Privacy Policy
Effective date: January 2026
This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and disclose personal information in connection with the University Course Reviews website and related services (the "Platform").
We are committed to protecting your privacy and handling personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).
By accessing or using the Platform, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy.
1. Scope
This Privacy Policy applies to:
- visitors to the Platform;
- registered users; and
- users who submit or view reviews.
It does not apply to third-party websites or services linked from the Platform.
2. Personal Information We Collect
2.1 Information You Provide
We may collect the following personal information when you create an account or use the Platform:
- email address (including university-issued email address);
- chosen display name or username;
- account credentials (in hashed or encrypted form);
- content you submit, including reviews and ratings;
- communications with us (e.g. support requests or complaints).
2.2 Automatically Collected Information
When you access the Platform, we may automatically collect:
- IP address;
- device and browser information;
- usage data (pages viewed, timestamps, interactions);
- cookies or similar tracking technologies.
3. Verification of University Status
We use university-issued email addresses to verify that users submitting reviews are current or recent university students.
Verification is used solely to determine eligibility to submit Content and does not imply endorsement by any university.
4. Anonymity and Public Display
4.1 Reviews are published under a display name chosen by you. Display names do not need to reflect your real name.
4.2 While your public activity may be anonymous, we retain internal account identifiers, verification details, and technical metadata to:
- administer the Platform;
- enforce our Terms of Service;
- comply with legal obligations; and
- respond to complaints or legal requests.
5. Use of Personal Information
We collect and use personal information for the following purposes:
- operating and maintaining the Platform;
- verifying user eligibility;
- moderating and reviewing submitted content;
- detecting prohibited content, including profanity or references to identifiable individuals;
- responding to complaints, reports, or legal notices;
- improving Platform functionality and user experience;
- complying with legal and regulatory obligations.
6. Automated Content Analysis
Submitted reviews may be automatically scanned using automated tools to:
- detect profanities or offensive language; and
- identify references to identifiable individuals.
Automated analysis is used to support moderation decisions and does not replace human review.
7. Disclosure of Personal Information
We do not sell personal information.
We may disclose personal information:
- to service providers who assist us in operating the Platform (e.g. cloud hosting, analytics, email services);
- where required or authorised by law;
- to respond to legal claims, subpoenas, or regulatory requests;
- to protect the rights, safety, or property of users or the public.
Service providers are required to handle personal information in accordance with this Privacy Policy and applicable law.
8. Overseas Disclosure
Some service providers may store or process data outside Australia (for example, cloud infrastructure providers).
Where personal information is disclosed overseas, we take reasonable steps to ensure it is handled consistently with the Australian Privacy Principles.
9. Data Security
We take reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect personal information from misuse, interference, loss, unauthorised access, modification, or disclosure.
These measures include access controls, encryption, and secure cloud infrastructure. However, no system is completely secure.
10. Data Retention
We retain personal information only for as long as necessary to:
- operate the Platform;
- comply with legal obligations; or
- manage disputes and enforce our Terms of Service.
When information is no longer required, it is securely deleted or de-identified.
11. Access and Correction
You may request access to, or correction of, personal information we hold about you by contacting us.
We will respond to requests within a reasonable time and in accordance with applicable law.
12. Cookies and Analytics
We use cookies and similar technologies to:
- enable core Platform functionality;
- understand how the Platform is used; and
- improve performance and usability.
You may disable cookies through your browser settings, but this may affect Platform functionality.
13. Complaints
If you believe we have breached the Australian Privacy Principles or mishandled your personal information, you may contact us.
We will investigate complaints and respond within a reasonable timeframe.
If you are not satisfied with our response, you may lodge a complaint with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC).
14. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The updated version will be published on the Platform with a revised effective date.
Continued use of the Platform after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.
15. Contact Us
For privacy-related enquiries or requests, contact us through the Platform.