Privacy Policy

 Privacy Statement

Aphore Pty Ltd ("Aphore," "we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting the confidentiality and privacy of personal information collected through our websites, applications, events (both virtual and in-person), communications, and related services, collectively referred to as "Activities." By engaging in these Activities, you consent to the practices outlined below.

1.1 Personal Information You Provide

We collect personal information that you provide voluntarily through engagement in our Activities. The types of information collected may vary depending on your relationship with Aphore, such as a client, website user, event participant, or applicant. Categories of personal information may include:

• Identifiers: Real name, alias, postal address, unique identifiers (e.g., IP address, email address, phone number, account numbers).
• Commercial and Financial Information: Transaction records, purchase history, financial account details.
• Internet or Other Network Activity Information: Device information, IP addresses, cookie identifiers, clickstream data, browser type, ISP, and operating system.
• Geolocation Data: Based on IP address, GPS data, or other location-determining technologies.
• Audio, Electronic, and Visual Information: Call recordings, meeting transcripts, video surveillance data.
• Professional or Employment-Related Information: Job titles, responsibilities, professional licenses, employment history.
• Education Information: Academic records, degrees, educational history.
• Inferences: Preferences and characteristics inferred from other personal information.
• Biometric Information (if applicable): Facial recognition, fingerprints, voice recognition.
• Sensitive Personal Information: Health-related information, allergies, dietary needs, racial or ethnic origin, and other categories subject to applicable law. Sensitive data is collected only with your explicit consent and for specific business purposes.

1.1.1 Sensitive Personal Information

Sensitive personal information, as defined under various applicable laws, encompasses data related to race, religion, physical and mental health, biometric data, and other sensitive categories. Aphore collects such information only when voluntarily provided and does not collect or process this data without your explicit consent for a stated purpose.

1.2 Information We Gather Automatically

We collect certain information automatically when you engage in our Activities, especially through digital platforms. This includes:

• IP Addresses: Collected to identify your device, facilitate communications, and ensure security.
• Cookie Data: Gathered to enhance your browsing experience, analyze site traffic, and support certain functionalities. Please refer to our Cookie Preferences in Section 9 for more details on managing these settings.
• Location Information: When enabled on your device, location data may be collected to tailor our services to your region or preferences. You may disable this setting through your device preferences, though certain features may be affected.

1.2.1 What We Gather

In addition to IP addresses and cookie data, we use tracking technologies (such as web beacons and analytics tools) to capture additional data, including device type, operating system, referring and exit pages, and timestamps. This data enables us to improve the functionality, security, and performance of our websites and applications.

1.2.2 How We Gather Personal Information

• Cookies: We use cookies to track online user behavior, optimize site functionality, and deliver relevant content. You may adjust your cookie settings at any time.
• Web Beacons: These are embedded within certain communications to measure the effectiveness of our outreach.
• Social Media and Analytics Tools: Integrated tools may be used to gather information on user engagement across various social media platforms and for website performance analytics.

1.3 Do Not Track

Our online services currently do not respond to "Do Not Track" signals. However, you can modify your browser settings to block cookies and adjust privacy controls.

1.4 Children’s Privacy

Our Activities are not designed for children under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect or process personal information from children without consent from a parent or legal guardian unless legally required. If such information is collected unintentionally, we take immediate steps to delete it as appropriate.

Aphore uses personal information to fulfill our obligations, support our Activities, and enhance our service delivery. Specific uses include:

2.1 Participation in Activities and Business Purposes

Personal information enables us to provide, improve, and personalize our services. It also allows us to:

• Facilitate communication and support for events, webinars, or services.
• Comply with applicable laws, including background checks for firm personnel.
• Conduct audits, analytics, and benchmarking to improve the delivery and quality of our services.
• Respond to specific requests, including inquiries and employment applications.
• Support security functions, including system diagnostics and performance monitoring.

2.2 Advertising and Marketing

We may use your personal information to deliver interest-based advertisements. This includes data processing for analytics and market research to ensure our marketing efforts align with user preferences. You have options to opt out of targeted advertising as outlined in Section 4.1.

