This Privacy Policy outlines the principles and practices adhered to by GradeHood regarding the collection, usage, processing, storage, and potential disclosure of personal data acquired during your engagement with our platform, including (but not limited to) interactions via the website (gradehood.com), affiliated digital interfaces, and communication channels initiated for promotional, transactional, or informational purposes.
We urge all users to thoroughly review this policy to comprehend their rights and obligations regarding their data. Continued use of our platform will be interpreted as an acknowledgement and acceptance of the practices delineated herein. If you do not concur with the terms stated, it is advised that you refrain from further use. For any clarifications or concerns, we welcome you to reach out to us at info@gradehood.com
Information We Collect
Personal Information Provided by Users
We collect and process identifiable information voluntarily submitted by users during interactions such as service registration, product inquiries, participation in platform-related activities, or direct communication with our representatives. The data provided may encompass, but is not limited to:
- Full name
- Registered usernames
- Email address
- Encrypted account credentials
- Contact numbers
- Gender specification
- Date of birth
- Uploaded documents, files, and instructional content
- Academic qualifications, educational background, and subject preferences
- Professional affiliations and testimonial submissions
- Transactional data and service-related order histories
Users are solely responsible for the authenticity, completeness, and currency of the data submitted. Inaccuracies or obsolete information must be amended by the user without undue delay.
Sensitive Personal Data
Please note that we do not solicit or process any form of sensitive personal information unless required under specific, pre-acknowledged scenarios.
Third-Party Login Credentials
We may provide users with the option to engage with our services using third-party social platforms (e.g., Google, Facebook). Upon opting for such integrations, we may receive relevant profile information from the external provider, including—where applicable—public profile identifiers, email addresses, and any additional data made available per the privacy settings of the originating platform. The use of such data shall be strictly governed by this policy. However, we disclaim any responsibility for how such third parties may utilise or further disseminate the information provided to them. Users are advised to consult the privacy policies of respective third-party platforms for further clarity.
Automated Information Capture
In addition to user-submitted information, we automatically capture and log certain data elements upon access to our platform. While this data does not, on its own, reveal user identity, it may include:
- IP address
- Browser specifications and language preferences
- Device type and operating system
- Geographic location estimates
- Referring pages
- Cookies and unique tracking identifiers
- Time-stamped interaction logs
Such data is acquired for system optimisation, security monitoring, and analytical insights to improve service delivery and user experience.
Payment Information
All financial transactions are facilitated through certified third-party payment processors. We do not directly store or retain users’ financial data. The processing, usage, and retention of such payment-related information shall be in accordance with the policies of the respective payment service providers.
Purpose of Data Processing
The scope and nature of information processing may vary depending on your interaction with the platform and may be undertaken for, but not limited to, the following purposes:
- Establishment, verification, and ongoing administration of user accounts
- Fulfilment and management of service orders
- Facilitation of customer support and service-related communication
- Dissemination of transactional and system-related notifications
- Delivery of marketing or promotional content in accordance with user preferences
- Fraud detection, risk mitigation, and system security maintenance
- Enhancement of website performance and operational analytics
- Protection of users and the platform against misuse and potential harm
- Legal compliance and record-keeping for dispute resolution or investigative matters
- Aggregation, de-identification, and anonymisation of user data for academic or business research
- Evaluation of campaign effectiveness and optimisation of marketing strategies
- Execution of internal surveys or feedback mechanisms
Please note, users are under no obligation to participate in promotional activities or data collection beyond the basic operational requirement of the service.
Data Sharing and Disclosure
We do not transfer, sell, or distribute your personal information to unaffiliated third parties. However, exceptions may apply in specific instances where third-party vendors, subcontractors, or professional entities are engaged to assist with platform functionality and service delivery. Such third parties operate under contractual obligations to maintain confidentiality and process information strictly as per our directive.
Entities with whom data may be shared include:
- Technical Subcontractors: IT infrastructure providers, hosting partners, security specialists
- Marketing and Advertising Vendors: For performance-based content delivery and campaign execution
- Payment Intermediaries: Entities facilitating secure financial transactions
- Legal or Regulatory Authorities: In compliance with judicial orders, governmental mandates, or in pursuit of enforcement of our legal rights
Legal Grounds for Data Processing
Our processing activities are justified under the following legal bases:
- Consent: Provided voluntarily by the user and revocable at any time
- Contractual Necessity: Required for the performance of services under an existing agreement
- Legitimate Interests: Such as platform improvement, legal protection, and user verification, provided these interests do not override user rights
- Legal Obligations: Compliance with applicable laws, tax regulations, and financial statutes
Users will be informed of the applicable legal ground prior to any data processing where required by law.
Cookies and Tracking Technologies
We employ cookies, pixels, and web beacons to enhance user experience, monitor system performance, and personalise service offerings.
Categories of Cookies:
- Essential: Ensure core platform operations such as session management and authentication
- Analytics: Track and evaluate user navigation, page visits, and traffic sources
- Marketing: Support targeted advertising initiatives via authorised third-party services
Users have the option to disable cookies through browser settings, though such actions may restrict access to certain platform functionalities.
Data Retention Policy
We retain personal data for the duration necessary to fulfil the purposes outlined in this policy, unless a longer retention period is required by law. Upon lapse of retention necessity, data is either securely deleted or irreversibly anonymised. Backup data is held in isolation and scheduled for removal following internal protocols.
Security Measures
GradeHood implements appropriate administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to prevent unauthorised access, misuse, or alteration of your personal data. However, it must be acknowledged that no digital system is entirely impervious to breaches. Accordingly, data transmission over the internet is conducted at the user’s discretion and risk.
Minors’ Data Policy
We do not knowingly collect or solicit information from individuals under the age of 18. If we become aware of such data collection, we will immediately deactivate the account and expunge associated records. Should you have reason to believe a minor has used our services, please notify us without delay at info@gradehood.com.
Do-Not-Track (DNT) Signals
Presently, our systems do not respond to browser-based Do-Not-Track signals due to the lack of a universally accepted standard. If a protocol is developed and adopted in the future, appropriate updates will be incorporated into this policy.
International Data Transfers
Your personal data may be accessed and processed outside of your country of residence. Where such transfers occur, we ensure that adequate protections and data handling protocols are enforced, aligned with international privacy standards.
User Rights and Response Timeline
Users may exercise their rights of access, correction, objection, deletion, or data portability by contacting us through the communication details provided below. We endeavour to respond to such requests within 30 days. Complex requests may warrant an extension, in which case you will be notified accordingly.
Support Access Protocol
Under certain circumstances, customer service representatives may require access to your account for technical assistance. Such access will only be granted with your explicit permission. Refusal may limit the effectiveness of the assistance provided.
Data Breach Notification
Should any data breach affecting your personal information occur, we will inform you and the appropriate regulatory bodies at the earliest opportunity in compliance with applicable laws and notification standards.
Amendments to the Policy
We reserve the right to modify this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in legal requirements, technological advancements, or business practices. Revisions will be indicated by the “Last Updated” date. In case of material changes, we will communicate such updates directly to users via available channels.
Contact Information
For any queries, grievances, or concerns related to this Privacy Policy or our data handling practices, you may reach us at:📧 info@gradehood.com