Hey Ruth respects the privacy of Customers who access and use the Hey Ruth Platform.

This Privacy Policy explains how Hey Ruth collects, uses, stores, and protects personal information when Customers access or use the Platform. Hey Ruth handles personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles where applicable.

This policy should be read together with the Terms & Conditions, Disclaimer, Code of Conduct, and Booking Changes & Refunds Policy.

Definitions

For the purposes of this Privacy Policy:

Hey Ruth means Hey Ruth Pty Ltd and includes the online platform, systems and services operated under the name Hey Ruth.

Platform means the Hey Ruth website, systems, booking tools and technology used to facilitate conversations between Customers and Friends.

Customer / Customers means a person who uses the Platform to connect with a Friend for conversation. These terms may be used interchangeably throughout this Privacy Policy.

Friend means an independent contractor approved by Hey Ruth to host catch-ups and participate in conversations on the Platform.

Conversation / Catch-up / Connection means a scheduled one-to-one online interaction facilitated through the Platform between a Customer and a Friend for the purpose of conversation and human connection. These terms may be used interchangeably throughout this Privacy Policy.

Personal Information We Collect

Hey Ruth may collect personal information that is reasonably necessary for the operation of the Platform.

This may include name, email address, account information, booking information relating to conversations, payment information, communication records, technical data, and other information reasonably required to support the Platform.

Personal information may be collected when creating an account, booking a catch-up, contacting Hey Ruth, or interacting with the Platform.

How We Use Personal Information

Personal information may be used to facilitate bookings, process payments, operate and improve the Platform, respond to enquiries, and manage safety or operational concerns.

Hey Ruth does not sell personal information to third parties.

Payments and Third-Party Services

Payments for catch-ups are processed through third-party providers. Hey Ruth may also use third-party services for booking systems, communication tools, hosting, and analytics.

These providers may receive limited personal information where necessary to deliver their services. Customers should review the privacy policies of any third-party providers they interact with through the Platform.

Cookies and Website Data

The Platform may use cookies to improve functionality, analyse usage, and maintain performance.

Customers can manage cookies through their browser settings, noting that some features may not function correctly if disabled.

Storage and Security

Hey Ruth takes reasonable steps to protect personal information, however no online system can guarantee absolute security.

Customers use the Platform at their own discretion and risk.

Conversations and Privacy

Conversations on the Platform are intended to remain private between Customers and Friends.

Hey Ruth does not routinely monitor or record conversations. However, where a concern or complaint is raised, Hey Ruth may review relevant information as part of its response. This is consistent with Hey Ruth’s obligations under the Terms & Conditions and Code of Conduct.

Customers must not record conversations or capture content without consent.

Disclosure of Information

Personal information may be disclosed to service providers where necessary to operate the Platform, or where required by law, or to address safety or operational concerns.

Access and Corrections

Customers may request access to or correction of their personal information via the Contact Us page.

Updates to This Policy

Hey Ruth may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Continued use of the Platform constitutes acceptance of any updates.

Contact

If you have questions regarding this Privacy Policy, please contact Hey Ruth through the Contact Us page.