Privacy & Terms
How we handle your data, what we do with it, and what you agree to when you use BuildWiki.
Introduction
BuildWiki is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and secure your information when you visit our platform (buildwiki.com.au). We comply with the Australian Privacy Principles outlined in the Privacy Act 1988.
Information We Collect
- Anonymised Search Inputs
When you use our search bar, your search queries are processed to provide semantic matches. These are processed anonymously.
- Analytics Data
We collect standard, non-identifying data (such as device type, browser type, and pages visited) to optimise our server performance and site layout.
- Contact Information
If you use our "Partner With Us" or inquiry forms, we collect your name, email address, and any business details you explicitly provide.
- Bric Chat Messages
When you use Bric, our AI assistant, the messages you type are sent to Google Gemini (operated by Google LLC) to generate a response. Your message history is also temporarily stored in our database (Turso) under an anonymous session ID to support multi-turn conversation — so Bric can remember what you asked earlier in the same session. Only the most recent 6 turns of a conversation are retained per session; earlier messages are not stored. No name, email address, or account information is linked to this session. The session ID originates from your browser and is not connected to any personal profile. Separately, our audit log records metadata about each request (character count, response latency, retrieval quality scores) — it does not store the text of your messages.
How Your Data is Used
- To deliver fast, relevant search results and maintain our Turso database architecture.
- To connect you with local Western Australian trade specialists and display highly relevant local advertisements.
- To analyse site traffic metrics and prevent system abuse or automated scraping.
- To process Bric chat messages via Google Gemini and return AI-generated responses. Your messages are transmitted to Google's servers solely to generate a reply and are subject to Google's data processing terms.
- To store your Bric conversation history (under an anonymous session ID, capped at the most recent 6 turns) so that Bric can maintain context across turns in the same session.
- To record anonymised request metadata in our audit log for service monitoring, abuse detection, and quality improvement. This log contains no message text.
Third-Party AI Processing (Bric)
Bric is powered by Google Gemini, a large language model operated by Google LLC. When you send a message to Bric, that message — along with relevant knowledge base context from BuildWiki — is transmitted to Google's servers to generate a response.
We do not share your name, email, or any identifying information with Google as part of chat requests. Google processes these messages in accordance with their Privacy Policy and Data Processing Addendum.
We recommend you do not include personal, financial, or sensitive information in chat messages.
Data Retention
We retain two types of Bric-related data in our database:
- Chat Sessions (message history)
Only the most recent 6 turns of your conversation are retained per session — earlier messages are not stored. This cap means your full chat history does not accumulate indefinitely in our database. Message history is stored under an anonymous session ID solely to enable multi-turn conversation — it is not used for advertising, profiling, or shared with third parties beyond Google Gemini as described above. Sessions have no automatic expiry at this time.
- Chat Audit Log (metadata only)
Each request is logged with metadata only: character count of the message (not the text itself), a SHA-256 hash of your IP address (never the raw IP), response latency, retrieval quality scores, and whether the request was blocked or answered. This log is retained for service monitoring and abuse detection. It contains no personally identifiable information and no message content.
To request deletion of chat session data associated with a session ID you hold, please contact us at privacy@buildwiki.com.au.
Cookies and Third-Party Advertising
We use cookies to improve your browsing experience and serve targeted ads. Our third-party advertising partners may use cookies to display relevant banners based on your interests.
You can choose to disable cookies through your browser settings at any time.
Data Security
Your data is stored securely using modern serverless infrastructure. Because we prioritise privacy, we do not store personal profiles or sell your identifying information to third-party marketing firms.
Our commitment: We will never sell your personal data. BuildWiki's model is built on serving relevant, local content - not on monetising personal profiles.
Acceptance of Terms
By accessing and using BuildWiki, you agree to comply with and be bound by these Terms of Service. If you do not agree, please discontinue use of the platform.
Nature of Our Service (Information Only)
BuildWiki is an independent, community-driven information repository that aggregates public building experiences and insights from across the web.
Disclaimer: The information provided on BuildWiki is for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute formal structural, financial, legal, or engineering advice.
User Responsibility: While we aim to clean and organise data accurately, construction parameters and builder dynamics change constantly. You are entirely responsible for verifying all information independently with registered professionals or official documentation before entering into any building contracts.
Bric AI Assistant
Bric is an AI-powered assistant that provides general information about home building in Australia. Bric's responses are generated by a large language model and are intended as a starting point for your research only.
When you use Bric, your conversation messages are stored in our database under an anonymous session ID (capped at the most recent 6 turns) to enable multi-turn conversation. By using Bric, you consent to this storage as described in our Privacy Policy. You agree not to submit sensitive personal, financial, or third-party confidential information through the chat interface.
Important: Bric does not provide professional building, legal, financial, or structural advice. Responses may be incomplete, outdated, or not applicable to your specific situation, state, or contract. Always verify Bric's responses with your builder, a registered building professional, or your local council before making any decisions.
BuildWiki makes no warranty — express or implied — regarding the accuracy, completeness, or fitness for purpose of any response generated by Bric. Use of Bric is entirely at your own risk.
Intellectual Property & Community Insights
The organised compilations, code, and search architecture on this platform are the property of BuildWiki. The text summaries are derived from community experiences across the wider web to provide educational overviews under fair use principles.
Third-Party Links and Advertisements
BuildWiki displays advertisements and links to external local businesses, estimators, and suppliers. We do not officially endorse, guarantee, or assume liability for the services, pricing, work quality, or conduct of any third-party business advertised on our platform.
Any transactions or disputes occur strictly between you and that business.
Limitation of Liability
To the maximum extent permitted by Australian Consumer Law, BuildWiki and its operators shall not be held liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages, losses, or construction disputes arising out of your use of, or reliance on, the information presented on this website — including any responses generated by the Bric AI assistant.
In plain terms: BuildWiki and Bric are reference tools, not professional services. Always verify building information with a registered builder, engineer, or your local council before making decisions.