Privacy Policy

Last updated: January 2025

Introduction

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

Information We Collect

We collect information you provide directly to us, including but not limited to:

• Account Information: When you create an account, we collect your name, email address, university affiliation, and password.
• Profile Information: You may choose to provide additional information such as your courses, study preferences, and profile picture.
• Communication Data: Messages and communications you send through our platform.
• Usage Information: Information about how you use our services, including access times, pages viewed, and the routes by which you access our service.

How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Provide, maintain, and improve our services
• Create and manage your account
• Match you with compatible study partners and groups
• Send you technical notices, updates, security alerts, and support messages
• Respond to your comments, questions, and customer service requests
• Monitor and analyze trends, usage, and activities in connection with our services
• Detect, prevent, and address technical issues and fraudulent activity

Information Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information only in the following circumstances:

• With Your Consent: We may share your information when you give us permission to do so.
• With Other Users: Your profile information and study preferences are visible to other verified users within your university network.
• Service Providers: We may share information with third-party service providers who perform services on our behalf, such as hosting and data storage.
• Legal Requirements: We may disclose your information if required to do so by law or in response to valid requests by public authorities.

Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information. However, please note that no method of transmission over the Internet or method of electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to use commercially acceptable means to protect your personal information, we cannot guarantee its absolute security.

Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Access, update, or delete your personal information at any time through your account settings
• Object to processing of your personal information
• Request restriction of processing of your personal information
• Request transfer of your personal information
• Withdraw consent at any time where we rely on consent to process your personal information

Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to provide you with our services and as described in this Privacy Policy. When you delete your account, we will delete your personal information, except where we are required to retain it by law.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update our Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page and updating the "Last updated" date. You are advised to review this Privacy Policy periodically for any changes.

Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us.