Privacy Policy

Introduction

Welcome to Teach United ("we," "our," or "us"). We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and share information when you use the Teach United mobile application (the "App").

By using our App, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy. If you do not agree with this policy, please do not use our App.

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Personal Information You Provide

When you register and use our App, we collect the following information:

• Account Information: Name, email address, password (encrypted)
• Profile Information: Profile picture, bio, educational background, teaching subjects
• Communication Data: Messages sent through the in-app chat feature
• Support Requests: Information you provide when contacting customer support
• User-Generated Content: Resources you upload, comments, ratings, and other content you create

1.2 Information Collected Automatically

We automatically collect certain information when you use the App:

• Device Information: Device model, operating system version, unique device identifiers
• Usage Data: Features accessed, time spent in the app, interaction patterns
• Log Data: IP address, access times, app crashes, and performance data
• Location Data: Approximate location based on IP address (we do not collect precise GPS location)

1.3 Information from Third-Party Services

We use the following third-party services that may collect information:

• Firebase Services:
  • Firebase Authentication: For secure user login
  • Firebase Cloud Messaging: For push notifications
  • Firebase Crashlytics: For crash reporting and app stability monitoring
  • Firebase Analytics: For understanding app usage patterns

1.4 Cookies and Similar Technologies

We use local storage and caching technologies to:

• Remember your login session
• Store downloaded educational resources for offline access
• Cache app data for improved performance

2. How We Use Your Information

2.1 To Provide and Maintain Our Service

• Create and manage your account
• Authenticate your identity
• Deliver educational content and resources
• Enable communication between users
• Provide offline access to downloaded content
• Process your requests and transactions

2.2 To Improve Our Service

• Analyze usage patterns to enhance user experience
• Identify and fix bugs and technical issues
• Develop new features and functionality
• Conduct research and analytics

2.3 To Communicate With You

• Send you push notifications about new content and updates (you can opt-out)
• Respond to your support requests
• Send important service announcements
• Notify you about changes to our policies

2.4 To Ensure Security and Prevent Fraud

• Monitor for suspicious activity
• Protect against unauthorized access
• Enforce our Terms of Service

3. How We Share Your Information

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

3.1 With Your Consent

We may share your information when you explicitly give us permission.

3.2 With Service Providers

We share information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating the App:

• Firebase (Google Cloud Platform): For authentication, messaging, analytics, and crash reporting
• Cloud Storage Providers: For storing and delivering educational content
• Content Delivery Networks: For efficient content distribution
• OpenAI (AI Chat Assistant): For processing chat messages and generating educational responses through our AI assistant (TuBot)

These service providers are bound by confidentiality agreements and are only permitted to use your information to provide services to us.

3.3 Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Our App includes an AI-powered educational assistant called TuBot, which uses OpenAI's GPT-4 model to generate responses to user questions about educational content.

What data is sent to the AI provider:

• The text of the messages you send through the chat feature
• Conversation context necessary to provide relevant responses

What data is NOT sent to the AI provider:

• Your name, email, or other personal account information
• Your device information or location data
• Your profile photo or biographical data

All messages are processed through our secure backend server (teachunited.app) before being sent to OpenAI. We do not use your chat data to train AI models. OpenAI's data processing is governed by their Privacy Policy and API data usage policies, which state that API data is not used for model training.

You can review this information at any time within the App under Profile > Privacy Policy.

3.4 For Legal Reasons

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

• Legal processes (court orders, subpoenas)
• Government requests
• Protection of our rights, property, or safety
• Investigation of potential violations of our Terms of Service

3.5 Business Transfers

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

4. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your information:

• Encryption: All data transmitted between your device and our servers uses HTTPS encryption
• Secure Authentication: Passwords are encrypted using industry-standard hashing algorithms
• Secure Storage: Sensitive data is stored using Flutter Secure Storage
• Access Controls: Limited access to personal data by authorized personnel only
• Regular Security Audits: Ongoing monitoring and testing of security measures

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

5. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to:

• Provide you with our services
• Comply with legal obligations
• Resolve disputes and enforce our agreements

When you delete your account, we will delete or anonymize your personal information within 30 days, except where we are required to retain it by law.

6. Your Rights and Choices

6.1 Access and Portability

• Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you
• Export your data in a portable format

6.2 Correction

• Update or correct inaccurate information in your profile settings

6.3 Deletion

• Request deletion of your account and personal information
• Access this through the app settings or contact us directly

6.4 Opt-Out Rights

• Push Notifications: Disable in app settings or device settings
• Analytics: Limited opt-out available through device settings
• Marketing Communications: Unsubscribe via links in emails

6.5 Data Restriction

• Request limitation of how we process your data

To exercise these rights, please contact us at: pedro@teachunited.org

7. Children's Privacy

Teach United is intended for users who are at least 13 years old. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware that we have collected personal information from a child under 13, we will take steps to delete such information immediately.

If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us at: pedro@teachunited.org

8. 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. By using our App, you consent to the transfer of your information to our servers and service providers worldwide.

We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

9. Third-Party Links and Services

Our App may contain links to third-party websites, resources, 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.

Third-Party Services We Use:

• Google Firebase: Privacy Policy
• Google Cloud Platform: Privacy Policy
• OpenAI: Privacy Policy

10. Changes to This Privacy Policy

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

• Posting the new Privacy Policy in the App
• Updating the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy
• Sending you a notification (if required by law)

Your continued use of the App after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

11. Contact Us

12. Data Protection Officer

For users in the European Union, you can contact our Data Protection Officer at:

Email: pedro@teachunited.org

13. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)

For users in the European Economic Area, our legal basis for collecting and using your information depends on the data and context:

• Contract Performance: To provide services you've requested
• Legitimate Interests: To improve our services and ensure security
• Consent: For marketing communications and optional features (you can withdraw consent anytime)
• Legal Obligations: To comply with applicable laws

14. California Privacy Rights (CCPA)

If you are a California resident, you have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act:

• Right to know what personal information is collected
• Right to know if personal information is sold or disclosed
• Right to opt-out of the sale of personal information (we do not sell personal information)
• Right to request deletion of personal information
• Right to non-discrimination for exercising your rights

To exercise these rights, contact us at: pedro@teachunited.org

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By using Teach United, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy.