Privacy Policy

Introduction

Welcome to AskiMate ("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, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our AI-powered platform designed to help international students navigate their study abroad journey.

By accessing or using AskiMate, you agree to the terms outlined in this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with our practices, please do not use our services.

Information We Collect

We collect several types of information to provide and improve our services:

• Personal Information: Name and email address of residence that you provide when creating an account or contacting us.
• Educational Information: Academic background, intended study destinations, course preferences, and scholarship interests you share with our AI chatbot.
• Usage Data: Information about how you interact with our platform, including chat history, pages visited, features used, and time spent on our services.
• Technical Data: IP address, browser type, device information, operating system, and cookies to ensure optimal performance and security.
• Communication Data: Any correspondence you have with us through email, contact forms, or customer support channels.

How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information for the following purposes:

• Personalized Guidance: To provide tailored advice and recommendations based on your educational goals and preferences.
• Service Improvement: To analyze usage patterns and enhance our AI chatbot's accuracy and functionality.
• Communication: To send you updates, newsletters, and important information about our services (you can opt-out anytime).
• Account Management: To create and maintain your user account and provide customer support.
• Security: To detect, prevent, and address technical issues, fraud, and unauthorized access.
• Legal Compliance: To comply with applicable laws, regulations, and legal processes.

How We Share Your Information

We may share your information only in the following limited circumstances:

• Service Providers: With trusted third-party vendors who help us operate our platform (e.g., cloud hosting, analytics). They are contractually obligated to protect your data.
• Educational Institutions: Only with your explicit consent, we may share relevant information with universities or scholarship programs you're interested in.
• Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or to protect our rights and safety or that of others.
• Business Transfers: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred (you will be notified).

Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. These measures include:

• Encryption: All data transmitted between your device and our servers is encrypted using SSL/TLS protocols.
• Access Controls: Strict access limitations ensure only authorized personnel can access your data.
• Regular Audits: We conduct periodic security assessments and updates to maintain data integrity.
• Secure Storage: Your data is stored on secure, encrypted servers with regular backups.

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

Your Privacy Rights

You have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.
• Correction: Update or correct any inaccurate or incomplete information.
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal data (subject to legal obligations).
• Opt-Out: Unsubscribe from marketing communications at any time.
• Data Portability: Request your data in a structured, machine-readable format.
• Withdraw Consent: Revoke consent for data processing where applicable.

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the information provided at the end of this policy.

Cookies and Tracking

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience on our platform. Cookies are small files stored on your device that help us:

• Remember your preferences and settings
• Analyze site traffic and user behavior
• Personalize content and advertisements
• Improve platform
• Improve platform performance and functionality

You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences. Please note that disabling cookies may affect some features of our platform.

Children's Privacy

AskiMate is intended for users aged 16 and above. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 16. If you believe we have inadvertently collected such information, please contact us immediately, and we will take steps to delete it.

International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries outside your country of residence. We ensure that appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your data in accordance with this Privacy Policy and applicable data protection laws, including GDPR for EU users.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of any significant changes by posting the new policy on this page and updating the "Last Updated" date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

Continued use of AskiMate after changes to this policy constitutes your acceptance of the updated terms.