Effective Date: [25.09.2024]

CircleUp ("we," "our," or "us") values your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, share, and protect your personal information when you access or use our website, mobile applications, and services (collectively, the "Services").

By using the CircleUp Services, you consent to the practices outlined in this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with this policy, please do not use our Services.

1. Information We Collect

We collect various types of information to provide better services and improve your experience with CircleUp. This includes:

a. Personal Information
- Account Registration: When you create an account, we collect information such as your name, email address, phone number, educational background, and work experience.
- Profile Information: You may voluntarily provide additional details such as a profile photo, resume, skills, interests, and preferences.
- Communication Data: This includes messages or communications you send to us or through our platform, such as emails or feedback.

b. Non-Personal Information
- Usage Data: We collect information about how you interact with our Services, including IP address, browser type, device information, pages visited, and other usage statistics.
- Cookies and Tracking Technologies: We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to track your activity and gather data for improving our services.

2. How We Use Your Information

We may use the information we collect for various purposes, including:

- To Provide and Improve Services: Facilitating account creation, enabling access to features, and improving functionality.
- To Communicate with You: Sending updates, service-related messages, marketing communications, and responding to your inquiries.
- To Personalize User Experience: Tailoring content, job opportunities, and recommendations to your profile.
- To Ensure Security: Detecting and preventing fraud, abuse, or illegal activity.
- For Analytics and Research: Analyzing usage trends and improving our platform's performance and features.

3. Sharing Your Information

We may share your information in the following ways:

- With Employers and Mentors: When you apply for jobs, connect with mentors, or participate in Circles, we may share your profile information with relevant users.
- Service Providers: We may share information with third-party vendors who assist in providing services like hosting, data analysis, payment processing, and customer support.
- Legal Compliance: We may disclose information when required by law or to protect our rights and the safety of others.
- Business Transfers: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or asset sale, your information may be transferred to the new owner.

4. Your Rights and Choices

You have several rights concerning your personal information:

- Access and Update: You can access and update your account information by logging into your CircleUp account.
- Data Portability: You can request a copy of your personal data in a structured format.
- Delete Account: You can delete your CircleUp account at any time. Note that some information may remain in our records after deletion, as required by law.
- Opt-Out of Communications: You may opt out of receiving marketing communications by following the unsubscribe instructions in our emails or adjusting your account settings.

5. Data Security

We implement reasonable security measures to protect your personal data from unauthorized access, loss, or misuse. However, no method of transmission over the internet is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee the absolute security of your information.

6. Children’s Privacy

CircleUp is not directed toward individuals under the age of 16, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you are under 16, please do not use our Services or provide any personal information.

7. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your own. We will take steps to ensure that your data receives adequate protection in accordance with applicable data protection laws.

8. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the updated policy on this page and updating the "Effective Date" at the top. Please review this policy periodically for any changes.

9. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your personal information, please contact us at:

Email: support@circleup.com
Mailing Address: CircleUp, [Insert Address]