Privacy and respectful data handling.

Who we are

First Nations Directory operates FND and FNDOS. Privacy enquiries can be raised through the platform contact pathway.

What we collect

Depending on how you use FND, we may collect account and contact details, profile information, directory and business information, Nation relationship information, verification evidence, Academy enrolment and completion records, sponsorship or support enquiries, records you choose to share, and technical information needed to keep the platform secure and functioning.

FND is designed to avoid collecting information that is not reasonably needed for a platform function. Sensitive, cultural and Nation-held information must not be treated as ordinary directory content.

How information is collected

Information may be collected when you create or use an account, submit a form or enquiry, claim or manage a record, participate in an Academy pathway, provide verification material, share evidence, contact FND, or use platform features that require authentication or security logging. Public reference records may also be drawn from identified public sources and are kept separate from Nation-authorised records.

Why we use information

We use information to provide and secure FND services, administer accounts and access controls, respond to enquiries, maintain directory and Nation pathways, support verification and evidence processes, operate the Academy, maintain audit records, prevent misuse, correct records and meet legal or operational obligations.

Public information and reference records

Public directory records, Nation reference profiles, map information, language references and public agreement information are separated from private account and verification material. A public record does not create or imply Nation membership, cultural authority, endorsement, ownership or consent.

Reference information can be corrected, withdrawn or superseded where stronger or Nation-authorised information becomes available.

Nation and cultural data

FND does not treat cultural knowledge as ordinary platform content. Nation-controlled information remains subject to Nation authority, permissions and release decisions through the relevant FND pathway. FND does not infer cultural authority from location, a public record, an ILUA, a directory listing or a user claim.

Service providers and disclosures

FND uses specialist technology providers to host and operate platform functions, including infrastructure, authentication, database and payment services where those features are active. Information is disclosed only where needed for the relevant service, security, legal requirement or authorised platform process.

Some technology providers may process or store information outside Australia as part of their infrastructure. FND will keep this notice aligned with its production service configuration and will add practicable country details where they can be stated accurately.

Cookies and tracking

FND uses essential browser storage and cookies where needed for sign-in, session security and platform operation. FND does not currently deploy third-party advertising or behavioural tracking pixels in the FNDOS codebase.

Access, correction and complaints

You can ask what personal information FND holds about you, request correction, or raise a privacy concern. FND may need to verify your identity before giving access to private information. Nation reference corrections are reviewed rather than silently changed where the correction could affect Nation identity, standing or authority.

Privacy requests or complaints can be submitted through the FND contact pathway. FND will review the issue, preserve relevant audit evidence where required, and respond through an appropriate pathway.

Changes to this notice

This notice will be reviewed as FND services, verification programs, payment functions, Nation pathways and formal operating arrangements change. Material changes to information handling should be reflected here rather than relying on broad future consent.