Company: Online Investigations Pty Ltd (ACN 157 800 845)
Effective Date: 1 May 2012
Last Updated: 3 March 2026
1. Introduction
Online Investigations Pty Ltd (“we”, “us”, “our”) is committed to protecting the privacy of personal information handled in the course of operating our website and providing investigative services. This policy explains how we collect, use, store, disclose, and protect personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).
2. What information we collect
We collect personal information that is reasonably necessary for our business activities. Depending on the circumstances, this may include:
- Website and enquiries: name, email address, phone number (if provided), and the content of your message submitted via our enquiry form
- Website analytics: IP address, device identifiers, browser type, approximate location, pages visited, and related usage data (collected via Statcounter)
- Client information: contact details, identity verification information (where required), and information relevant to the engagement
- Investigative information: identifying information about individuals who are the subject of investigations, information obtained from publicly available sources and lawful databases, and information obtained through lawful investigative techniques (including, where applicable, physical surveillance)
We do not collect sensitive information unless it is reasonably necessary for our activities and permitted or required by law.
3. How we collect personal information
We may collect personal information:
- directly from you (for example, via our enquiry form, email, or telephone)
- from clients who engage our services
- from publicly available sources and public registers
- from lawful databases and information services
- through open-source intelligence methods (OSINT)
- through lawful investigative techniques (including, where applicable, physical surveillance)
In many investigations, we collect personal information about individuals other than our clients. Where required by law, we take reasonable steps to provide notices about our collection practices. In some circumstances, notice may not be required or may be limited where permitted by law, including where giving notice would prejudice an investigation.
4. Why we collect personal information
We collect and use personal information for purposes including:
- responding to enquiries and communicating with prospective clients
- providing investigative and intelligence services
- locating individuals
- investigating fraud, misconduct, asset location, compliance, or related matters
- supporting legal and regulatory processes
- operating our business, including administration, reporting, invoicing, and record-keeping
- maintaining and improving our website and systems security
- complying with legal and regulatory obligations
We do not sell or trade personal information.
5. Use and disclosure
We use and disclose personal information for the purposes for which it was collected, or as otherwise required or authorised by law. This may include disclosure to:
- clients who have lawfully engaged our services (subject to legal and contractual boundaries)
- our professional advisers (for example, legal, accounting, or IT advisers)
- subcontract investigators or contractors engaged to assist us (on a need-to-know basis and subject to confidentiality obligations)
- service providers who support our systems and operations (for example, hosting, email, and case management providers)
- government agencies or law enforcement where required or authorised by law
6. Overseas disclosure
We use cloud-based systems to manage and store investigative files (including our case management platform). These systems may store or process data outside Australia. Where personal information is disclosed overseas, we take reasonable steps to ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, consistent with our obligations under the Privacy Act and the APPs.
7. Data security and retention
We take reasonable steps to protect personal information from misuse, interference, loss, unauthorised access, modification, or disclosure. Our measures may include:
- access controls limiting access to authorised personnel (including directors)
- two factor authentication for business email systems
- secure cloud-based storage and case management controls
- password protection and encryption where appropriate
Website enquiry emails are generally retained for up to three years and then deleted, unless required to be retained for legal or regulatory purposes.
8. Notifiable data breaches
If we become aware of a suspected data breach, we will take steps to assess the incident. Where an eligible data breach is identified that is likely to result in serious harm, we will notify affected individuals and the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) where required by law.
9. Access and correction
You may request access to personal information we hold about you and request correction of inaccurate, out of date, incomplete, irrelevant, or misleading information.
We may refuse access where permitted by law, including where providing access would prejudice an investigation, be unlawful, reveal confidential evaluative material, disclose information subject to legal professional privilege, or pose a threat to safety.
10. Website analytics (Statcounter)
Our website uses Statcounter to collect analytical information such as IP address, browser type, device information, approximate location, and pages visited. This assists us to understand website traffic and improve site performance.
11. Privacy complaints
If you believe we have mishandled your personal information or breached the APPs, please contact us in writing using the details below. We will investigate 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):
Website: www.oaic.gov.au
Phone: 1300 363 992
12. Changes to this policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The most current version will always be available on our website.
13. Contact us
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or the way we handle personal information, please contact us:
Online Investigations Pty Ltd
ACN 157 800 845
Phone: (03) 9687 2277
Website: www.onlineinvestigations.com.au