Privacy Policy

Effective Date: 11 March 2026

This Privacy Policy explains how the Spotted Koala App collects, uses, and protects information when you use the App.

1. Information We Collect

The App may collect account information (such as name, username, and email), observation data (including sighting locations, dates, photographs, and notes), and device information (such as device type, operating system, IP address, and app usage statistics).

2. Location Data

The App may request access to your device’s GPS location in order to record wildlife sightings. Location data is used to support wildlife monitoring and conservation research.

3. How We Use Your Information

Information collected may be used to manage user accounts, store and display wildlife sightings, support conservation research, improve the functionality of the App, and produce maps, reports, and scientific publications.

4. Data Sharing

Observation data may be shared with conservation organisations, academic researchers, government wildlife agencies, and project partners involved in wildlife monitoring and management. Shared data may be anonymised or aggregated.

5. Data Retention

User account data will be stored for as long as necessary to operate the App and support conservation research. Observation data may be retained indefinitely for long‑term scientific and environmental monitoring purposes.

6. Data Storage

Information may be stored on secure servers operated by cloud service providers. These servers may be located in Australia or other jurisdictions depending on the hosting infrastructure.

7. Your Rights

You may request access to your personal information, request corrections, or request deletion of your account. Some anonymised or aggregated data may remain in scientific datasets even after account deletion.

8. Children’s Privacy

The App is not intended for children under the age of 18and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18

9. Research Ethics

Data collected through the App may contribute to scientific research projects related to wildlife health, ecology, and conservation. Where applicable, research activities will comply with relevant institutional ethics and data governance requirements.

10. Changes to this Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Updates will be posted within the App or on the project website.

11. Contact

For privacy inquiries contact: Detection Dogs for Conservation, University of the Sunshine Coast, DDC@usc.edu.au