Where a site is hosted affects where its data sits, how quickly pages reach Australian visitors and when support is available. Use the checklist below with any host. This guide is not legal advice.
Where are the site, its database and its backups stored?
How often do backups run, and how long does a restore take?
How fast do key pages load when tested from Australia?
What hours is support available, and how are urgent problems handled?
Which third-party services, such as forms or booking tools, store visitor information, and where?
This guide is not legal advice. If your site collects personal information, read the OAIC guidance on the Privacy Act and on APP 8 cross-border disclosure, and get advice for your situation.
| Criterion | Hosting in Australia | Hosting overseas |
|---|---|---|
| Where data is stored | Confirm the data centre is in Australia, including backups and any third-party services the site uses. | Confirm which countries store the site, its database and backups, including third-party services. |
| Speed for Australian visitors | Test page loads from Australia; a nearby server is one factor alongside caching and page weight. | Test page loads from Australia, and ask whether pages are served from locations near Australia. |
| Support hours | Check that support hours line up with your business hours. | Check that support covers Australian business hours, and how urgent problems are handled overnight. |
| Personal information[1][2] | If the site collects personal information, read the OAIC guidance on the Privacy Act for your situation. | If personal information is stored or handled overseas, read the OAIC guidance on APP 8 cross-border disclosure for your situation. |
That depends on the information your site handles. The OAIC's APP 8 guidance covers sending personal information to recipients overseas; read it and get advice for your situation.[2]
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