Privacy
This privacy statement only applies to the information automatically collected from you as a result of your visit to our website, www.mcv.vic.gov.au. We may update this privacy statement from time to time. Any changes to this privacy statement will be published on this website.
Magistrates’ Court of Victoria (MCV) is committed to protecting your privacy. We handle personal information collected by this website in accordance the Magistrates’ Court Act 1989 and any other relevant legislation.
Collection
You can access and browse our website without disclosing your personal information. MCV does not and will not seek to identify individual users with the information automatically collected by the website.
We collect personal information about you when you:
- submit any online application, enquiry, submission, complaint, feedback or electronic communication that you send us
- access any of the courts online services including determining your nearest court location
- take part in an online survey.
Web analytics data
We use Google Analytics software to collect information about your interaction with our website. When you visit our website, your web browser automatically sends certain information to Google Analytics. The information collected includes:
- network location
- your top-level domain name;
- the date and time of your visit to the site;
- the pages visited and time spent on each page;
- documents downloaded and search terms used;
- forms accessed on our website;
- referring site details (such as the URL that you came through to arrive at our website);
- the type of browser (for example, Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Safari etc) used and operating system (for example, Windows 10, Mac OS X etc) you are using.
Use of web analytics data
We use this information for statistical purposes, such as to analyse, measure, and report on data about our website traffic and visits. This information helps us understand general user trends at an aggregate level, and improve our website, content, and user experience.
We may also use this information for security audits to protect against threats from hackers or other security purposes.
We do not use this information to identify you or match it with any other personal information that we may collect from you, unless required to do so as part of an internal investigation or for a law enforcement-related purpose.
Disclosure of web analytics data
We do not disclose your site visit data to third parties without your consent, unless we are required or authorised to do so by law. In the event of an investigation into suspected unlawful or improper activity, a law enforcement or government agency may use its legal authority to inspect our web server’s records (for example, in relation to hacking or abusive messages).
Use of cookies
Cookies are small files that are transferred to your web browser when you visit a website. These files contain certain pieces of information that help you navigate the website efficiently. Cookies are used to save information about your interaction with a website – for example, your login details, preferences, and how and when you use a website. They cannot be used to run programs or deliver viruses to your computer.
Our website uses session cookies which are stored in temporary memory and are not retained after you close the browser session. Google Analytics may also set or collect first-party cookies to collect information on website usage statistics.
Can I opt out of the collection of web analytics data?
You cannot opt out of the automatic collection of information that is used for analytical purposes, but you may choose to disable cookies or delete any individual cookie. If you choose to disable cookies, the website may not function fully and your ability to browse, read, and download information contained on our website may be impaired. However, you may still access our services by contacting our office via other methods such as telephone, email, or mail.
Security of your personal information
MCV has a responsibility to protect your personal information. We take reasonable steps to make sure that your personal information is protected from misuse, loss, and unauthorised access, modification, or disclosure. However, there are risks in transmitting information across the internet. If you are concerned about conveying sensitive personal information to us over the internet, you might prefer to contact us by telephone or mail.
Links to non-MCV websites
This privacy statement does not apply to any external websites that are linked to the MCV website. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of external websites. When you visit other websites, we recommend you read the privacy statement or policies of these websites before providing personal information.
Contact us
For further information about this privacy statement or how we handle personal information, please email mcvweb@courts.vic.gov.au
