Privacy Policy
Effective date: 6 September 2026
Howtomation is based in Sydney, Australia. This policy explains how we handle personal information when you visit our website, contact us, use a Howtomation service, or interact with a business using our Social + Booking service.
Information we may collect
- Contact details such as your name, email address and phone number.
- Business information, services, opening hours, brand preferences and account configuration supplied by a customer.
- Booking details such as the requested service, preferred date and time, booking status and relevant conversation history.
- Social content, Page messages and interaction data made available through connected platforms where a customer authorises the integration.
- Technical and operational information such as timestamps, delivery status, error logs, browser information and security records.
- Billing and subscription status. Payment card details are handled by our payment provider and are not stored by Howtomation.
How we use information
We use information to provide and support our services, create and manage bookings, prepare and publish approved content, respond to enquiries, secure and troubleshoot the platform, communicate service updates, process billing and meet applicable legal obligations.
Facebook and Instagram data
When a customer connects a Facebook Page or Instagram account, Howtomation only accesses the data and permissions needed for the authorised features. For the Messenger booking service, Page messages are used to respond to enquiries, collect booking details, create or update appointments and support human handover. We do not sell personal information or use private Page messages for unrelated advertising.
Sharing and service providers
We may share information with service providers that help us deliver hosting, messaging, calendar, email, SMS, analytics, support and payment services. We limit this sharing to what is reasonably required to provide the service. Information may be processed in Australia or other countries where these providers operate.
Storage and retention
We retain personal information only for as long as reasonably needed for the service, security, dispute resolution and legal or accounting requirements. Retention periods can differ depending on the type of record and the customer's configured workflow. Information that is no longer required is deleted or de-identified where practical.
Security
We use access controls, credential separation, encrypted connections, logging and other reasonable safeguards designed to protect information. No online service can guarantee absolute security, so customers must also protect their connected accounts and promptly report suspected unauthorised access.
Access, correction and deletion
You may ask to access, correct or delete personal information associated with you. Email [email protected] with enough information for us to identify the relevant account or conversation. We may need to verify your identity and may retain limited records where required by law or necessary for security and dispute prevention.
Facebook and Instagram users can also follow our Data Deletion Instructions.
Cookies and website analytics
Our website may use essential cookies and limited analytics or chat technologies to operate the site, remember preferences, understand usage and respond to enquiries. You can control non-essential cookies through your browser where available.
Changes to this policy
We may update this policy when our services or legal obligations change. The effective date above shows the latest published version.
Contact
For privacy questions or complaints, contact Howtomation at [email protected], Sydney, Australia. We will review the request and respond within a reasonable period.