2.3 Data Retention

We retain personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purpose for which it was collected, or as required by law, contract, or professional standards. Retention periods may vary depending on the nature of the data and legal requirements. 

We may share personal information as described in this Privacy Statement for business, legal, or regulatory purposes. These disclosures are conducted in a manner consistent with applicable law and under strict confidentiality requirements.

3.1 Business Purposes

We disclose personal information to selected third parties engaged to assist in the operation of our business and delivery of services. This may include:

• Service Providers: Such as IT providers, payment processors, and data storage services. We ensure these providers safeguard your personal information with the same level of protection we apply.
• Business Partners: For joint marketing or collaborative services where shared resources improve the quality or scope of our offerings.
• Affiliates: Aphore and its affiliated companies may share information across entities to optimize services and enhance client support.

3.2 Sale or Sharing of Personal Information

Aphore does not sell personal information for monetary gain. However, we may share limited data (such as IP addresses and cookie information) for purposes like website analytics and targeted advertising, which may constitute "sharing" under certain privacy regulations. You have the option to restrict this sharing as outlined in Choices (Section 4.1).

3.3 Legal Obligations

We may disclose personal information if required to comply with legal obligations or respond to valid legal processes. This may include:

• Lawful Requests: From government or law enforcement authorities, including court orders and subpoenas.
• Regulatory Compliance: To adhere to regulations or professional standards.
• Audits and Investigations: For purposes of ensuring compliance and internal or external audits.

3.4 Corporate Transactions

In the event of a merger, acquisition, restructuring, or similar transaction, Aphore may transfer personal information to the involved entity, provided the recipient adheres to privacy and confidentiality requirements as stipulated in this Privacy Statement.

3.5 Social Media and Public Platforms

Our Activities may integrate with social media platforms or other third-party tools where personal information may be shared according to your preferences and the social media provider's policies. Please review the privacy settings of any social media platform you use to control the sharing of your information.

3.6 International Data Transfers

Your personal information may be transferred to, and processed in, countries other than your home country. Aphore ensures that any cross-border data transfers comply with relevant legal standards. Where appropriate, we rely on contractual safeguards or other measures to ensure data protection during international transfers.

You have several options regarding the collection, use, and disclosure of your personal information. We encourage you to exercise these rights according to applicable laws and our commitment to transparency and privacy.

4.1 Choices

• Opt-Out of Marketing Communications: You may opt out of marketing communications by following the unsubscribe link in the email or by contacting us directly. Please note that opting out of marketing communications does not affect transactional or service-related communications.
• Cookie Preferences: You have the option to manage cookies through browser settings. For further details, refer to Cookie Preferences in Section 9.
• Do Not Track: Our website does not currently recognize all browser-based Do Not Track signals, but you may control other tracking settings via browser tools.

4.2 Data Subject Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the right to access, correct, delete, or restrict the processing of your personal information. These rights include, but may not be limited to:

• Right to Access: Request a copy of personal information we hold about you, including categories of information, data sources, business purposes, and disclosures.
• Right to Correction: Request updates or corrections to inaccurate or incomplete information.
• Right to Deletion: Request the deletion of certain personal information, subject to legal obligations or operational requirements.
• Right to Restrict Processing: Limit how we process your personal information for specific purposes.
• Right to Object: Object to specific processing activities, including direct marketing.

To exercise these rights, please contact us at the email or phone number provided in Section 11 – Questions and Comments. We respond to authorized and verified requests as required by law and will explain any denial or restriction.

4.3 Data Portability

Where legally mandated, you may request that your personal information be provided in a structured, commonly used, and machine-readable format. If feasible, we may transfer this information directly to another entity as requested.

Aphore implements robust data security measures to protect personal information from unauthorized access, alteration, loss, or misuse. This includes physical, technical, and administrative safeguards aligned with industry standards.

5.1 Security Measures

Our security practices include:

• Encryption and Secure Storage: Personal information is stored securely using encryption protocols where applicable.
• Access Controls: Restricted access to personal information based on the need to perform specific tasks.
• Regular Audits and Assessments: Frequent reviews and updates to our security practices to adapt to emerging risks.
• Incident Response: A structured protocol to detect, report, and respond to security incidents.

