At Howeya Academy (“we,” “us,” or “our”), 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 personal information when you access or use our online platform, software, services, and website (collectively, the “Services”). By using the Services, you consent to the practices described in this Privacy Policy.
1. Information We Collect
We collect personal information from you when you interact with our Services, including but not limited to:
– Registration Information: When you create an account, we collect details such as your name, email address, username, password, and any other information you provide during the registration process.
– Payment Information: If you subscribe to our Services, we may engage third-party vendors (e.g., payment processors/ bank) to assist with collecting billing information, including debit or credit card details, to payment processing of subscription fees. These providers are contractually obliged to protect your information and use it only for the services they perform on our behalf. This information may be stored securely for recurring payments.
– Usage Data: We may collect information about your interactions with the Services, such as Courses you enroll in, content you access, and feedback you provide.
– Content Contributions: If you participate in Courses or engage with instructors or learners, we may record your voice, likeness, or image (e.g., during live sessions) for quality control, marketing, or operational purposes.
– Technical Information: We automatically collect certain data, such as your IP address, device type, browser type, and usage patterns, to improve the functionality and security of our Services.
2. How We Use Your Information
We use your personal information for the following purposes:
– To provide, operate, and maintain the Services, including account management, customer support, and delivery of Courses.
– To process payments for subscriptions and applicable taxes (e.g., VAT) in compliance with legal obligations.
– To personalize your experience by offering tailored content and recommendations.
– To communicate with you about your account, updates to the Services, or promotional offers (where permitted by law).
– To monitor and analyze usage trends to enhance the Services’ performance and functionality.
– To use your name, likeness, image, or voice in connection with marketing, promoting, or delivering the Services, as permitted under our Terms and Conditions.
3. How We Share Your Information
We do not sell or rent your personal information to third parties. However, we may share your information in the following circumstances:
– With Instructors: Limited information (e.g., your username or enrollment status) may be shared with independent instructors to facilitate Course delivery. We do not disclose sensitive personal details unless you choose to share them directly with an instructor.
– Service Providers: We may engage third-party vendors (e.g., payment processors) to assist with payment processing, hosting, or analytics. These providers are contractually obligated to protect your information and use it only for the services they perform on our behalf.
– Legal Compliance: We may disclose your information if required by law, regulation, or legal process (e.g., to comply with a court order or tax authority request).
– Business Transfers: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of the transaction, subject to confidentiality obligations.
4. Your Responsibilities and Choices
– Protecting Your Information: You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials (username and password) and for controlling how your personal information is disclosed to others, including instructors. We recommend not sharing sensitive personal details through the Services.
– Opting Out: You may opt out of promotional communications by following the unsubscribe instructions in our emails or contacting us directly. Note that you cannot opt out of essential service-related notifications (e.g., payment confirmations or account security alerts).
– Reviewing Payment Methods: You may add, update, or remove saved debit/credit card information through your account settings. If a payment method fails, we will notify you, and you must resolve the issue within five (5) days to avoid suspension of your subscription.
5. Data Security
We implement reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, loss, or misuse. However, no internet-based service can be completely secure, and we cannot guarantee the absolute security of your data. You are encouraged to take appropriate steps to safeguard your account and personal information, such as using strong passwords and logging out after each session.
6. Third-Party Links
The Services may contain links to third-party websites or resources. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these third-party sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party websites you access through our Services.
7. Children’s Privacy
Our Services are not intended for individuals under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us to request its removal.
8. International Users
The Services are hosted and operated in accordance with the laws of the Arab Republic of Egypt. If you access the Services from outside Egypt, your information may be transferred to and processed in Egypt or other jurisdictions, where data protection laws may differ from those in your country. By using the Services, you consent to such transfers.
9. Retention of Information
We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, comply with legal obligations, or resolve disputes, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law. For example, your account data will be preserved during an active subscription and may be retained temporarily after cancellation to allow for reactivation.
10. Changes to this Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or applicable laws. The updated version will be posted on our website with a revised “Effective Date.” Your continued use of the Services after such changes constitutes your acceptance of the revised Privacy Policy.
11. Contact Us
If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or your personal information, please contact us at [ourteam@iculture-eg.org]. We will respond to your inquiries in a timely manner.
Governing Law
This Privacy Policy is governed by the laws of the Arab Republic of Egypt. Any disputes arising from this policy shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Cairo, Egypt.