1. Scope
This policy explains how FarmAlert Limited (“FarmAlert”, “we”, “us”) collects, uses, stores and discloses personal information in connection with:
- the FarmAlert website at farmalert.net;
- the PlateAlert mobile application, camera service and customer accounts;
- PlateAlert enquiries, orders, delivery, subscriptions and customer support.
We handle personal information in accordance with New Zealand’s Privacy Act 2020 and its information privacy principles.
2. Our role and the camera owner’s role
FarmAlert operates the PlateAlert platform and processes account, camera and snapshot information needed to provide the service. The person or organisation that owns or controls a PlateAlert camera decides where it is installed, what area it observes and who receives viewer access.
Camera owners are responsible for making sure their camera placement and use are lawful, fair and not unreasonably intrusive. This includes limiting collection to what is reasonably necessary, using signage where appropriate, protecting viewer access and dealing properly with requests relating to images they control.
3. Information we collect
Information you provide
- name, email address, phone number, delivery address and organisation details;
- enquiry, order, payment, subscription and support information;
- camera location name, region, installation details and viewer invitations;
- communications with us and any files or photographs you send for support.
PlateAlert service information
- camera and account identifiers;
- vehicle snapshots, which may show registration plates, vehicles or people;
- date, time, camera location label and related event metadata;
- camera connectivity, configuration, signal and diagnostic information;
- app notification preferences, authorised viewers and service activity.
Technical information
Our hosting, app and security providers may process IP address, device type, browser or app version, crash information, authentication records and basic usage or security logs.
4. How we use information
We use personal information where reasonably necessary to:
- respond to enquiries and assess whether PlateAlert is suitable for a location;
- create and manage customer accounts, cameras, viewers and subscriptions;
- receive, store and display camera snapshots and send push notifications;
- provision, deliver, support, maintain and troubleshoot PlateAlert hardware and software;
- process payments, keep business records and meet tax or legal obligations;
- protect the service, investigate misuse and improve reliability;
- communicate service notices or, where permitted, marketing messages.
We do not sell personal information.
5. Camera data and images
PlateAlert is designed to create event-based still images rather than continuous video. Snapshot images are made available only to the camera owner and authorised viewers, together with FarmAlert personnel or service providers who require access for legitimate support, security or operational purposes.
Camera owners must not use PlateAlert for harassment, stalking, unlawful surveillance, public shaming or any purpose unrelated to legitimate property, access or site monitoring. Images should not be published online merely to identify or accuse someone.
Where an individual asks for access to an image of themselves, the request may need to be considered under the Privacy Act. The rights and privacy of other people shown in the same image must also be considered.
6. Service providers and disclosure
We may provide information to trusted providers only as needed to run the service, including:
- Google Firebase and Google Cloud for authentication, database, storage and notifications;
- Apple and Google for mobile-app distribution and push-notification delivery;
- Stripe and GoCardless for payment and subscription processing;
- ServiceM8 for enquiries and customer-service workflows;
- telecommunications providers for managed camera connectivity;
- couriers, technical contractors, professional advisers and support providers.
Some providers process information outside New Zealand. We take reasonable steps to use reputable providers and appropriate contractual or other safeguards. PlateAlert’s primary Firebase service region is Australia.
We may disclose information where required or permitted by law, including to Police or another authority in response to a lawful request, or where disclosure is necessary to address a serious threat. We may also disclose information as part of a business sale or restructure, subject to appropriate privacy protections.
7. Storage and retention
PlateAlert snapshots are ordinarily retained for up to 30 days and may then be deleted automatically. Temporary copies, system logs or backups may persist for a limited additional period as systems cycle.
Account, order, payment, subscription and support records may be retained for longer where reasonably needed to provide the service, meet legal or tax requirements, resolve disputes, prevent fraud or maintain essential business records. Information that is no longer reasonably required is deleted or de-identified where practical.
8. Security
We use measures such as account authentication, role-based access controls, managed cloud services, restricted administrative access, monitoring and encryption where supported. No internet-connected service can be guaranteed completely secure, and delivery can be affected by mobile networks, devices and third-party systems.
You are responsible for keeping your login details secure, using a unique password and promptly removing viewer access that is no longer appropriate. Tell us immediately if you suspect unauthorised access.
9. Access, correction and deletion
You may ask us to confirm whether we hold personal information about you and request access to or correction of that information. You may also ask us to delete information, although legal, operational, evidential or service requirements can limit what can be deleted immediately.
We may need to verify your identity. If a request concerns a camera image controlled by a PlateAlert customer, we may need to involve that customer and consider the privacy of other people in the image.
You may complain to the New Zealand Office of the Privacy Commissioner if you believe your privacy concern has not been resolved.
10. This website and external services
This streamlined website does not use advertising trackers or analytics cookies by default. Cloudflare may process basic connection, security and performance information when serving the site.
The Enquire button opens an external ServiceM8 form. ServiceM8’s own privacy terms apply to information entered there. Email links open your chosen email service.
11. Changes to this policy
We may update this policy when the service, providers or legal requirements change. The current version will be published here with a revised “last updated” date. Material changes may also be communicated through email or the PlateAlert app where appropriate.
12. Contact and Privacy Officer
Privacy Officer
FarmAlert Limited
Canterbury, New Zealand
info@farmalert.net
For general PlateAlert support, email platealert@farmalert.net.