Data & Privacy Policy
Students Connect Platform
Last updated: June 9, 2026 | Effective Date: June 9, 2026
Secure Storage
Your data is encrypted and protected with industry-standard security.
Your Control
Manage your privacy settings and control who sees your profile.
No Selling Data
We never sell your data or use it for targeted advertising.
Students Connect is committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring you have a positive experience on our platform. This Data & Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our Student Profile features.
2.1 Profile Information
When you create or update your student profile, we collect: display name, avatar/profile picture, school name, country, major/field of study, academic year, bio, interests, skills, languages spoken, and availability status.
2.2 Verification Information
To verify your academic status, we may collect your school email address and verify it through our confirmation process. This information helps us maintain a genuine academic community.
2.3 Activity Data
We automatically collect information about your interactions on the platform, including: study streak data, last active timestamp, number of connections, community memberships, and engagement metrics.
2.4 Communication Data
Messages, comments, and other communications you send through our platform are stored to facilitate student connections and community engagement.
3.1 Profile Functionality
Your profile information enables other students to discover and connect with you, join relevant communities, and participate in study sessions.
3.2 Community Features
We use your data to personalize your experience, recommend relevant communities and study groups, and facilitate meaningful academic connections.
3.3 Service Improvement
We analyze anonymized data to improve our platform, develop new features, and enhance the overall user experience.
3.4 Safety & Security
Your information is used to detect fraudulent activity, prevent abuse, maintain platform security, and comply with applicable laws.
4.1 Storage Location
Your data is stored on secure, encrypted servers in compliance with international data protection standards. We implement industry-standard security measures including SSL encryption, firewalls, and regular security audits.
4.2 Data Retention
We retain your profile information for as long as your account is active. If you delete your account, we securely erase your personal data within 30 days, except where required by law.
4.3 Access Controls
Access to your data is restricted to authorized personnel and systems that need it to provide our services. We use role-based access controls and multi-factor authentication.
5.1 Profile Visibility
You can control whether your profile is visible to all students or restricted to your connections only. These settings can be changed anytime in your Privacy Settings.
5.2 Message Requests
You can enable or disable message requests from students you haven't connected with, giving you full control over who can contact you.
5.3 Data Access
You can request a copy of all your personal data at any time. We'll provide this in a portable, machine-readable format within 14 days.
5.4 Data Deletion
You have the right to request deletion of your account and associated data. We'll delete all personal information within 30 days of your request.
6.1 Shared with Connections
Your profile information is visible to students you've connected with or who are in your communities, based on your privacy settings.
6.2 Service Providers
We use trusted third-party service providers (e.g., cloud hosting, analytics) who are contractually obligated to protect your data and use it only for providing our services.
6.3 No Selling Data
We do NOT sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. Your data is never monetized or used for targeted advertising.
6.4 Legal Requirements
We may disclose information if required by law, court order, or government request, and we'll notify you unless prohibited by law.
7.1 Right to Access
You have the right to access and review all personal data we hold about you.
7.2 Right to Correction
You can update or correct any inaccurate information in your profile at any time.
7.3 Right to Erasure
You can request deletion of your account and all associated personal data.
7.4 Right to Portability
You can request your data in a portable format to transfer to another platform.
7.5 Right to Restrict Processing
You can request that we limit how we use your data for specific purposes.
8.1 Age Requirements
Students Connect is for users 13 years and older. Users under 18 should have parental guidance. We do not knowingly collect data from children under 13.
8.2 Parental Rights
Parents or guardians of users under 18 can request access to their child's data or request deletion of their account.
8.3 Safety Features
We provide reporting mechanisms for inappropriate behavior and have safety guidelines to protect younger users.
9.1 Cookie Usage
We use cookies and similar technologies to remember your preferences, understand how you use our platform, and improve functionality.
9.2 Analytics
We use analytics tools to track aggregate usage patterns (not individual behavior). This data is anonymized and used only for service improvement.
9.3 Cookie Controls
You can control cookie settings through your browser. Disabling cookies may affect your experience on our platform.
10.1 Updates
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or applicable laws.
10.2 Notification
We'll notify you of significant changes via email or through a prominent notice on our platform.
10.3 Continued Use
Continued use of Students Connect after policy changes constitutes your acceptance of the updated policy.
11.1 Questions
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or your data, please contact us at: privacy@studentsconnect.com
11.2 Data Protection Officer
Our Data Protection Officer can be reached at: dpo@studentsconnect.com
11.3 Complaints
You have the right to file a complaint with your local data protection authority if you believe we've violated your privacy rights.
Questions About Your Data?
We're here to help. Contact our Data Protection Officer or visit your Privacy Settings to manage your preferences.