Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

This Privacy Policy explains how TrendWhy ("we", "our", or "us") collects, uses, and protects your personal information when you use our app, website, and services ("the App"). By using TrendWhy, you agree to this Policy.

TrendWhy.com is a product of Sand Bay Studios Pty Ltd.

We comply with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).

2. Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of information:

3. Cookies & Tracking

We use the following types of cookies and tracking technologies:

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Disabling essential cookies may affect app functionality. You can opt-out of analytics tracking through your browser's "Do Not Track" settings or by contacting us.

4. How We Use Your Information

We use collected data to:

• Provide, operate, and improve the App.
• Personalise your experience and show relevant trends.
• Enable sharing and social features.
• Communicate with you about updates, features, or support.
• Process payments and subscriptions.
• Detect, prevent, and address fraud, abuse, or security issues.
• Comply with legal obligations.

Lawful Bases for Processing (GDPR): We process your data based on consent (for marketing), contract performance (for service delivery), legal obligation (for compliance), and legitimate interest (for security and improvement).

5. Third-Party Services & Integrations

We work with trusted third-party providers to deliver our services:

• Firebase: For hosting, database, and authentication services.
• Stripe: For payment processing (PCI DSS compliant).
• Google Analytics: For usage analytics and insights.
• Email Services: For transactional and marketing communications.

These providers maintain their own compliance certifications and privacy policies. Your data is processed in accordance with their respective privacy practices and applicable data protection laws.

6. Sharing of Information

We do not sell your personal data. We may share information:

• With service providers (e.g. hosting, payment, analytics) who help operate TrendWhy.
• When required by law, regulation, or legal process.
• In connection with a business transfer (merger, acquisition, or sale).
• With other users, when you choose to share your content or trend interactions.

7. Data Storage & Security

• Your information is stored securely using reputable third-party providers.
• We implement safeguards to protect against loss, misuse, or unauthorised access.
• No system is 100% secure; you use the App at your own risk.

8. Data Breach Notification

If we become aware of a data breach that is likely to result in serious harm to affected individuals, we will notify you and relevant regulatory authorities in accordance with applicable law. We will provide information about the breach, potential risks, and steps being taken to address it.

9. International Data Transfers

As TrendWhy may use cloud services, your data may be transferred and stored outside Australia. We ensure appropriate protections are in place in line with the APPs and GDPR where applicable.

10. Your Rights

Under Australian law, you have the right to:

• Access the personal information we hold about you.
• Request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete data.
• Request deletion of your account and associated data (subject to legal obligations).
• Opt-out of marketing communications at any time.

For EU/UK Users: Under GDPR, you also have additional rights including:

• Right to data portability (receive your data in a structured format).
• Right to restrict or object to processing for direct marketing.
• Right to withdraw consent at any time where processing is based on consent.
• Right to lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority.

Requests can be made by contacting us at hello@trendwhy.com.

Complaints: If you are not satisfied with how we handle your privacy concerns, you may lodge a complaint with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) at www.oaic.gov.au.

11. Marketing & Communications

• By creating an account, you consent to receive service-related emails (account updates, security alerts, etc.).
• Marketing emails are opt-in only and can be unsubscribed from at any time via the unsubscribe link or by contacting us.
• We respect your communication preferences and will process opt-out requests promptly.

12. Automated Decision-Making & AI

TrendWhy may use algorithms and AI models to personalise content, recommend trends, and improve user experience. This automated processing does not have legal or significant effects on you without human review. You can contact us to understand how such decisions are made or to request human intervention.

13. Retention of Data

We retain your personal data only as long as necessary to provide our services or as required by law. When no longer needed, we securely delete or anonymise your data.

14. Children's Privacy

TrendWhy is not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we become aware of such collection, we will delete it.

15. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. If changes are significant, we will provide notice through the App or via email. Continued use of TrendWhy constitutes acceptance of the updated Policy.