Privacy Policy for knowcars.com.au

Last Updated: November 1, 2026

At KnowCars (accessible from knowcars.com.au), one of our main priorities is the privacy of our visitors. This Privacy Policy outlines the types of information collected and recorded by KnowCars and how we use, hold, disclose, and protect it.

By using our website, you consent to the collection and use of your information in accordance with this Privacy Policy and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) established under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).

1. Information We Collect

We collect personal information directly from you when you interact with our platform, as well as automatic technical data when you browse our website.

A. Personal Information Provided Directly

Depending on your interaction with KnowCars, we may collect:

  • Contact Details: Name, email address, phone number, and location (state/postcode).
  • Vehicle & Ownership Data: Vehicle make, model, year, trim, mileage, service history, registration status, and ownership feedback.
  • Account Information: Passwords, profile preferences, and submission history if you register an account.
  • Communication Data: Inquiries submitted via our contact forms, support tickets, or newsletter subscriptions.

B. User-Generated Content & Verification Documents

  • Public Submissions: Any written vehicle reviews, owner ratings, car breakdowns, comments, or media you submit to knowcars.com.au for public posting become public content. Please refrain from including sensitive personal details in the body of public reviews.
  • Verification Media & Invoices: If you upload proof of vehicle ownership, logbooks, or service invoices to verify your review, these files are used strictly for internal authenticity verification. Ownership documents and service invoices are kept confidential and are never shared publicly or sold.

C. Automatically Collected Data

When you visit knowcars.com.au, our servers automatically collect:

  • Device & Log Data: Your IP address, browser type, operating system, device details, pages viewed, referring pages, time spent, and timestamp data.
  • Location Data: Approximate geographical location based on your IP address.

2. How We Use Your Information

We collect and use your information to operate, improve, and maintain our automotive platform. Specifically, we use your data to:

  • Provide, maintain, and personalize the features of knowcars.com.au.
  • Process, verify, and display user-submitted vehicle reviews, ratings, and ownership data.
  • Respond to your inquiries, support requests, and feedback.
  • Send periodic updates, newsletters, or promotional communications (where you have opted in).
  • Monitor, analyze, and optimize website usage, traffic patterns, and performance.
  • Deliver targeted non-personalized or personalized advertising.
  • Protect against, identify, and prevent fraud, unauthorized activity, and legal liability.

3. Cookies, Analytics, and Advertising Networks

KnowCars uses cookies, web beacons, and standard tracking technologies to enhance user experience, analyze site performance, and serve relevant advertisements.

A. Essential & Functional Cookies

Cookies necessary for site navigation, account authentication, and core functional features of knowcars.com.au.

B. Google Analytics

We use Google Analytics to understand how visitors interact with our website. Google Analytics uses cookies to collect anonymous information such as your IP address, browser type, time on page, and pages visited.

C. Google AdSense & Third-Party Advertising Networks

KnowCars partners with Google AdSense and third-party advertising vendors to display ads when you visit our site.

  • Third-Party Cookies: Third-party vendors, including Google, use cookies to serve ads based on a user’s prior visits to knowcars.com.au or other websites.
  • DART Cookies: Google’s use of advertising cookies (such as the DoubleClick DART cookie) enables it and its partners to serve ads to users based on their visit to our sites and/or other sites on the Internet.
  • Opting Out of Personalised Ads: Users may opt out of personalized advertising by visiting Google Ads Settings. Alternatively, you can opt out of third-party vendors’ use of cookies for personalized advertising by visiting AboutAds.info.

4. AI-Generated Content Notice

To enhance content quality, synthesize vehicle specifications, compile editorial guides, and assist with platform administration, KnowCars utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) tools.

  • Some content on knowcars.com.au—including vehicle overviews, category summaries, comparison guides, images and editorial drafts—may be generated, edited, or assisted by AI technology.
  • AI-assisted content is periodically reviewed for quality and accuracy against official technical data and community submissions.
  • User-submitted reviews and owner ratings represent original human experiences and are stored and displayed as submitted by the respective community authors.

5. Disclosure of Your Personal Information

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties. We may disclose your information under the following limited circumstances:

  • Third-Party Service Providers: Trusted partners who assist in operating our website, hosting servers, managing email newsletters, processing analytics, or serving ads (under strict confidentiality requirements).
  • Legal Requirements: When required by law, regulation, court order, or governmental request under Australian jurisdiction.
  • Business Transfers: In connection with any merger, sale of company assets, restructuring, or acquisition of all or a portion of our business.
  • Publicly Displayed Reviews: Vehicle reviews, ratings, or public feedback you submit will be visible to other site visitors (personal contact details and private verification uploads will remain private).

6. Overseas Transfers of Data

Some of our third-party technology partners (such as cloud web servers, analytics platforms, advertising vendors, or email marketing tools) may store or process data on servers located outside Australia. Whenever data is stored internationally, we take reasonable steps to ensure the recipient complies with standards comparable to the Australian Privacy Principles.

7. Data Security and Retention

We implement appropriate technical, administrative, and physical security measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, loss, misuse, modification, or disclosure.

We retain personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy or as required by Australian tax and legal retention laws. Verification media provided for review validation is de-identified or deleted once verification is complete. When data is no longer required, we securely destroy or de-identify it.

8. Your Rights and Accessing Your Information

Under the Australian Privacy Act, you have the right to:

  • Access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you.
  • Correction: Request that we correct or update any inaccurate, incomplete, or out-of-date information.
  • Opt-Out: Unsubscribe from direct marketing emails at any time using the “unsubscribe” link provided in our communications.

To submit an access or correction request, please contact us using the details below.

9. Third-Party Websites & External Links

Our website may contain links to external automotive sites, dealerships, affiliate partners, or manufacturer resources. KnowCars is not responsible for the privacy practices, content, or data protection policies of third-party platforms. We encourage you to review the privacy policy of any external site you visit.

10. Privacy Complaints Process

If you believe we have breached the Australian Privacy Principles or handled your personal information incorrectly, you can lodge a complaint by contacting us. We will investigate your inquiry and respond within 30 days.

If you are unsatisfied with our response, you may escalate your complaint to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC):

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our platform, technology, ad networks, or legal obligations. Updates will be posted on this page with a revised “Last Updated” date.

12. Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy, please contact us at: