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Privacy Policy

Last Updated: October 24, 2025

Welcome to Askcrates ("we," "our," or "us"). We are committed to protecting your personal information and your right to privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website and use our services.

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Personal Information You Provide

We collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us when you:

Register for our waitlist or create an account
Use our application or services
Contact us for support or inquiries
Subscribe to our newsletter or marketing communications

The personal information we collect may include:

Contact Information: Name, email address
Profile Information: Grade level, subjects of interest, learning preferences
Account Credentials: Username, password (encrypted)
User Content: Learning materials you upload, questions asked, conversation history

1.2 Information Automatically Collected

When you visit our website or use our services, we automatically collect certain information:

Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent, features used
Device Information: Browser type, operating system, device identifiers
Log Data: IP address, access times, referring URLs
Cookies and Tracking: See our Cookie Policy for details

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

To Provide Services: Deliver personalized tutoring and learning assistance
To Improve Services: Analyze usage patterns to enhance user experience
To Communicate: Send updates, notifications, and respond to inquiries
To Ensure Security: Protect against fraud, abuse, and unauthorized access
To Comply with Legal Obligations: Meet regulatory and legal requirements
With Your Consent: For any other purpose with your explicit permission

3. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)

If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA), our legal basis for collecting and using your personal information depends on the data and the context:

Consent: You have given explicit consent for specific purposes
Contract Performance: Processing is necessary to provide our services
Legitimate Interests: We have legitimate interests that don't override your rights
Legal Obligations: We need to comply with legal requirements

4. How We Share Your Information

4.1 Service Providers

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

Appwrite (Cloud Backend): Database and storage services
OpenAI: AI processing for tutoring functionality
Email Service Providers: For sending notifications and updates
Analytics Providers: To understand usage patterns

These service providers are contractually obligated to protect your data and use it only for the purposes we specify.

4.2 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required by law or in response to valid requests by public authorities (e.g., court orders, subpoenas).

4.3 Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your personal information may be transferred. We will provide notice before your information becomes subject to a different privacy policy.

5. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. These countries may have different data protection laws. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information, including:

Standard Contractual Clauses approved by the European Commission
Privacy Shield Framework (where applicable)
Other legally approved transfer mechanisms

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law.

Account Data: Retained while your account is active and for a reasonable period afterward
Waitlist Data: Retained until launch, then converted or deleted per your preference
Usage Data: Typically retained for 12-24 months for analytics purposes
Legal Data: Retained as required by applicable laws and regulations

7. Your Privacy Rights

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

7.1 European Users (GDPR)

Access: Request copies of your personal data
Rectification: Request correction of inaccurate data
Erasure: Request deletion of your data (right to be forgotten)
Restriction: Request limitation of processing
Portability: Receive your data in a machine-readable format
Objection: Object to processing based on legitimate interests
Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent at any time

7.2 California Users (CCPA)

Know: Request disclosure of data we collect, use, and share
Delete: Request deletion of your personal information
Opt-Out: Opt-out of the sale of personal information (we do not sell data)
Non-Discrimination: Not be discriminated against for exercising your rights

7.3 How to Exercise Your Rights

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at: privacy@askcrates.com

We will respond to your request within 30 days (or as required by applicable law).

8. Children's Privacy

Our services are designed for students, which may include users under the age of 18. We comply with applicable laws regarding children's privacy:

Under 13 (U.S.): We require verifiable parental consent per COPPA
Under 16 (EU): We require parental consent per GDPR
13-15 (U.S.) / 16-17 (EU): May use services with parental awareness

Parents/guardians may contact us to review, modify, or delete their child's information.

9. Data Security

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

Encryption of data in transit and at rest
Regular security assessments and audits
Access controls and authentication
Employee training on data protection
Incident response procedures

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

10. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to improve your experience. For detailed information, please see our Cookie Policy.

11. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to read their privacy policies.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

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

Posting the new Privacy Policy on this page
Updating the "Last Updated" date
Sending an email notification for significant changes

Your continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

13. Contact Us

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

Askcrates
Email: privacy@askcrates.com
Support: support@askcrates.com

14. Data Protection Officer

For users in the European Economic Area, you may contact our Data Protection Officer at: dpo@askcrates.com

15. Supervisory Authority

If you are located in the EEA and believe we have not addressed your concerns adequately, you have the right to lodge a complaint with your local data protection supervisory authority.

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