Legal
Privacy Policy
Last updated: March 2026
This Privacy Policy is prepared in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs). It describes how Specta collects, uses, stores, and discloses your personal information. Please read it carefully.
1. Our Commitment to Privacy
Specta is committed to protecting the privacy of all users in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs). This policy explains how we collect, use, store, and disclose your personal information, and how you can exercise your rights under Australian privacy law. By using Specta, you consent to the collection and use of your personal information as described in this policy.
2. Information We Collect
We collect personal information you provide when you create an account, post an inspection request, apply for jobs as an inspector, or contact us for support. This includes: • Name, email address, and phone number • Property addresses submitted in inspection requests • Payment and bank account details (processed via our third-party payment provider) • Profile information including service area and availability (inspectors) • Communications between you and Specta or between users on the platform We also collect information automatically when you use Specta, including log data, device information, IP address, and usage patterns through cookies and similar technologies.
3. Inspector Credentials and Verification Data
Inspectors are required to submit copies of their professional licences, certifications, and qualifications as part of the profile approval process. This information is used solely for verification purposes and is not shared publicly beyond what you choose to display on your profile. We retain credential documents for as long as your inspector account is active and for a reasonable period thereafter for compliance and dispute resolution purposes.
4. Inspection Reports
Inspection reports submitted through the platform are owned by the client who commissioned the inspection. Specta stores reports securely to facilitate delivery, payment release, and dispute resolution. Reports are retained for a minimum of 2 years after the inspection date. Inspectors should not include unnecessary personal information about third parties in their reports.
5. How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect to: • Operate, maintain, and improve the Specta platform • Match clients with qualified inspectors in their area • Process and hold payments in escrow • Verify inspector credentials and maintain platform quality • Communicate with you about your account, bookings, and activity • Send service-related notifications (e.g. booking confirmations, payment receipts) • Comply with legal obligations under Australian law
6. Direct Marketing
We may send you promotional emails about new features, platform updates, or relevant services. You can opt out of marketing communications at any time by clicking 'unsubscribe' in any marketing email, or by contacting us at [email protected]. We will not use your personal information for direct marketing without your consent, and we will not sell or share your information with third parties for their own marketing purposes.
7. Sharing Your Information
We do not sell your personal information. We share your information only as necessary to provide our services — for example, sharing your name and contact details with an inspector you have booked, or with our payment processing partners to facilitate escrow transactions. We may also disclose your information where required or authorised by Australian law, including to regulatory bodies, courts, or law enforcement agencies.
8. Third-Party Services
Specta uses the following third-party services that may process your personal information: • Authentication: Clerk (clerk.com) — manages account sign-in and identity verification • Payments: Our payment processing provider — handles card and bank payment data • Hosting: Vercel — hosts the Specta platform and may process usage data • Analytics: We may use analytics tools to understand how users interact with the platform These providers are contractually required to handle your data securely and in accordance with applicable privacy laws. We encourage you to review their individual privacy policies.
9. Cross-Border Data Disclosure
Some of our third-party service providers are based outside Australia, including in the United States. When your personal information is disclosed to overseas recipients, we take reasonable steps to ensure those recipients handle your data in a way consistent with the Australian Privacy Principles. By using Specta, you consent to your personal information being transferred to and processed in countries outside Australia, including the United States.
10. Escrow and Payments
Payment information is processed by our third-party payment provider. Specta does not store full credit card or bank account details on our servers. Escrow funds are held securely and released only upon confirmed inspection completion. Transaction records are retained for a minimum of 7 years in accordance with Australian financial recordkeeping obligations.
11. Data Retention
We retain your personal information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide services and meet our legal obligations. When data is no longer required, we take reasonable steps to destroy or de-identify it. You may request deletion of your account and associated data at any time by contacting us at [email protected]. Note that some data may be retained where required by law (e.g. financial records).
12. Cookies
Specta uses cookies to keep you signed in, remember your preferences, and understand how our platform is used. You can control cookie settings through your browser, though disabling cookies may affect the functionality of the platform.
13. Notifiable Data Breaches
Specta is subject to the Notifiable Data Breaches (NDB) scheme under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth). If we become aware of a data breach that is likely to result in serious harm to any affected individuals, we will notify those individuals and the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) as soon as practicable. We maintain security measures to protect your personal information from unauthorised access, modification, or disclosure.
14. Your Rights Under Australian Privacy Law
Under the Australian Privacy Principles, you have the right to: • Access the personal information we hold about you • Request correction of inaccurate or outdated information • Make a complaint about how we have handled your personal information • Opt out of direct marketing communications To exercise any of these rights, contact us at [email protected]. We will respond to your request within 30 days.
15. Complaints
If you believe we have breached the Australian Privacy Principles or mishandled your personal information, you may lodge a complaint with us at [email protected]. We will investigate and respond within 30 days. If you are not satisfied with our response, you may escalate your complaint to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) at www.oaic.gov.au or by calling 1300 363 992.
16. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes by email or by posting a notice on the platform. Your continued use of Specta after changes take effect constitutes your acceptance of the updated policy.
17. Contact
For questions about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your personal information, contact our Privacy Officer at: Email: [email protected]