Privacy Policy

At Better Steno, 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 platform.

1. Information We Collect

We collect information that you provide directly to us when you:

• Create an account on Better Steno
• Participate in dictation exercises and typing tests
• Enroll in courses or subscribe to our services
• Contact us for support or feedback
• Update your profile or preferences

The types of information we collect include:

• Personal Information: Name, email address, contact number, date of birth, and gender
• Account Information: Username, password (encrypted), and instructor codes
• Performance Data: Typing speed (WPM), accuracy scores, error rates, and practice history
• Payment Information: Billing details for subscriptions and course purchases (processed securely through third-party payment processors)
• Usage Data: Information about how you use our platform, including access times, pages viewed, and features used

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Provide, maintain, and improve our services
• Create and manage your account
• Process your transactions and send related information
• Track your progress and provide personalized learning experiences
• Send you administrative information, updates, and notifications
• Respond to your comments, questions, and support requests
• Monitor and analyze usage patterns to enhance user experience
• Detect, prevent, and address technical issues or fraudulent activities
• Comply with legal obligations and enforce our terms and policies

3. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information in the following circumstances:

• With Your Consent: When you explicitly authorize us to share your information
• With Instructors: If you are a student, your performance data may be shared with your assigned instructor
• Service Providers: We may share information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating our platform (e.g., hosting, payment processing, email services)
• Legal Requirements: We may disclose information if required by law or in response to valid legal requests
• Business Transfers: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, user information may be transferred

4. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:

• Encryption of sensitive data (including passwords)
• Secure socket layer (SSL) technology for data transmission
• Regular security audits and updates
• Restricted access to personal information on a need-to-know basis
• Secure server infrastructure and database protection

However, please note that no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to use commercially acceptable means to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

5. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law. When your information is no longer needed, we will securely delete or anonymize it.

6. Your Rights and Choices

You have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Access and Update: You can access and update your account information at any time through your profile settings
• Data Portability: You can request a copy of your personal data in a structured, machine-readable format
• Deletion: You can request deletion of your account and associated data
• Opt-Out: You can opt out of receiving promotional emails by following the unsubscribe instructions in those emails
• Cookies: You can control cookie preferences through your browser settings

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the information provided below.

7. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience on our platform. Cookies help us:

• Remember your preferences and settings
• Maintain your login session
• Analyze site traffic and usage patterns
• Improve our services and user experience

You can control cookies through your browser settings, but disabling cookies may affect the functionality of certain features.

8. Children's Privacy

Our services are intended for users who are at least 13 years old. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware that we have collected information from a child under 13, we will take steps to delete such information promptly.

9. Third-Party Links

Our platform may contain links to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third parties. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any personal information.

10. Changes to This Privacy 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 material changes by posting the updated policy on our platform and updating the "Last Updated" date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.