PRIVACY POLICY

Effective Date: 25/02/2025

Last Updated: 14/04/2026

1. Introduction

Your privacy is incredibly important to us. At Firefly Initiative (“Firefly,” “we,” “our,” or “us”), we dedicate ourselves to safeguarding the personal data of our users, which includes volunteers, sponsors, businesses, and community members. This Privacy Policy provides an in-depth look at the types of information we collect, how it’s used to support our services, and the robust steps we take to ensure its safety. We comply fully with laws like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Australia’s Privacy Act 1988 to give you confidence in our handling of your data.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

When engaging with Firefly, we may request the following information:

Account Details: Basic identifying information such as your name, email address, phone number, and additional profile data like your location or interests.

Content Contributions: All forms of content you upload to the platform, including photos, videos, messages, and comments.

Payment Data: For donations or sponsorships, we collect and process your payment information using secure encryption protocols to ensure the safety of your financial data.

2.2 Information We Collect Automatically

We also gather certain types of data automatically to enhance your experience:

Device Information: Details about the device you use, including the operating system, browser type, and IP address.

Usage Analytics: Information about how you interact with Firefly, such as which pages you visit, the features you use most, and the time spent on different activities.

Cookies: Small files stored on your device to help us improve platform functionality, save your preferences, and track site usage trends. For more, refer to our Cookie Policy.

3. How We Use Your Information

We handle your data responsibly and only use it for:

Operational Purposes: Ensuring the platform functions efficiently and troubleshooting technical problems.

Community Engagement: Helping you connect with relevant groups, activities, and events in your area.

User Protection: Identifying and preventing suspicious or harmful behaviour.

Legal Compliance: Meeting requirements under GDPR and local Australian laws regarding data usage and protection.

4. Sharing Information

We are committed to respecting your privacy and only share your information in these cases:

With Your Permission: When you choose to share your details with a community organisation.

With Trusted Partners: These include payment processors and analytics providers who help us run the platform effectively.

When Legally Required: We may share data to comply with legal obligations or protect the rights of Firefly and its users.

International Transfers: Any transfer of data outside Australia is handled in accordance with GDPR’s standards for safety and security.

5. Your Rights

Wherever you’re located, you have rights over your personal data, including:

Access: Requesting a copy of the data we hold about you.

Correction: Updating any inaccuracies in your information.

Deletion: Removing your account and data from Firefly.

Complaint Filing: Contacting a regulatory authority if you believe your rights have been violated.

6. Data Retention

We keep your data for as long as it’s necessary to fulfil the purposes outlined in this policy or to comply with legal requirements. For inactive accounts, data is archived or deleted after 24 months.

7. Security Measures

We employ advanced security measures, including encryption, two-factor authentication, and regular system audits, to protect your personal data. While no system is invulnerable, we work hard to minimise risks.

8. Policy Updates

This Privacy Policy may be updated from time to time to reflect changes in our services or legal obligations. You will be notified of significant updates through email or platform notifications.