Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our tutoring platform. Please read this policy carefully. If you do not agree with the terms of this privacy policy, please do not access the site.

2. Information We Collect

Personal Information

We collect information that you provide directly to us, including:

• Account Information: Name, username, email address, password (encrypted), and profile picture
• Profile Information: Display name, bio, teaching experience, certifications, introduction video
• Booking Information: Lesson preferences, scheduling details, time zone
• Payment Information: Payment details processed securely through our payment processor (we do not store complete credit card numbers)
• Communication Data: Messages sent through our platform between students and tutors

Learning Data

• Vocabulary lists and progress
• Training session statistics and performance metrics
• Word-level mastery and accuracy data
• Learning preferences and settings

Usage Information

• Log data (IP address, browser type, device information)
• Pages visited and features used
• Time and date of visits
• Session duration

Cookies and Tracking

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to track activity on our platform and hold certain information. You can instruct your browser to refuse all cookies or to indicate when a cookie is being sent.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Provide, maintain, and improve our services
• Process and complete bookings and transactions
• Send you booking confirmations, reminders, and updates
• Facilitate communication between students and tutors
• Track your learning progress and provide personalized recommendations
• Send you important notices about changes to our services
• Respond to your comments, questions, and customer service requests
• Monitor and analyze usage patterns to improve user experience
• Detect, prevent, and address technical issues or fraudulent activity
• Send promotional communications (only if you've opted in)

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

With Tutors

When you book a lesson or send a message, we share relevant information with your tutor, including:

• Your name and email address
• Your profile picture (if provided)
• Booking details and preferences
• Messages you send to them
• Your learning progress (if you've shared vocabulary lists)

With Service Providers

We share information with third-party service providers who perform services on our behalf:

• Payment Processors: To process transactions securely
• Email Services: To send booking confirmations and notifications
• Hosting Providers: To store and manage data
• Analytics Providers: To understand usage patterns

Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required by law or in response to:

• Legal processes or government requests
• Enforcement of our terms and policies
• Protection of our rights, property, or safety
• Investigation of fraud or security issues

Business Transfers

If we are involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction.

5. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to provide our services and fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy. Specifically:

• Active Accounts: Information retained while your account is active
• Deleted Accounts: Most data deleted within 30 days of account deletion
• Legal Obligations: Some data retained longer if required by law (e.g., financial records)
• Backup Systems: Deleted data may persist in backups for up to 90 days

6. Your Rights and Choices

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights:

Access and Correction

• View and update your personal information in Account Settings
• Request a copy of your data (contact us for assistance)

Deletion

• Delete your account at any time through Account Settings
• Request deletion of specific data by contacting us

Communication Preferences

• Manage email preferences in your account settings
• Opt out of promotional emails (booking reminders cannot be disabled)
• Unsubscribe links are included in all promotional emails

Cookie Controls

• Manage cookie preferences in your browser settings
• Note that disabling cookies may limit functionality

7. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information:

• Encryption: All passwords are hashed using bcrypt (industry-standard encryption)
• Secure Transmission: HTTPS/SSL encryption for data in transit
• Access Controls: Limited employee access to personal data
• Regular Audits: Security reviews and updates
• Payment Security: PCI-compliant payment processing

However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your data, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

8. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and maintained on servers located outside of your state, province, country, or other governmental jurisdiction where data protection laws may differ. By using our services, you consent to the transfer of your information to our facilities and third-party service providers.

9. Third-Party Links

Our platform may contain links to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third parties. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any personal information.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by:

• Updating the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy
• Sending an email notification to your registered email address
• Displaying a prominent notice on our platform

Your continued use of the platform after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

11. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us: