Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Online Bitcoin Gambling Australia is committed to protecting the privacy of its users and ensuring the security of their personal information. This Privacy Policy outlines how www.akorn.app, operating under the name “Online Bitcoin Gambling Australia,” collects, holds, uses, and discloses personal information in accordance with the Australian Privacy Act 1988 (Privacy Act) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs). This policy applies to all personal information collected through our website, https://www.akorn.app, and any other sites we own and operate. We strive to manage personal information in an open and transparent way, building trust with our audience by adhering to the principles of the Privacy Act. This document details our practices concerning the collection, use, storage, and disclosure of the personal information of individuals who interact with our website and services.

2. Information We Collect

We collect various types of personal information to facilitate our services and provide an optimal user experience. This information includes identity and contact details such as name, address, email address, telephone number, and date of birth, which are essential for user registration and communication. We also collect account information, including usernames, passwords, betting history, and transaction history, necessary for providing and managing gambling services. Given the current Australian regulations, our financial information collection focuses on payment details for accepted methods like bank transfers and potentially credit/debit cards (while noting the ban on using credit cards for gambling), and bank account details for withdrawals. Location data, such as IP addresses and device location (if consent is given), may be collected for security, compliance, and potential personalization of content. Device information, including browser type and version, operating system, and device identifiers, aids in website optimization and troubleshooting. Usage data, such as pages visited, time spent on pages, and links clicked, helps us improve website design and user experience. In compliance with Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) laws, we collect KYC information, including identification documents like driver’s licenses or passports, for identity verification purposes. Finally, we retain communications data, such as records of correspondence with our customer support, to assist users and maintain service quality.

This information is collected through several methods. We collect information directly from users when they register an account and use our services. We also collect information automatically through the use of cookies and other tracking technologies as users interact with our website. Additionally, we may collect information from third-party identity verification services to comply with legal requirements. We adhere to the principle that we only collect personal information that is reasonably necessary for our functions, as outlined in APP 3. Sensitive information, if collected, will only be done with the individual’s consent or as required by law.

To provide a clear overview, the following table summarizes the categories of personal information we collect, the primary purpose for collecting each category, and the relevant Australian Privacy Principle(s) that justify the collection:

3. Why We Collect and Use Your Personal Information

We collect and use your personal information for several specific purposes that are integral to the operation of our website and the provision of our services. Account management is a primary reason, as we need this information to create and manage your user account and verify your identity. Providing gambling services, the core function of our website, necessitates the collection and use of your information to facilitate betting and wagering activities through our accepted payment methods. Processing transactions, including handling deposits and withdrawals via methods other than cryptocurrency for wagering due to current regulations, requires your financial details. Identity verification, also known as Know Your Customer (KYC), is crucial for complying with AML/CTF laws and ensuring the integrity of our platform. To promote responsible gambling, we utilize your information to implement tools and measures such as deposit limits and self-exclusion options, aligning with resources like BetStop, the National Self-Exclusion Register. Our customer support team uses your information to respond to your inquiries and provide effective assistance. With your consent, we may use your data for personalization, tailoring your website experience and potentially offering promotions that may interest you. For marketing communications, we will only send you newsletters and promotional offers if you have given your explicit consent, and we will always provide clear mechanisms for you to opt-out, adhering to APP 7. Legal and regulatory compliance is an overarching reason for collecting and using your personal information, as we are obligated to fulfill requirements under the Privacy Act, AML/CTF Act, and other relevant laws. Finally, we use your information for security and fraud prevention, aiming to detect and prevent unauthorized activities and ensure the safety of our website and your account.

The current ban on cryptocurrency payments for online wagering in Australia means that while our website name includes “Bitcoin,” our primary focus for payment processing is on traditional methods. The personal information we collect is geared towards facilitating these accepted payment methods for deposits and withdrawals. While the term “Bitcoin” is part of our name, our operational practices currently align with the regulatory framework that prohibits its use for direct gambling wagers. We are committed to transparency regarding the purposes for which we collect your data, ensuring you understand how your information is used, as mandated by APP 1.

4. How We Store and Secure Your Personal Information

We implement robust security measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure. This includes the use of encryption technologies, such as Secure Socket Layer (SSL) and Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocols, to secure the transmission of data between your device and our servers. Our server infrastructure is housed in secure data centers with restricted access, limiting the potential for unauthorized physical or digital intrusion. We employ firewalls and intrusion detection systems to further safeguard our network and prevent malicious attacks. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments are conducted to identify and address any potential weaknesses in our systems. We have established internal policies and procedures governing data access and handling by authorized personnel, ensuring that your information is treated with the utmost confidentiality. These measures are designed to protect against data misuse, interference, loss, and unauthorized access, modification, or disclosure, in accordance with the requirements of APP 11.

We retain your personal information only for as long as it is necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected, or as required by law. For instance, certain information may need to be retained for extended periods to comply with AML/CTF regulations. When your personal information is no longer required, we take reasonable steps to securely destroy it or de-identify it, removing any details that could identify you. In the event of a data breach, we have a comprehensive data breach response plan in place, as mandated by Australian law. This plan outlines the procedures for assessing and responding to suspected data breaches, including notifying affected individuals and the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) in the event of an eligible data breach likely to result in serious harm.

While Bitcoin transactions offer a degree of pseudonymity, the personal information we collect from users for KYC and account management is subject to the same stringent security measures. Our focus remains on securing the identifiable information of our users, regardless of any past or potential future interactions with Bitcoin.

5. Disclosure of Your Personal Information

We may disclose your personal information to certain third parties under specific circumstances. These include service providers who assist us in delivering our services, such as payment processors (for accepted methods), identity verification services, website hosting providers, and analytics platforms. We are also legally obligated to disclose information to regulatory bodies like AUSTRAC and other authorities as required by AML/CTF laws and other legal obligations. In cases where required by law or in response to a valid legal request, we may disclose your information to law enforcement agencies. If applicable, we may share information with related entities for operational purposes. We will also disclose your information to third parties if you have given your explicit consent to do so. Furthermore, to comply with responsible gambling obligations, we share relevant information with BetStop, the National Self-Exclusion Register.

In the event that we transfer your personal information to third parties located in other countries, we will take reasonable steps to ensure that these overseas recipients comply with privacy standards that are at least comparable to the Australian Privacy Principles, as required by APP 8. We affirm that we will not sell or share your personal data with other third parties for marketing purposes without obtaining your explicit consent.

The ban on cryptocurrency payments for wagering in Australia primarily affects the methods of payment we accept for gambling activities. The disclosure of your personal information, including any data potentially related to historical or future Bitcoin interactions (if regulations change), will continue to adhere to the principles outlined in this section, primarily focusing on compliance with legal and regulatory obligations. We only use or disclose personal information for the primary purpose for which it was collected or for related secondary purposes where you would reasonably expect such use or disclosure, in accordance with APP 6.

6. Your Rights Regarding Your Personal Information

Under the Australian Privacy Principles, you have several rights regarding your personal information. You have the right to request access to the personal information we hold about you, and we will provide you with this access in accordance with APP 12. To request access, please contact us using the details provided in the “Contact Us” section. You also have the right to request the correction of your personal information if you believe it is inaccurate, out-of-date, incomplete, irrelevant, or misleading, as per APP 13. To submit a correction request, please contact us with the updated information. While Australia does not have a direct “right to be forgotten” like in some other jurisdictions, if your personal information is no longer needed for the purposes for which it was collected, we will take steps to destroy or de-identify it. You have the right to opt-out of receiving direct marketing communications from us at any time. You can typically do this through an unsubscribe link in our emails or by contacting us directly. Regarding anonymity and pseudonymity, while you have the option to not identify yourself or use a pseudonym in some interactions, this may not be possible in all circumstances, particularly where we are required by law to verify your identity, such as for KYC purposes. If you believe that your privacy has been breached, you have the right to lodge a complaint with us. Please contact us with the details of your complaint, and we will follow our internal complaint handling process to address your concerns. If you are not satisfied with our response, you have the right to escalate your complaint to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC).

