Policies - Special Technology Services

Privacy Policy of Special Technology Services

Effective Date: 9 May 2025
Business Name: Special Technology Services Pty Ltd
ABN: 23 261 865 109
Director: Michael Anthony Ralph
Contact Email: director@specialtechnologyservices.xyz
Website: https://specialtechnologyservices.xyz | https://sts-australia.xyz

1. Overview

Special Technology Services (STS) is committed to safeguarding the privacy of individuals whose personal information we handle. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, store, and protect personal and financial data in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs), and applicable international regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

STS offers services including cybersecurity, forensic analysis, IT support, digital privacy consulting, and secure online transactions. This document integrates our privacy principles, data protection measures, refund policy, and terms of service into a comprehensive policy.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

We may collect personally identifiable information including:

Full name, date of birth
Contact details: email, phone, address
Identification documents: passport, driver’s licence
Biometric data: facial recognition scans, selfies
Proof of address or residency
Payment details: credit card, PayID, bank account
Metadata: IP address, browser type, device ID

2.2 Sensitive Information

We may collect sensitive data (e.g., mental health disclosures or criminal background) when legally permitted or consented to, typically in the context of investigations.

3. Collection Methods

Information is collected via:

Direct interactions through our website, store, or service portals
Identity verification tools (Stripe Identity, Sumsub)
Cookies and analytics tools
Third-party platforms supporting payment or KYC processes
Customer support interactions and investigations

4. Purpose of Collection and Use

We collect and use your personal data for the following purposes:

Service provision, technical support, and customer communication
Identity verification and fraud prevention
Payment processing and refunds
Compliance with legal obligations (e.g., AML/CTF regulations)
Internal auditing, security assessments, and recordkeeping
Research, service improvement, and marketing (with consent)

5. Identity Verification Services

STS uses third-party providers for identity verification:

Stripe Identity

Stripe may collect ID document images, selfies, and device metadata to verify your identity. Data is encrypted and may be stored in non-Australian servers under strict contractual protections.

Sumsub.com

Sumsub collects personal documents, facial images, and proof of address for compliance with KYC and AML requirements. STS does not access full documentation but only receives verification outcomes.

Both services adhere to GDPR and APPs.

6. Data Handling and Storage

We use the following measures to protect your data:

AES-256 encryption (data at rest and in transit)
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) and biometric verification
Secure infrastructure compliant with ISO 27001 standards
Role-based access controls
Encrypted backups and secure deletion protocols

Data is stored in Australia or in overseas jurisdictions with equivalent data protection standards.

7. Access, Correction, and Deletion

Under Australian law, you have the right to:

Access your personal data
Request corrections to inaccuracies
Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent
Request deletion of data where legally applicable
Lodge complaints with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC)

To exercise these rights, contact: director@specialtechnologyservices.xyz

8. Refund and Returns Policy

STS complies strictly with the Australian Consumer Law (ACL). You are entitled to a refund, replacement, or repair if goods or services:

Are faulty, damaged, or not as described
Fail to perform as advertised

To qualify, proof of purchase must be provided. We do not accept returns for change of mind or misuse. Claims should be submitted promptly, with evidence (e.g., photos).

Refunds are processed via the original payment method within a reasonable timeframe.

9. Terms of Service

By accessing our website or using our services, you agree to the following:

Use our platform lawfully and ethically
Do not replicate or misuse our content without permission
No guarantee is made regarding uninterrupted access
No client relationship exists unless explicitly agreed
We may update or terminate services at any time
Continued use indicates acceptance of changes

Our tools are for information and research. AI-generated responses (e.g., from ChatGPT) are not legal, financial, or medical advice.

10. Payment Security and Best Practices

STS maintains PCI DSS compliance. We use third-party payment processors (Stripe, PayID) that:

Encrypt transactions via SSL/TLS
Do not store full credit card details on our servers
Monitor for fraud and enforce chargeback protection

We implement:

Secure checkout workflows
Regular vulnerability assessments
Role-based access and audit trails

11. Data Retention

Data is retained only as long as necessary:

Financial records: 7 years (ATO requirement)
KYC records: As required by AML/CTF law
Investigations: Per case or risk protocol
Marketing: Until consent is withdrawn

All obsolete data is securely deleted or anonymised.

12. Cookies and Analytics

Cookies may be used to enhance site functionality and measure performance. These do not collect sensitive personal data unless you voluntarily provide it. Users may disable cookies in their browser settings.

13. Children’s Privacy

Our services are not directed to individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect data from minors without verified guardian consent.

14. International Transfers

Where personal data is transferred overseas (e.g., via Stripe or Sumsub), we ensure compliance with APP 8 by:

Using providers with equivalent data protection standards
Implementing contractual safeguards
Monitoring security practices regularly

15. Policy Updates

This policy may be amended as our operations or legal obligations evolve. Updates will be posted on our website with an updated effective date.

16. Contact Us

If you have any privacy-related concerns or would like to exercise your data rights, please contact:

Director: Michael Anthony Ralph
Email: director@specialtechnologyservices.xyz
Phone: +61 432 342 584
Mail: 18 Nioka Avenue, Keiraville, NSW 2500