Break The Silence – Privacy Policy (Australia)

Effective Date: October 2025
Governing Law: Queensland, Australia

1. Introduction

Break The Silence Pty Ltd (“we”, “our”, “us”) complies with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs), and applicable health-records legislation. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and disclose your personal and health information when you use the Break The Silence mobile application (“the App”) and related services.
By using the App, you agree to this Privacy Policy.

2. What Information We Collect

  • We may collect the following categories of information:
  • Identifying details: name, date of birth, gender (optional), email, phone.
  • Health information: mental-health notes, assessments, session goals, mood check-ins, messages.
  • Usage and technical data: device type, login times, error logs, cookies, and analytics data (non-identifying where possible).
  • Billing information: limited payment details as required; we do not store full credit card numbers.

3. Why We Collect Information

We collect and handle information to: 

  • Provide counselling and mental-health support.
  • Maintain safe and accurate clinical records.
  • Meet legal, regulatory, and professional obligations.
  • Improve the App’s performance, safety, and user experience.
  • Communicate with you about your care or important updates.

We do not sell or use your personal data for marketing without explicit consent.

4. How We Store and Protect Data

  • Data is encrypted in transit and at rest.
  • Primary servers are located in Sydney, Australia, with secure backups in Singapore and the United States (AWS).
  • Access to health data is restricted to authorised personnel bound by confidentiality.
  • If data is stored or processed outside Australia, we comply with APP 8 and ensure equivalent protections apply.

5. Access, Correction and Deletion

You may request to:

  • Access your personal or health records.
  • Correct inaccurate or incomplete information.
  • Request deletion of information where legally permissible.

Requests can be made by email to support@breakthesilence.com.au
We will respond within 30 days in accordance with the APPs.

6. Retention and Destruction

Health records are retained for at least 7 years after your last contact, or until you turn 25 if you were under 18, unless a longer period is required by law or professional standards.
After that, data is securely destroyed or permanently de-identified.

7. Sharing and Disclosure

Your information will only be shared:

  • With other health professionals directly involved in your care (with your consent).
  • When required or authorised by law (e.g. risk of serious harm, child protection, or court order).
  • With advisers, insurers, or technical providers bound by confidentiality agreements.
  • De-identified data may be used for internal service improvement and research with ethical oversight.

8. Data Breach Notification

Under the Notifiable Data Breaches (NDB) Scheme, we will promptly assess any suspected data breaches, notify affected individuals and the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) where required, and take immediate corrective action.

9. Your Rights

You have the right to:

  • Access and correct your personal data.
  • Withdraw consent for data sharing.
  • Complain to our Privacy Officer or the OAIC if you believe we have breached your privacy rights.

10. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in law or our operations. The latest version will always be available in the App and at breakthesilence.au/privacy

11. Contact

Privacy Officer – Break The Silence Pty Ltd
📧 support@breakthesilence.com.au

If unresolved, you may contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC):
🌐 www.oaic.gov.au
| ☎ 1300 363 992