1. Scope

This Privacy Policy applies to all personal information we collect in the course of providing our Services to U.S.-based students, graduates, employers, and universities.

At this time, we operate exclusively in the United States. References to privacy practices from other countries, including Canada or the European Union, are not applicable unless we explicitly notify you otherwise.

2. Information We Collect

We collect only the information necessary to provide our Services. This includes:

Important: Users should not upload sensitive information, such as social security numbers, tax information, health records, or financial data. We do not request or store such information.

3. How We Use Information

We use the information we collect for purposes including:

• Providing, operating, and improving our Services
• Managing accounts and facilitating user access
• Responding to inquiries or support requests
• Communicating service-related updates and administrative messages
• Fulfilling legal or contractual obligations

We do not sell personal information, use it for targeted advertising, or share it for cross-context behavioral advertising.

4. Sharing Information

We may share information only as necessary to:

• Vendors and service providers who support our Services (e.g., hosting, payment processing)
• Administrators or authorized users in your organization
• Comply with legal obligations, respond to legal process, or protect safety or property
• Business transitions, such as mergers or sales of assets (with safeguards)

We do not share personal information with third parties for marketing purposes.

5. User Rights and Control

You have the following rights with respect to your personal information:

• Access: Request a copy of the information we hold about you.
• Correction: Update or correct your personal information.
• Deletion: Request that we delete your personal information.
• Opt-out: Opt-out of promotional communications.

Note: Some administrative or service-related messages are required to maintain your account and cannot be opted out of.

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at support@TheBeginApp.com. We will respond promptly and take reasonable steps to verify your identity before fulfilling requests.

6. Security

While no system is completely secure, we implement reasonable organizational, technical, and administrative measures to protect personal information. This includes encryption, access controls, and regular monitoring of our systems.

If you believe your information has been compromised, please contact support@TheBeginApp.com immediately.

7. Data Retention

We retain personal information only as long as necessary to:

• Provide Services
• Comply with legal obligations
• Resolve disputes or enforce agreements

Examples of retention:

• Student accounts: 2 years after last activity
• Employer / client accounts: until the account is closed or contractual obligations are complete
• Log files / analytics: retained for internal analysis, typically 12 months

8. Cookies and Tracking

We use cookies and similar technologies to improve your experience and analyze usage. You can manage or disable cookies in your browser, though this may affect functionality.

We do not use cookies for targeted advertising.

9. FERPA Compliance

When handling student educational records provided by universities, we respect applicable U.S. laws, including FERPA, and act as a school official when necessary to provide Services.

10. Automated Decision-Making

We currently do not use algorithms or AI that produce decisions with legal or similarly significant effects. In the future, should we introduce such features, users will be notified and provided with appropriate choices.

11. Changes to this Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes to our practices or applicable laws. The revised Policy will be posted on our website with an updated effective date. Your continued use of our Services constitutes acceptance of any changes.

12. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, your personal information, or privacy practices, please contact us at:

Email: support@TheBeginApp.com

13. Future U.S. State Privacy Rights

We are aware that various U.S. states have enacted or may enact privacy laws that provide individuals with additional rights regarding their personal information, such as:

• California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA / CPRA)
• Virginia Consumer Data Protection Act (CDPA)
• Colorado Privacy Act (CPA)
• Connecticut Data Privacy Act (DPA)
• Utah Consumer Privacy Act (UCPA)
• Texas Data Privacy and Security Act (TDPSA)
• Oregon and Delaware privacy laws

At this time, our Services primarily operate in the United States generally, and we do not automatically provide state-specific rights or processes unless you are located in a state where such laws apply.

If and when we expand into a specific state with applicable privacy laws, we may provide residents of that state with:

• Access to the categories of personal information we collect about you
• The ability to correct or delete personal information
• Opt-out choices regarding the sale or sharing of personal information
• Rights related to automated decision-making, profiling, or targeted marketing
• Methods to appeal decisions regarding your personal information

We may update this Privacy Policy to include state-specific rights and processes when required. Until then, you may still contact us at support@TheBeginApp.com to request access, correction, deletion, or other information regarding your personal information.