are vital for personalizing content, property listings, and advertisements to a user's specific interests and search history. For example, if a user searches for 'modern apartment with ocean views,' these technologies can help houseSEEKER.com.au show other similar properties or related content. This is a direct input into the platform's AI for core personalization features. The policy explicitly states this connection – how cookie data directly informs the AI's understanding of user preferences and goals, which is vital for transparency (APP 1) for an AI platform.
Targeted Advertising
These technologies may be used for behavioural advertising and market research purposes, allowing houseSEEKER.com.au to display advertisements that are more relevant to a user's inferred interests.
Linking to Personal Information
Information collected through cookies and other tracking technologies may be linked to other personal information held about a user. This linkage enhances personalization and the effectiveness of AI-driven recommendations.
Managing Preferences
Users have control over their cookie preferences. Most web browsers allow users to manage their cookie settings, including blocking or deleting cookies. However, it is important to note that blocking certain cookies may impact the functionality and personalized experience of the website. houseSEEKER.com.au also provides links to specific opt-out mechanisms for major analytics and advertising providers where available. For more detailed information about the use of cookies and how to manage them, users are encouraged to refer to a dedicated Cookie Policy, mirroring the approach of realestate.com.au.
7. Data Quality and Security
Data Quality (APP 10)
houseSEEKER.com.au is committed to taking reasonable steps to ensure that the personal information it collects, uses, and discloses is accurate, complete, relevant, and up-to-date. This commitment extends to both data directly provided by users and data sourced from third parties. Users are encouraged to promptly update their personal information through their account settings or by contacting houseSEEKER.com.au to help maintain its accuracy.
Data Security (APP 11)
houseSEEKER.com.au is committed to keeping user information safe. Robust measures are implemented to protect personal information from misuse, interference, loss, unauthorised access, modification, and disclosure. These security measures include: Maintaining secured networks and systems. Implementing internal controls to ensure only the minimum amount of personal information necessary for any given purpose is collected. This balances the AI's appetite for data with the APP principle of data minimization, ensuring data is only collected and retained when essential for delivering AI-powered services. Restricting access to personal information to a limited number of authorised personnel who are required to maintain strict confidentiality. Ensuring that any third parties who provide services related to houseSEEKER.com.au's information systems are also contractually obliged to respect the confidentiality and security of user information. While houseSEEKER.com.au strives to ensure the security, integrity, and privacy of personal information submitted to its site, it is important to acknowledge that no data transmission over the Internet can be guaranteed to be totally secure. However, all reasonable steps will be endeavoured to protect the personal information transmitted. The security measures extend beyond raw data to the integrity of AI models themselves, which contain patterns derived from personal data, ensuring that 'interference' with data (including inferred patterns) is prevented.
Data Retention and Secure Destruction (APP 11)
Personal information is retained only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected, or as required by law. When personal information is no longer required for these purposes, reasonable steps are taken to destroy or de-identify it in a secure manner.
Data Breach Notification
In the unlikely event of a data breach involving personal information that is likely to result in serious harm, houseSEEKER.com.au will comply with its obligations under the Privacy Act, including notifying affected individuals and the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) in a timely manner.
8. Accessing and Correcting Your Personal Information
User Rights (APP 12, APP 13)
Users have the right to request access to the personal information houseSEEKER.com.au holds about them. This includes inferred data and insights generated by the platform's AI that are linked to a user's profile. Users also have the right to request that houseSEEKER.com.au correct or update any personal information that is believed to be inaccurate, incomplete, or out-of-date. This right extends to AI-generated insights, ensuring users can seek correction if they believe an inferred profile is inaccurate. If a user corrects their input data or provides feedback, the AI will strive to update its inferred insights accordingly, reinforcing data quality and user control over their digital profile.
How to Make a Request
To make an access or correction request, users should contact houseSEEKER.com.au's Privacy Officer in writing. To protect privacy and ensure the security of information, identity verification may be required before processing a request.
Response to Requests
houseSEEKER.com.au will respond to requests within a reasonable period, typically within 30 days. If a request is refused (e.g., where legally permitted or required), written reasons for the decision and information about how to complain about the refusal will be provided. If houseSEEKER.com.au does not agree to amend information, users may request that a statement be associated with the information indicating it is believed to be inaccurate, incomplete, or out-of-date.
Online Account Management
For registered users, many personal details, such as contact information and basic preferences, can be updated directly through account settings on the houseSEEKER.com.au website or app.
9. Making a Privacy Complaint
How to Lodge a Complaint
If users have any concerns or complaints about how their personal information has been handled, or if they believe houseSEEKER.com.au has breached the Privacy Act or the Australian Privacy Principles, they should contact the Privacy Officer in writing. Complaints may extend beyond typical data handling to the performance and implications of AI-generated outputs, such as perceived inaccuracies in AI recommendations.
Complaint Handling Process
All complaints are taken seriously and are committed to being resolved promptly and fairly. houseSEEKER.com.au has an internal process for investigating and resolving complaints confidentially and in a timely manner. Receipt of the complaint will be acknowledged, and a substantive response will be endeavoured within a reasonable timeframe, typically within 30 days.
Right to Contact the OAIC
If users are not satisfied with the response to their complaint, they may contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) for further assistance. The OAIC is the independent national regulator for privacy and freedom of information.
10. Anonymity and Pseudonymity
User Option (APP 2)
Where practicable and lawful, users have the option to interact with houseSEEKER.com.au anonymously or by using a pseudonym. This aligns with APP 2 (Anonymity and Pseudonymity), which encourages consideration of anonymous information collection where possible.
Exceptions
There are circumstances where it is not practicable to deal with users anonymously or pseudonymously. This occurs when houseSEEKER.com.au is required or authorized by Australian law or a court/tribunal order to identify the user, or when personal identity is essential to provide a specific service. For instance, creating a personalized AI Buyer's Agent profile, making a property enquiry to an agent, or processing a financial application inherently requires identifiable information. This clarifies the inherent tension between AI personalization and anonymity: while basic Browse might be anonymous, engaging with the personalized AI features will necessitate identification.
11. Changes to This Privacy Policy
Updates and Revisions
houseSEEKER.com.au may review and update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in its practices, technology, or legal requirements. The dynamic nature of AI and data practices necessitates frequent policy reviews. The most recent updated version will govern all personal information held by houseSEEKER.com.au.
Notification
The updated Privacy Policy will be posted on the website. Users are encouraged to periodically review this policy to stay informed about how their information is being protected.
Last Updated
10 July 2025
12. Contact Us
For any privacy-related questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or the handling of personal information, please contact houseSEEKER.com.au's Privacy Officer: Privacy Officer houseSEEKER.com.au Email: [email protected] The Privacy Officer serves as the primary point of contact for all privacy matters, including access/correction requests and complaints. This centralized and accessible contact point is crucial for building and maintaining trust, especially for an AI-centric service where users may have specific and nuanced questions about how their data is used by the AI.