1. scope and approach

This Privacy policy explains how Apply-ED collects, uses, stores and protects personal information when you use our website and services.

We built Apply-ED after going through the home education process ourselves. We are a small family-run service and we try to do privacy the way we'd want it done:

collect less, keep it secure, no creepy marketing and avoid unnecessary data use.

2. What personal information we collect

We aim to collect and store the minimum needed to run the service. Depending on how you use Apply-ED, we may collect:

Account and contact details

• Name (or preferred name)
• Email address
• Account login details (stored securely)

Billing and transaction details

• Plan type, payment status, invoices/receipts and purchase history
• We DO NOT store full card details. Payments are processed by our payment provider

Content you choose to enter

• Information you type into the platform (for example, planning notes, answers to prompts and drafts)

Technical and usage information

• Device/browser information, IP address and security logs
• Basic usage data (for example, pages viewed and feature usage)
• Cookies or similar technologies (see Your deletion controls)

3. sensitive information

Some information you enter may be sensitive (for example, health or family circumstances). We don't require sensitive information for basic functionality. If you choose to include it in your content, you consent to us handling it to provide the service to you.

4. how we collect personal information

We collect personal information when you:

• create an account or use Apply-ED
• make a purchase or subscription
• contact support
• use the website (via cookies, analytics and system logs)

5. why we collect and use personal information

We use personal information to:

• provide and operate Apply-ED (including saving your work)
• create and manage accounts
• process payments and provide receipts
• provide customer support and respond to requests
• maintain security, prevent fraud and fix issues
• improve the service (for example, performance and usability)
• comply with legal, tax and accounting obligations

6. no direct marketing or advertising use

We do not use your personal information for direct marketing. We also do not sell, rent, trade, or share your personal information with advertisers, ad networks, or data brokers, and we do not use it for targeted advertising.

The only emails we send are service messages needed to run Apply-ED, such as receipts, password resets, support replies, account notices, and important security or policy updates.

7. who we share information with

We may share personal information only when necessary.

Service providers (to run Apply-ED)

We may share limited information with trusted providers such as:

• hosting and data storage
• payment processing
• email delivery for service messages (receipts, password resets)
• customer support tools
• basic analytics (if enabled)

8. overseas storage and processing

We strongly prefer to use service providers that store and process data in Australia.

Sometimes there is no practical alternative for certain infrastructure or services. If we must use a provider that stores or processes information outside Australia, we will:

• limit disclosures to what is necessary
• take reasonable steps to ensure appropriate safeguards are in place (for example, contractual confidentiality and security obligations)

9. security

We take reasonable steps to protect personal information from misuse, interference, loss, unauthorised access, modification, or disclosure. Measures may include:

• encryption in transit (HTTPS)
• access controls and least-privilege access
• secure hosting practices
• monitoring and logging for security

10. retention and deletion

We keep personal information only as long as needed to:

• provide the service
• meet legal, tax, accounting and business record obligations
• resolve disputes and enforce agreements

11. Your deletion controls

Where available, you can:

• delete specific documents, drafts, or entries within your account
• close your account

If you need help deleting content or closing your account, contact us at support@apply-ed.com.au.

12. cookies and analytics

We use cookies and similar technologies to:

• keep you logged in
• remember preferences
• improve performance and reliability

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Some features may not work properly if cookies are disabled.

If we use analytics, we aim to configure it in a privacy-conscious way and not for advertising or sharing with advertisers.

13. access and correction

You can request access to personal information we hold about you and ask us to correct it if it is inaccurate, out of date, incomplete, or misleading.

Contact: support@apply-ed.com.au

14. complaints

If you have a privacy concern or complaint, contact us and we will respond within a reasonable time.

If you are not satisfied with our response, you may be able to complain to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC).

15. change to this policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. If changes are material, we will take reasonable steps to notify you (for example, via email or an on-site notice). The updated version applies once published.