Despite our best efforts, no data transmission or storage system is entirely secure. We encourage individuals to take personal precautions when using online services. 

Due to variations in privacy laws, individuals may have different privacy rights depending on their location. Below is an overview of additional rights and disclosures relevant to specific regions.

6.1 California Residents

Under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), California residents have specific rights regarding their personal information. These include:

• Right to Know: California residents can request details about the categories and specific pieces of personal information we collect, the sources of information, our purposes for collecting it, and the categories of third parties with whom we share this data.
• Right to Delete: Request deletion of personal information, with exceptions where the information is necessary for legal, operational, or security purposes.
• Right to Opt Out of Sale or Sharing: California residents can opt out of any sale or sharing of their personal information. To do so, use the “Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information” link in the website footer.
• Right to Correct: Request correction of inaccurate personal information.
• Right to Non-Discrimination: Aphore does not discriminate against individuals who exercise their rights under the CCPA.

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us by submitting a Data Privacy Request or through the contact details in Section 11.

6.2 Colorado, Connecticut, and Virginia Residents

Under applicable laws in these states, individuals have the right to:

• Access and Portability: Access their personal data and receive a copy in a machine-readable format.
• Correction and Deletion: Correct inaccurate information or request deletion of personal information.
• Opt Out of Targeted Advertising: Individuals may opt out of the sale or sharing of personal information for targeted advertising.
• Right to Appeal: If Aphore denies a request, residents may appeal this decision.

To exercise these rights, please submit a request through our contact details in Section 11.6.3 Non-U.S. Residents (EU, UK, and Switzerland). 

For residents of the European Union, United Kingdom, and Switzerland, our handling of personal information aligns with the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) and applicable local laws. This includes:

• Right to Access, Correction, and Deletion: Request access, correction, or deletion of personal information.
• Data Portability: Receive a copy of your personal information in a portable format.
• Restrict Processing: Limit how we process your information, particularly if processing is based on legitimate interests.
• Withdraw Consent: Where processing is based on consent, individuals may withdraw it at any time.

To make a request or to receive more information about these rights, please refer to Section 11 – Questions and Comments.

Aphore complies with the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework, the UK Extension to the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework, and the Swiss-U.S. Data Privacy Framework. These frameworks ensure that personal data transferred between the U.S., European Union, United Kingdom, and Switzerland is handled in a manner consistent with privacy expectations.

7.1 Certification

Aphore has certified adherence to these frameworks, following the Data Privacy Framework Principles set by the U.S. Department of Commerce. For more information on our certification status, please visit the Data Privacy Framework Program.

7.2 Dispute Resolution

For unresolved privacy complaints, non-U.S. residents may have access to dispute resolution processes through our designated Data Privacy Officer. Further information on dispute resolution can be provided upon request.

Our website and other digital resources may contain links to third-party websites, applications, and services. Aphore does not control and is not responsible for the privacy practices of these third parties. We encourage you to review their privacy statements to understand how they handle your personal information.

We use cookies and other tracking technologies to enhance user experience, understand visitor behavior, and analyze web traffic. You can manage your cookie preferences by:

• Adjusting Browser Settings: Most browsers allow you to control cookies by adjusting privacy settings.
• Using Cookie Preferences on Our Site: Access our “Cookie Preferences” settings in the website footer to make specific choices about the use of cookies.

For more information, see our Cookie Policy available on our website.

We may periodically update this Privacy Statement to reflect changes in legal requirements or how we process personal information. When we make changes, we will update the “last modified” date at the top of this document and notify users where required by applicable law. Continued use of our services after any updates signifies acceptance of the modified Privacy Statement.

For questions, requests, or feedback regarding this Privacy Statement or Aphore’s privacy practices, please contact us at: 

Aphore Privacy Office:  By email:  privacy@aphore.com or phone +1 833 882 7467 or mail 1005 Congress Avenue, Suite 925, Austin TX 78701.

We commit to responding promptly and professionally to address any concerns about your personal information