Privacy on PhoneNet

This Privacy Policy outlines how PhoneNet (referred to as “we”, “us”, or “our”) manages personal information in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).

We are committed to protecting the privacy of our community members and being transparent about our practices. By using our network, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.

1. The Australian Privacy Principles (APPs)

The APPs are a set of 13 principles that govern the standards for collecting, using, disclosing, storing, and securing personal information. They apply to most Australian Government agencies and some private sector organisations.

While PhoneNet is not required to comply with the Privacy Act we have chosen to model our privacy policy on the Australian Privacy Principles.

2. What is Personal Information?

Personal information is any information or an opinion that identifies you or from which your identity can be reasonably ascertained. This includes, but is not limited to, your name, contact details, and any identifying information you provide to us.

3. What Personal Information Do We Collect and Why?

We only collect personal information that is reasonably necessary for us to operate and maintain the hobbyist phone network. This may include but is not limited to:

• Registration Information: When you join our network, we collect your name and contact details (e.g., email address, phone number) to create and manage your account.
• Call Detail Records (CDRs): As a function of providing a working phone network, our system automatically logs call details to a database. These logs are essential for network operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting. We do not collect the content of conversations. The logged data is a record of the connection, not the conversation itself and the logged information includes:
  • The phone number of the caller.
  • The phone number of the recipient.
  • The date and time of the call.
  • The duration of the call.
  • Connection information (e.g., successful connection or failure).
  • The IP address of the remote device or PBX that initiated or received the call.

4. Call Recording

• Our Policy: As a general rule, we do not record the content of any calls made on our network. The only exception to this is if a pre-recorded announcement is played to all parties on a call, clearly stating that the call is being recorded. This is to ensure all parties are aware and have the opportunity to disconnect if they do not consent.
• End-User Recordings: Please be aware that while we do not record calls between end-users, we have no control over whether an end-user on a call may be recording the conversation on their own device. As per Australian law, a person who is a party to a conversation may be legally entitled to record it without the consent of others, depending on the state or territory. However, the sharing or publication of such recordings may be subject to different laws. We are not responsible for, nor can we control, the actions of individual users in this regard.

5. How We Store and Protect Your Personal Information

We are committed to taking reasonable steps to protect the personal information we hold from misuse, loss, and unauthorised access, modification, or disclosure. We use a variety of security measures, including:

• Password protection on all systems containing personal information.
• Access controls to ensure that only authorised personnel can view logged data.
• Data minimisation: We only retain personal information for as long as it is needed to provide our services and for our legitimate business purposes, or as required by law.

6. Disclosure of Personal Information

We do not disclose your personal information to third parties except in the following circumstances:

• To law enforcement or government authorities if required or authorised by Australian law, a court order, or a warrant.
• With your consent or as otherwise permitted by the APPs.

We will never sell, rent, or trade your personal information.

If you place an off-net call such as to the PSTN or another community network your extension name and number will be transmitted to the remote network.

7. Accessing and Correcting Your Personal Information

Under the APPs, you have the right to access the personal information we hold about you and to request that we update or correct it if you believe it is inaccurate, out-of-date, incomplete, irrelevant, or misleading.

To make an access or correction request, please contact us using the details below. We may require identification to verify your identity before providing access or making a correction.

8. Dealing Anonymously or with a Pseudonym

Where it is lawful and practicable, you have the option to deal with us by using a pseudonym. However, due to the nature of a phone network, we require a verifiable email address and other information for you to connect to the network and for us to manage your account.

All PhoneNet accounts require a first and last name however you may elect to have your caller ID name set to a pseudonym or other handle subject to approval by PhoneNet.

9. Contact Us

If you have any questions or complaints about this Privacy Policy or our handling of your personal information, please contact us by email at privacy@phonenet.net.

Alternatively you may contact us via post to:

PhoneNet Privacy Officer
PO Box 191
Riverstone NSW 2765
Australia

We will respond to all inquiries and complaints promptly.