Privacy Policy

Last updated: May 2026

At IHS Wisdom (IHSW.org), we are committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, store, and protect your personal information when you interact with our website, online meditation and study courses, membership services, and related offerings.

By using our website and services, you consent to the practices described in this policy. We may update this policy from time to time. We will notify you of material changes by posting the updated version on our website.

1. Personal Information We Collect

We collect personal information that is reasonably necessary for providing our meditation, wisdom study, and online course services. This may include:

  • Contact and account information: Name, email address, phone number, mailing address, username, and password.
  • Course and usage information: Details of courses or meditations you enrol in or complete, progress tracking, forum posts, journal entries, or feedback.
  • Payment information: Billing details processed through secure third-party payment gateways (we do not store full credit card details).
  • Technical and usage data: IP address, browser type, device information, cookies, analytics data, and logs from your visits to ihsw.org.
  • Other information: Any details you voluntarily provide in enquiries, support requests, surveys, or community interactions.

We may also collect sensitive information (e.g., information related to your health or spiritual/wellbeing practices) only with your consent where relevant to personalised course guidance.

2. How We Collect Your Information

We collect information:

  • Directly from you (e.g., when you register, enrol in a course, make a payment, contact us, or participate in forums).
  • Automatically through cookies, web beacons, and analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics).
  • From third parties (e.g., payment processors or authentication services), where permitted by law.

3. Purposes for Collecting, Holding, Using, and Disclosing Your Information

We collect, use, and disclose your personal information to:

  • Provide, personalise, and improve our online meditation and study courses.
  • Process enrolments, payments, and memberships.
  • Communicate with you about courses, updates, newsletters, or support.
  • Administer our website, community features, and user accounts.
  • Conduct analytics, research, and service improvements.
  • Comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, or enforce our terms.
  • Send marketing communications (with your consent or where permitted; you can opt out at any time).

We will not use your information for purposes other than those for which it was collected, except as authorised by law.

4. Disclosure of Personal Information

We may disclose your personal information to:

  • Third-party service providers (e.g., hosting providers, payment processors, email marketing services, learning management systems) who help us deliver our services.
  • Professional advisers (e.g., lawyers, accountants) where necessary.
  • Courts, regulators, or law enforcement as required by law.

We take reasonable steps to ensure recipients handle your information in accordance with the APPs. We do not sell your personal information.

5. International Transfers

Some of our service providers may be located outside Australia (e.g., in the United States or other countries). Before disclosing information overseas, we take reasonable steps to ensure the recipient complies with privacy standards substantially similar to the APPs or obtain your consent.

6. Security of Your Personal Information

We take reasonable steps to protect your personal information from misuse, interference, loss, unauthorised access, modification, or disclosure. This includes secure servers, encryption for sensitive transmissions, and access controls. However, no electronic system is completely secure.

We retain your information only as long as necessary for the purposes outlined or as required by law. When no longer needed, we securely delete or de-identify it.

7. Cookies and Tracking

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to enhance functionality, analyse traffic, and personalise your experience. You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings. Note that disabling cookies may affect site functionality.

8. Your Rights and Accessing/Correcting Your Information

You have the right to:

  • Access the personal information we hold about you.
  • Request correction of inaccurate, incomplete, or outdated information.
  • Withdraw consent (where applicable).
  • Opt out of direct marketing.
  • Lodge a complaint about how we handle your information.

To exercise these rights, contact us using the details below. We will respond within a reasonable time (usually 30 days) and may ask for identification. There is generally no fee for access requests, though we may charge reasonable costs for extensive requests.

9. Complaints

If you have a privacy complaint, please contact us first with details. We will investigate and respond promptly. If you are unsatisfied, you may complain to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) at www.oaic.gov.au.

10. Contact Us

IHS Wisdom / IHSW.org Email: privacy@ihsw.org

Please include “Privacy Request” in the subject line for privacy matters.