Visual Rights Group Pty Ltd (we, us, or our) is committed to protecting the privacy of all individuals we interact with, including website visitors, clients, and parties involved in copyright infringement claims.
This policy explains how we handle personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).
1. The Personal Information We Collect
We collect information that is reasonably necessary for our business functions, specifically the protection of intellectual property rights. We collect data regarding:
- Website Visitors: Name, email, and phone number provided via contact forms.
- Respondents (Opponents): Individuals or entities identified as potentially using copyrighted material without a license. This includes names, business addresses, email addresses, and phone numbers.
- Rights Holders: Information about photographers and creators we represent.
- Payment Data: Transaction details via our payment portal (we do not store full credit card numbers).
2. How We Collect Information
We collect personal information through the following methods:
- Directly from you: When you fill out a form or use our payment portal.
- From our clients: When they provide us with evidence of a copyright breach.
- From Public Sources: Where it is unreasonable or impracticable to collect data directly from a respondent, we gather information from public "WHOIS" registries, ASIC business registers, social media profiles, and the website where the potential infringement was identified.
3. Purpose of Collection and Legal Basis
We collect and process personal information for the primary purpose of:
- Identifying and contacting parties responsible for copyright infringements.
- Facilitating the legal resolution and settlement of infringement claims.
- Responding to general business inquiries.
4. Automated Decision-Making (ADM)
In accordance with Australian law, we notify you that we utilise automated technological tools to assist in the detection of potential copyright infringements.
- How it works: These tools scan public websites to identify matches with our clients' copyrighted works.
- Impact: These automated findings may influence the initiation of a claim or the calculation of a settlement offer.
- Human Review: All final settlement demands and formal legal escalations are subject to review by a human officer.
5. Disclosure and Overseas Transfers
We do not sell personal information to third parties. We may disclose your information to:
- Our Clients: The copyright owners for whom we are acting.
- Service Providers: IT hosting, legal advisors, and payment processors.
- Overseas Recipients: We may store or process data on servers located in Belgium, the United Kingdom, Denmark, or other European Economic Area (EEA) countries. We take reasonable steps to ensure these recipients provide a level of protection substantially similar to the APPs.
6. Data Security and Retention
We maintain robust physical, electronic, and procedural safeguards to protect your data.
- Retention: We retain personal information for as long as a dispute remains active.
- De-identification: Once a matter is resolved and the legal limitation period has expired, we will securely destroy or de-identify the data.
7. Cookies and Technical Tracking
Our website uses cookies for essential functionality and de-identified analytics. We use Google Analytics to monitor site performance. You can manage your cookie preferences through your browser settings.
8. Your Rights: Access and Correction
You have the right to request access to the personal information we hold about you and to request corrections if that information is inaccurate. To make a request, please contact our Privacy Officer at info@visualrightsgroup.comm. We will respond to your request within 30 days.
9. Complaints
If you believe we have breached the Australian Privacy Principles, please contact us at legal@visualrightsgroup.com. We take all complaints seriously and will respond in writing. If you are not satisfied with our response, you may lodge a complaint with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) at www.oaic.gov.au.