These rights apply to all personal information we hold about you, including any information that may be connected to your interactions with our website, regardless of whether those interactions involve Bitcoin or other payment methods.

7. Use of Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website uses cookies, pixel tags, and similar tracking technologies to enhance your browsing experience and improve our services. We use different types of cookies, including essential cookies that are necessary for the website to function properly, functional cookies that remember your preferences, analytical cookies that help us understand how you use our website, and potentially marketing cookies (with your consent) that are used to deliver targeted advertising. The purposes of these technologies include improving website functionality, personalizing your user experience, analyzing website traffic to understand how our site is used, and potentially for targeted advertising to provide you with relevant content. We may also use third-party cookies, such as those from analytics providers like Google, to help us analyze website usage. You have the ability to manage your cookie preferences. Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can typically disable or delete cookies, or set your browser to alert you when cookies are being sent. Please note that disabling certain cookies may affect the functionality of our website.

The use of cookies and tracking technologies is a standard practice for online platforms and is separate from the specific payment methods used for gambling activities. This practice helps us understand and improve the overall user experience on our website.

8. Bitcoin and Payment Information

Given the current Australian regulatory environment, it is important to explicitly state our policy regarding cryptocurrency payments for gambling activities. Online Bitcoin Gambling Australia currently adheres to the Australian ban on the use of cryptocurrency, including Bitcoin, for online wagering by licensed operators. The accepted payment methods for deposits and withdrawals on our platform include bank transfers and potentially credit/debit cards (while noting the prohibition on using credit cards for gambling), and other digital wallet options. We collect, store, and secure payment information related to these accepted methods using the security measures described in Section 4 of this Privacy Policy.

While our website name includes “Bitcoin,” this is primarily for branding purposes. Currently, we do not facilitate direct gambling transactions using Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies due to the prevailing regulations. Should the regulatory landscape change in the future, and if we were to consider accepting Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies, we would update this Privacy Policy to explain how Bitcoin transaction data would be handled. In such a scenario, we would emphasize the pseudo-anonymous nature of Bitcoin transactions and our ongoing commitment to security and compliance with all applicable laws, including AML/CTF regulations. Even with the inherent pseudonymity of Bitcoin, as a regulated gambling platform, we are required to collect personal information for KYC purposes, which would link user identities to their activities, including any potential Bitcoin transactions (if permitted for purposes other than direct wagering).

9. Links to Other Websites

Our website may contain links to other websites that are not operated by us. We want to inform you that we have no control over and assume no responsibility for the content, privacy policies, or practices of any third-party sites or services. We strongly advise you to review the privacy policy of every website you visit.

10. Data Breach Response

We are committed to taking reasonable steps to prevent data breaches that could compromise your personal information. In the event of a suspected data breach, we have established procedures for assessing the situation and taking appropriate action in accordance with the Notifiable Data Breaches (NDB) scheme under the Privacy Act. If we determine that an eligible data breach has occurred that is likely to result in serious harm to any individuals, we will notify the affected individuals and the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) as required by law.

11. Updates to This Privacy Policy

We may update our Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in legal requirements or our information handling practices. When we make material changes to this Privacy Policy, we will notify you by posting a prominent notice on our website or by sending you an email notification. We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically to stay informed about how we are protecting your personal information. The date of the latest revision will be indicated at the top of this policy.

12. Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or the handling of your personal information, please do not hesitate to contact us. You can reach our Privacy Officer via email at [email protected]. We are committed to addressing your inquiries in a timely and appropriate manner.