Privacy Policy
Effective Date: 2025-04-01
Last Updated: 2025-04-01
Thank you for using our reading comprehension and vocabulary platform ("the Platform"). Your privacy is important to us. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your information when you use our website or application.
1. Information We Collect
We collect limited information necessary to create and manage user accounts, enable platform functionality, and support personalized learning experiences. This may include account-related details, learning progress, and general usage patterns while interacting with the platform. We may also receive certain information from third-party login providers, such as basic profile data, to simplify the sign-in process. Analytics tools may help us understand how users engage with the platform, which in turn supports platform improvements and user experience optimization.
2. How We Use Your Information
We use collected information to provide, personalize, and improve the platform experience for all users. This includes supporting learning progress, delivering relevant content, and enhancing platform features based on user interactions. Information may also be used to maintain system reliability, monitor usage patterns, and guide future improvements to content and functionality. Analytics tools help us better understand how the platform is being used, allowing us to identify areas for enhancement and ensure a smooth learning experience.
3. Children's Privacy (COPPA Statement)
Our platform may be used by children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children without parental consent. Children may log in using a parent's email address or their own with guardian supervision. If we become aware that we have inadvertently collected personal data from a child without parental consent, we will delete the information promptly.
4. Data Storage and Security
We store and process user data using secure, reputable third-party cloud service providers. This includes cloud databases (e.g., MongoDB Atlas hosted on AWS), email providers (e.g., Zoho Mail), and analytics platforms (e.g., Google and Microsoft services). These services help us support essential platform functionality, communication, and analysis. While we use industry-standard security practices to protect your data, we cannot guarantee complete security and are not liable for data breaches, interruptions, or losses caused by third-party infrastructure providers including but not limited to AWS, MongoDB, Google, Microsoft, or Zoho.
5. Third-Party Services
We use third-party services to enhance the performance, functionality, and user experience of the Platform. These services may collect or process user data in accordance with their own privacy policies. For example, Google Analytics tracks user interactions to help us understand usage patterns, while Google Tag Manager allows us to manage scripts and performance monitoring tools. Microsoft Clarity provides heatmaps and session recordings to improve usability. Zoho Mail is used for user communications, and MongoDB Atlas (hosted on AWS) securely stores user data. AWS powers key parts of our backend infrastructure. These providers may collect technical data like device and browser type or IP address. Personally identifiable data is shared only when necessary for functionality or support, and always in accordance with our privacy practices. By using the Platform, you consent to the processing of data by these third-party services under their respective privacy policies.
6. Your Rights and Choices
We believe in giving users control over their data and are committed to responding to privacy-related requests in a timely and respectful manner. Although account deletion is not yet available directly through the platform, you may request deletion of your account or personal data at any time by contacting us via email. We will verify your identity and process your request accordingly. You may also request access to the personal information we hold, including quiz results, profile details, and usage data, as well as request corrections to inaccurate or outdated information. If you no longer wish to receive communications from us, you can opt out by replying to our messages or contacting us directly. Please note that some data may be retained for legal, security, or operational reasons, even after a deletion request—such as anonymized usage data or server logs. For users under 13, a parent or guardian may review and request deletion of their child’s personal data at any time. To make any of these requests, contact us at support@readbuddies.com.
7. Data Retention
We retain user data only for as long as necessary to deliver our services effectively, fulfill legal obligations, resolve disputes, enforce our agreements, and maintain platform integrity. This includes account information retained until deletion is requested and verified, learning progress data to support personalized learning, and communication records for support purposes. Anonymized or aggregated data may be retained indefinitely for analytics and research. You may request deletion of your personal data at any time, though some information may still be retained for compliance, security, or operational needs, as described in the 'Your Rights and Choices' section.
8. International Users
Our services are hosted in the United States. By using the platform from outside the U.S., you consent to the transfer, processing, and storage of your data in the U.S., where privacy laws may differ from those in your jurisdiction.
9. Limitation of Liability
The Platform is provided 'as is' and 'as available' without any warranties of any kind, express or implied. We do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, reliability, or availability of any content or service provided through the Platform. By using the Platform, you acknowledge and agree that we shall not be held liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or exemplary damages, including but not limited to loss of data, profits, or business interruption resulting from your use—or inability to use—the Platform. This includes but is not limited to damages from errors, interruptions, delays, or unauthorized access to our services or data. We are not responsible for any outcomes derived from reliance on content, assessments, or recommendations provided through the Platform. Use of the Platform is at your own risk.
10. Contact Us
For questions or concerns, contact us at: support@readbuddies.com
11. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted here with the revised date.