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DSEC Portal Privacy Policy
Last updated: January 23, 2026
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Deakin Software Engineering Club (DSEC) is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your personal information when you use the DSEC Portal. We operate in accordance with Australian Privacy Principles, DUSA Privacy Policy, and applicable privacy legislation.
1. Information We Collect
1.1. Personal Information You Provide
When you create an account or use the Portal, we may collect:
- Identity Information: First name, last name, preferred name
- Contact Information: Email address, phone number (optional)
- Account Credentials: Username, password (encrypted)
- Profile Information: Biography, skills, interests, graduation year, campus affiliation
- Student Status: Whether you're a Deakin student, your student ID (if applicable)
- DUSA Membership: DUSA membership status and membership email (if linking accounts)
1.2. Information Collected Automatically
When you use the Portal, we automatically collect:
- Usage Data: Pages visited, features used, time spent, click patterns
- Device Information: IP address, browser type, operating system, device identifiers
- Cookies and Similar Technologies: Session cookies, preference cookies, analytics cookies
1.3. Information From Third Parties
If you sign up using social login (Google or GitHub):
- OAuth Information: Email address, name, profile photo
- GitHub Data: Public repositories, contributions (if you consent to linking)
1.4. Information From Events and Activities
When you participate in DSEC events:
- Registration Data: Event sign-ups, attendance records
- Project Contributions: Code contributions, project involvement, GitHub activity
- Photos and Videos: Images or recordings from events (with consent)
2. How We Use Your Information
2.1. Core Portal Functions
- Provide access to Portal features and services
- Authenticate your identity and manage your account
- Facilitate communication between members
- Organize and manage events, workshops, and projects
- Process event registrations and track attendance
2.2. Club Operations
- Maintain membership records in accordance with DUSA requirements
- Coordinate projects and team collaborations
- Send newsletters and updates about club activities
- Administer grants, sponsorships, and financial matters
- Comply with DUSA reporting obligations
2.3. Improvement and Analytics
- Analyze Portal usage to improve functionality
- Understand member preferences and interests
- Develop new features and services
- Monitor Portal security and prevent fraud
2.4. Communication
- Send important account and security notifications
- Provide event reminders and updates
- Share newsletter content (if you opt in)
- Respond to your inquiries and support requests
- Announce opportunities, workshops, and hackathons
3. Legal Basis for Processing
We process your personal information based on:
- Consent: You've given permission (e.g., newsletter sign-up, event photos)
- Contract: Processing is necessary to fulfill our obligations to you as a member
- Legal Obligation: Compliance with DUSA requirements and Australian law
- Legitimate Interests: Club operations, security, and improvement of services
5. Privacy Protection Measures
5.1. Data Security
We implement industry-standard security measures:
- Encryption: Passwords are hashed and encrypted; HTTPS for all Portal communications
- Access Controls: Limited access to personal data; role-based permissions
- Regular Audits: Security reviews and vulnerability assessments
- Secure Storage: Data stored in compliant cloud infrastructure
5.2. Privacy by Design
- BCC Email Lists: All group emails use BCC to protect recipient privacy
- No Public Member Lists: Member details are not posted publicly
- Visibility Controls: You can control what information is visible to others
- Data Minimization: We only collect information necessary for Portal functions
5.3. DUSA Compliance
We follow strict DUSA guidelines regarding:
- Collection and use of member information
- Storage of personal data
- Restrictions on sharing with third parties
- Compliance with state and federal privacy laws
6. Your Rights and Choices
6.1. Access and Correction
You have the right to:
- Access your personal information held by DSEC
- Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data
- Update your profile information at any time through Portal settings
6.2. Communication Preferences
You can:
- Opt out of promotional emails while still receiving essential notifications
- Unsubscribe from newsletters at any time
- Manage notification preferences in your account settings
6.3. Account Deletion
You may request account deletion by contacting us. Note:
- Some information may be retained for legal or compliance purposes
- Deletion does not affect DUSA membership records
- Event attendance records may be retained for club archives
6.4. Restrict or Object to Processing
You may request that we:
- Stop processing your data for certain purposes
- Limit how we use your information
- Object to processing based on legitimate interests
6.5. Data Portability
You can request a copy of your data in a structured, machine-readable format.
8. Data Retention
- Active Accounts: We retain your data while your account is active
- Inactive Accounts: Accounts inactive for extended periods may be archived or deleted
- Financial Records: Retained in accordance with DUSA requirements (typically 7 years)
- Event Records: Attendance records retained for historical purposes and alumni relations
- Legal Holds: Data subject to legal requirements retained as necessary
9. Children's Privacy
The Portal is not intended for children under 13. If you are under 18, you should have parental or guardian consent to use the Portal. We do not knowingly collect information from children under 13.
10. International Users
The Portal is hosted in Australia. If you access the Portal from outside Australia, your information will be transferred to, stored, and processed in Australia in accordance with Australian privacy laws.
11. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of material changes via:
- Email notification to registered members
- Prominent notice on the Portal
- Updated "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy
Your continued use after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
12. Third-Party Links
The Portal may contain links to external websites, repositories, or services (e.g., GitHub projects). We are not responsible for the privacy practices of third-party sites. Review their privacy policies before providing information.
13. Contact Us About Privacy
For privacy-related questions, concerns, or requests:
DSEC Privacy Contact:
Email: privacy@dsec.club
Subject: Privacy Inquiry
DUSA Privacy Policy:
http://www.dusa.org.au/Privacy-Policy
DUSA Contact:
Email: dusa-contact@deakin.edu.au
Phone: (03) 9244 6356
Complaints:
If you believe we have breached privacy laws, you may lodge a complaint with:
- DSEC executives (in the first instance)
- DUSA management
- Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC): www.oaic.gov.au
14. Consent
By using the DSEC Portal, you consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of your information as described in this Privacy Policy. You may withdraw consent at any time by contacting us, though this may affect your ability to use certain Portal features.
This Privacy Policy is part of the DSEC Portal Terms of Service. For questions, contact contact@dsec.club
DSEC is affiliated with DUSA | Deakin University Student Association
ABN 95 022 653 791 | Reg. No. A0040625Y