🗣️ Talkzen

Welcome to Talkzen! We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your data when you use our mobile application.

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Personal Information

When you create an account and use Talkzen, we collect the following information:

Data Type	Purpose	Required
Name	Display in your profile and personalize your experience	Yes
Email Address	Account authentication, password recovery, and important communications	Yes
Phone Number	Account verification and security (if provided)	Optional
Profile Picture	Personalize your profile and app experience	Optional
Password	Secure access to your account (stored encrypted)	Yes

1.2 Usage Information

• Interests: Topics and categories you select to personalize your learning experience
• Tutor Selection: Your chosen tutors and learning preferences
• App Preferences: Your settings, notification preferences, and app customizations
• Feedback: Any feedback, comments, or suggestions you submit through the app

1.3 Technical Information

• Device information (model, operating system version)
• App version and usage logs
• Crash reports and error logs (for improving app stability)

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information for the following purposes:

2.1 App Functionality

• Create and manage your account
• Authenticate your identity and provide secure access
• Display your profile information within the app
• Connect you with suitable tutors based on your interests
• Personalize your learning experience

2.2 Communication

• Send important updates about your account
• Respond to your feedback and support requests
• Notify you about app features and improvements (if you opt-in)

2.3 Improvement and Analytics

• Analyze app usage to improve features and user experience
• Identify and fix bugs or technical issues
• Understand which features are most valuable to users

3. Data Storage and Security

3.1 Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide you with our services. When you delete your account, we permanently remove your data within 30 days, except where we are required to retain it for legal or regulatory purposes.

4. Data Sharing and Disclosure

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

4.1 Service Providers

We may share data with trusted third-party service providers who help us operate our app (e.g., cloud hosting, analytics). These providers are contractually obligated to protect your data and use it only for the services they provide to us.

4.2 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required by law, court order, or government regulation, or if we believe such action is necessary to:

• Comply with legal obligations
• Protect our rights, property, or safety
• Prevent fraud or security issues
• Respond to emergency situations

4.3 Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred to the new entity, subject to the same privacy protections outlined in this policy.

5. Your Rights and Choices

You have the following rights regarding your personal data:

5.1 Access and Update

You can access and update your personal information at any time through the app's Settings section:

• Settings → Profile: Update your name, email, and profile picture
• Settings → Interests: Modify your learning interests
• Settings → Tutor Selection: Change your tutor preferences

5.2 Account Deletion

You have the right to delete your account and all associated data at any time:

1. Open the Talkzen app
2. Go to Settings
3. Tap Account Management
4. Select Delete Account
5. Confirm your decision

What happens when you delete your account:

• Your profile information is immediately removed
• All your personal data is permanently deleted within 30 days
• Your interests, tutor selections, and preferences are erased
• This action cannot be undone

5.3 Opt-Out of Communications

You can control notification preferences in Settings → Notifications. You can opt out of promotional emails by clicking the unsubscribe link in any email we send.

5.4 Data Portability

You have the right to request a copy of your personal data in a portable format. Contact us to make this request.

6. Children's Privacy

Talkzen is 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 data from a child under 13, we will take immediate steps to delete that information.

If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately.

7. Third-Party Services

Our app may contain links to third-party websites or services. This Privacy Policy does not apply to those external sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party services you access through our app.

8. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and maintained on servers located outside of your country of residence. By using Talkzen, you consent to the transfer of your information to countries that may have different data protection laws than your country.

9. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or for legal, operational, or regulatory reasons. We will notify you of any material changes by:

• Posting a notice in the app
• Sending you an email notification
• Updating the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy

Your continued use of Talkzen after any changes indicates your acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

10. Cookie Policy

Talkzen may use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience. These technologies help us:

• Remember your preferences and settings
• Understand how you use the app
• Improve app performance and functionality

You can manage cookie preferences through your device settings.

11. California Privacy Rights (CCPA)

If you are a California resident, you have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA):

• Right to know what personal information is collected
• Right to know if personal information is sold or disclosed
• Right to opt-out of the sale of personal information
• Right to deletion of personal information
• Right to non-discrimination for exercising your rights

Note: Talkzen does not sell personal information to third parties.

12. GDPR Compliance (European Users)

If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA), you have rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR):

• Right to Access: Request a copy of your personal data
• Right to Rectification: Correct inaccurate personal data
• Right to Erasure: Request deletion of your personal data
• Right to Restrict Processing: Limit how we use your data
• Right to Data Portability: Receive your data in a portable format
• Right to Object: Object to certain types of processing
• Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent at any time

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

13. Your Consent

By using Talkzen, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy and agree to its terms. If you do not agree with this policy, please do not use our app.