Privacy Policy

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Information You Provide

• Account Information: Name, email, password, phone number, profile photo
• Profile Information: Bio, location, instruments, experience, education, certifications
• Verification Information: Government ID, proof of insurance, educational documents
• Payment Information: Processed securely through Stripe (we don't store card numbers)
• Communications: Messages between users, reviews, support tickets
• Minor Information: If booking for a minor, their name and age (with parental consent)

1.2 Information Collected Automatically

• Usage Data: Pages visited, features used, search queries, lesson bookings
• Device Information: IP address, browser type, operating system, device identifiers
• Cookies: Session cookies, preference cookies, analytics cookies
• Location Data: Approximate location from IP address, precise location if permitted

1.3 Information from Third Parties

• Background Check Providers: Criminal records, verification results (with consent)
• Payment Processors: Transaction confirmations, dispute information
• Social Media: If you connect social accounts (optional)

2. How We Use Your Information

We use collected information to:

• Provide and improve our Services
• Facilitate connections between teachers and students
• Process payments and transactions
• Verify identities and conduct background checks (with consent)
• Send service-related communications
• Respond to support requests
• Detect and prevent fraud, abuse, and security issues
• Comply with legal obligations
• Send marketing communications (with consent)
• Analyze usage patterns to improve the platform

3. Information Sharing

3.1 With Other Users

We share:

• Public Profiles: Name, photo, bio, instruments, rates, reviews, verification badges
• Upon Booking: Contact information between matched teachers and students
• Reviews: Your reviews are public and associated with your name

3.2 With Service Providers

We share data with:

• Payment processors (Stripe)
• Background check providers (Checkr, Sterling)
• Email service providers
• Cloud storage providers
• Analytics services

3.3 For Legal Reasons

We may disclose information when required by law or to:

• Comply with legal processes
• Protect safety of users or the public
• Protect our rights and property
• Investigate fraud or security issues

4. Data Security

We implement security measures including:

• Encryption of data in transit and at rest
• Regular security audits and testing
• Limited access to personal information
• Secure payment processing through PCI-compliant providers
• Two-factor authentication options

However, no method of transmission over the Internet is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security.

5. Your Rights and Choices

5.1 Access and Control

You can:

• Access your personal information through your account
• Update or correct your information
• Delete your account (some information may be retained for legal purposes)
• Download your data in a portable format
• Object to certain processing activities

5.2 Communication Preferences

You can:

• Opt-out of marketing emails
• Adjust notification settings
• Control cookie preferences

5.3 California Privacy Rights

California residents have additional rights under CCPA, including the right to know what personal information is collected, request deletion, and opt-out of sale (which we don't do).

6. Children's Privacy

Our Service is not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 without parental consent.

For minors aged 13-17:

• Parent/guardian must create and manage the account
• Parent/guardian must provide consent for data collection
• Parent/guardian has full access to the minor's account

7. Data Retention

We retain information for as long as necessary to:

• Provide our services
• Comply with legal obligations
• Resolve disputes
• Enforce our agreements

Typically, we retain active account data indefinitely while you use the service. After account deletion:

• Profile information: Deleted within 30 days
• Transaction records: Retained for 7 years (legal requirement)
• Communications: Retained for 3 years
• Background check results: Retained for 2 years

8. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your own. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for international transfers.

9. Cookies and Tracking

We use cookies and similar technologies for:

• Essential Cookies: Required for platform functionality
• Analytics Cookies: Help us understand usage patterns
• Preference Cookies: Remember your settings
• Marketing Cookies: Used for targeted advertising (with consent)

You can control cookies through your browser settings, but some features may not work properly without them.

10. Third-Party Links

Our Service may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these sites. Please review their privacy policies.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. We will notify you of material changes via email or platform notification. Your continued use after changes indicates acceptance.

12. Contact Us

For privacy-related questions or requests:

To exercise your privacy rights, please email us with "Privacy Rights Request" in the subject line.