Privacy Policy
Last updated: February 6, 2026
This policy explains what we collect, how we use it, and your rights. We're committed to being transparent and protecting your academic data.
1. What We Collect
- Account Info: Email, name, university (optional), academic preferences
- Study Materials: Syllabi, notes, flashcards, questions you ask the AI
- Usage Data: Pages you visit, features you use, timestamps, device/browser info
We don't collect: GPS location, browsing history outside the site, or anything creepy.
2. How We Use Your Data
- Deliver the Service: Power the AI tutoring, save your courses and study materials
- Improve Features: See what's working and what needs fixing
- Security: Prevent abuse and keep the platform safe
- Optional Emails: Study reminders or feature updates (you can opt out)
3. AI & Your Study Materials
The Important Part: We use third-party AI service providers to answer your questions and power the intelligent features of CourseConnect.
What happens to your data:
- We send your questions and relevant course info to these AI providers
- They don't train their models on your data (per their policies)
- They may keep it for up to 30 days to monitor for abuse, then delete it
- We use industry-standard AI providers with strong privacy commitments
Automated Features: We use AI to analyze syllabi and extract deadlines, topics, and course structure to personalize your experience.
4. What We DON'T Do
- ❌ Sell your data - Never. Not to advertisers, data brokers, or anyone.
- ❌ Train AI on your materials - Your study content stays yours.
- ❌ Share with third parties - Except AI providers (see above) and essential services (see below).
5. Who We Share Data With
- AI Service Providers: To process your questions and generate responses
- Cloud Infrastructure Providers: For secure database and hosting services
- Law Enforcement: Only if legally required (subpoena, court order)
- Business Transfer: If CourseConnect is sold, your data transfers under this policy
We don't share with advertisers, marketers, or anyone else.
6. Where Your Data Lives
Your data is stored on secure cloud servers in the United States. If you're outside the U.S., your data crosses international borders. We use industry-standard security measures and encryption to protect your information.
7. Cookies & Tracking
We use cookies to:
- Keep you logged in
- Remember your preferences
- Measure basic usage (what features people use)
You can disable cookies in your browser, but some features might not work.
8. Age Requirement
CourseConnect AI is designed for college students ages 17 and older.
If we learn someone under 17 has signed up, we'll delete their account immediately. By using CourseConnect AI, you confirm that you are at least 17 years old.
9. Your Rights
You can:
- Access your data (we'll send you a copy)
- Correct wrong information
- Delete your account (we'll remove your data within 30 days)
- Export your data (download your study materials)
- Opt-out of emails (except critical account stuff)
How to exercise these rights: Email courseconnect.noreply@gmail.com with your request. We'll verify your identity and respond within 30 days.
10. Security
We use:
- Encryption for data in transit and at rest
- Secure authentication systems
- Access controls to protect your data
No system is 100% secure - use a strong, unique password.
11. Data Retention
- While your account is active: We keep your data to provide the service
- After you delete your account: We remove personal info within 30 days
- AI providers: Keep data for 30 days, then delete it
- Anonymous analytics: May be kept longer to improve the product
12. Your Privacy Rights by State
California, Virginia, Colorado, Connecticut residents (and other states with privacy laws):
You have additional rights under state law, including:
- Right to know what data we collect
- Right to delete your data
- Right to opt-out of "sales" (we don't sell data, but you can still request this)
- Right to non-discrimination for exercising these rights
Email courseconnect.noreply@gmail.com to exercise these rights.
Global Privacy Control (GPC): We honor GPC browser signals.
13. FERPA & Student Privacy
We treat student educational records in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). We don't disclose your educational records without consent, except as permitted by law (e.g., to AI providers to deliver the service).
14. Changes to This Policy
We may update this policy as we add features or comply with new laws. We'll update the "Last updated" date at the top.
Material changes: We'll notify you via email or in-app message.
Continued use: Using the service after changes means you accept the updated policy.
15. Contact Me
Privacy questions or requests: courseconnect.noreply@gmail.com
(Yes, it says "noreply" but we do reply!)
16. Legal Stuff
Governing Law: This policy is governed by Georgia law (that's where we're based).
Your Rights: If you live in a state or country with stronger privacy laws, we'll honor those rights too.