Zape Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Explanation of the app's purpose: Providing educational content for children in grade 1, with plans to expand up to grade 10.

Description of the app's free and paid features.

2. Information Collection

Types of personal information collected: Username, gender, date of birth, and profile picture.

Means of collection: Directly from user registration and profile setup.

3. Use of Information

User details are used for profile maintenance and leaderboard functionality.

Information on how data is used to support app features and user experience.

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

Firebase Authentication is used for sign-in purposes.

Circumstances under which information may be shared with third parties, such as for technical support or legal requirements.

5. Parental Controls

Description of the OTP system for parental login and profile creation.

Information on how parents can monitor their children's progress.

Details on profile limits per account based on subscription plan.

6. Data Security

Outline of security measures, such as Firebase Authentication for secure data access.

Description of any encryption or other security protocols in place to protect user information.

7. Data Retention and Deletion

Policy on data retention, including conditions under which data will be deleted.

Procedure for users to delete their profiles and the consequent data deletion process.

8. Contact Information

Provision of contact details for privacy concerns: [email protected]

9. Policy Updates

Explanation of how users will be informed about policy changes, such as through in-app notifications.

10. Effective Date

The date from which the current version of the privacy policy is effective.

Welcome to Zape - An Education Platform for Kids

Welcome to Zape ("we", "us", "our"), a dynamic and engaging education platform tailored for the bright young minds of today. Zape is designed to foster a love for learning among children in grade 1, with the vision to eventually encompass educational content up to grade 10. Our approach blends state-of-the-art technology with child-friendly content to create a safe, interactive, and enjoyable learning environment.

Zape offers a vast array of educational materials and activities at no cost, with the core belief that learning should be accessible to all. In addition to our free offerings, we provide a subscription-based membership that unlocks additional features to enhance the learning experience. These premium features include the ability to create multiple learner profiles under one parent account, giving families the flexibility and convenience to tailor the educational journey to each child's unique needs.

In the inaugural phase of our launch, we are thrilled to present a comprehensive suite of Grade 1 educational content, meticulously crafted to captivate and educate. As we grow and evolve, we look forward to expanding our reach and enriching the minds of students across a broader spectrum of grades.

At Zape, we are committed to protecting the privacy of our users. We understand the importance of safeguarding personal information, especially when it comes to children. This Privacy Policy outlines our practices concerning the collection, use, and disclosure of your and your children's information when you use the Zape app. Through this policy, we aim to inform you of the rights and controls you have over your personal data in our possession and assure you of our dedication to data privacy and protection.

By registering an account, creating a profile for your child, or using our services, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Privacy Policy. We encourage parents and guardians to read this policy thoroughly to understand our practices and the choices you can make about the way your information, and that of your child, is collected and used.

The Zape app is operated by Zape learning, which is the data controller responsible for your personal information under this policy. Should you have any questions or concerns about our Privacy Policy or data practices, please contact us at [email protected].

This Privacy Policy is effective as of Jan 1, 2023 and will remain in effect except with respect to any changes in its provisions in the future, which will be in effect immediately after being posted on this page.

Information Collection at Zape

At Zape, we believe in transparency and the importance of informed consent, especially when it concerns our youngest users. This section outlines the specific types of personal information we collect, the reasons for its collection, and how it is obtained.

Types of Personal Information Collected

  • Username: To create a unique identity on our platform for your child, we collect a username. This identifier helps us personalize your child's learning experience and allows for interaction with app features, such as the Leaderboard.
  • Gender: We gather this information solely for the purpose of personalizing the content and user experience. It aids in ensuring that the educational journey is relevant and engaging for your child.
  • Date of Birth: The collection of your child's date of birth enables us to ensure the content is age-appropriate. It also helps us comply with legal requirements, particularly those designed to protect children's privacy online.
  • Profile Picture: For a more personalized profile, users have the option to upload a custom profile picture. Alternatively, we provide a selection of avatars to choose from. This feature is designed to engage children and create a friendly user interface.

Means of Collection

We collect this information through the following means:

  • User Registration: When you sign up for Zape and create a profile, you provide us with the username, gender, and date of birth. This process is straightforward and requires your active input.
  • Profile Customization: Should you or your child choose to personalize the profile with a custom profile picture, this image will be uploaded and stored as part of the profile data.

Rest assured, the collection of this information is designed to enhance the educational experience on Zape and not for any unrelated advertising or profiling.

Consent

We require parental consent for users under the age of 13 before collecting any personal information from them. As part of our commitment to children's privacy, we take steps to verify that the person providing consent for a child to use our services is legally authorized to do so.

Use of Children's Personal Information

We use the personal information collected from children solely for purposes of operating our services, such as enabling access to the app's features, personalizing the learning experience, and maintaining the Leaderboard.

We do not require children to provide more personal information than is reasonably necessary to participate in the educational activities on Zape.

Parental Rights: Review, Amendment, and Deletion of Children's Information

Zape recognizes and supports the essential role that parents and guardians play in the online activities of their children. We are committed to providing parents with full access to their child's personal information and control over how it is used.

Access to Information and Use of Information at Zape

As a parent or guardian, you have the right to review the personal information that we have collected from your child. To request access to your child's information, please contact our customer support team at [email protected] with the subject line "Parental Information Access Request." We will require verification of your identity as the child's parent or guardian to ensure the security and privacy of our users.

Amendment of Information

If, after reviewing your child's information, you find any inaccuracies or wish to update the information, you may submit a request for amendment. Please direct any such requests to our customer support team at the same contact address provided above, specifying the information that requires correction.

Deletion of Information

You may request the deletion of your child's personal information at any time. To delete your child's information, you may use the 'Delete Profile' option available within the app's settings. Alternatively, you may contact our customer support team at [email protected] with the subject line "Request for Information Deletion." Upon receiving the request, we will promptly remove your child's personal information from our active databases and confirm the deletion to you, subject to any legal obligations we may have to retain certain information.

Please note that the deletion of your child's personal information or profile may result in the loss of access to some or all of our services. We will guide you through this process to ensure that you understand the consequences of deletion and can make an informed decision.

Parental Consent

We do not collect, use, or disclose information from children under the age of 13 without verifiable parental consent, except in limited circumstances as permitted by law. If we discover we have collected information from a child in a manner inconsistent with legal requirements, we will either delete the information or immediately seek the parent’s consent for that collection.

Parental Concerns and Support

We understand that privacy concerns can be particularly acute when it comes to children. If you have any questions or concerns about your child's personal information and our practices, please do not hesitate to reach out to our dedicated support team at [email protected]. We are here to address your concerns and provide the support you need to manage your child's online experience with Zape.

Use of Information

The personal information collected through the Zape app serves a fundamental role in providing a tailored and effective educational experience. Below, we outline the specific purposes for which your and your child's information is used.

Profile Maintenance and User Experience

  • Username and Profile: We use the username and the profile picture to maintain your child's user profile within the app. This allows for a personalized interface and helps in distinguishing between multiple profiles under a single parent account.
  • Gender: The gender information helps us to tailor the educational content and user experience. For example, it allows us to offer avatar selections that your child may prefer, contributing to a more engaging and personalized learning environment.
  • Date of Birth: We utilize the date of birth to ensure the educational content provided is age-appropriate for your child. It also enables us to adhere to age-related consent laws and regulations within the educational technology sector.

Leaderboard and Motivational Features

  • Performance Data: As children engage with the educational activities, we collect data on their progress and achievements. This information fuels features like the Leaderboard, which fosters a healthy sense of competition and motivation among learners. The data may also be used to recognize and reward progress, providing incentives for continued learning.

Personalization and Improvement of Services

  • User Interactions: Information about how your child interacts with the app helps us identify preferences and popular features, guiding us in the ongoing development and improvement of Zape's content and functionality.

Support and Communication

  • Account Information: Contact details such as an email address associated with the parent account are used to communicate important information regarding the app, including updates, security notices, and support-related communications.

Data Analytics and Reporting

  • Usage Patterns: We may analyze aggregated usage data to better understand how our services are being used and to report on educational trends. This information is critical for us to deliver the best possible product and to inform our content strategy.

Compliance and Legal Obligations

  • Regulatory Requirements: In certain instances, we may be required to use or retain personal information to comply with legal and regulatory obligations, such as responding to a legal process or enforcing our terms of service.

Security

  • Account Safety: We use the collected information to ensure the security of user accounts, prevent unauthorized access, and protect our users' information against loss, theft, and misuse.

Consent, Changes, Information Sharing, and Parental Control at Zape

Consent

We will not use personal information for any purposes other than those described in this Privacy Policy without obtaining prior consent. If we intend to use your child's personal information for a purpose that extends beyond what is outlined here, we will provide you with notice and the opportunity to opt-in or opt-out as appropriate.

Changes in Use of Information

Any significant changes to how we use personal information will be communicated to you through an updated Privacy Policy, and, where required, we will seek renewed consent.

Information Sharing and Disclosure

Zape is committed to safeguarding the personal information of our users. This section explains the circumstances under which we may share or disclose the personal information we collect.

Third-Party Service Providers

Firebase Authentication: We utilize Firebase Authentication as a means for users to securely create and access their accounts via SMS, email, or username. This third-party service is integral to the functionality of our app, providing reliable and secure authentication methods. Information shared with Firebase is governed by their Privacy Policy and is limited to the data necessary for authentication purposes.

No Disclosure to Third Parties for Marketing

Marketing Prohibition: We do not share, sell, rent, or trade personal information with third parties for their commercial marketing purposes. Zape prioritizes the educational experience and privacy of our users above all else.

Legal Requirements and Law Enforcement

Compliance with Laws: We may disclose user information if required by law or if we believe in good faith that such action is necessary to comply with a legal obligation, protect and defend our rights or property, act in urgent circumstances to protect the personal safety of users of Zape, or protect against legal liability.

Safety and Security: In the event of a merger, acquisition, bankruptcy, dissolution, reorganization, or similar transaction or proceeding that involves the transfer of the information described in this Privacy Policy, we will ensure that your personal information is kept secure and treated in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

Parental Control and Consent

Parental Access: Parents or guardians who have provided consent for their child's use of Zape have the right to request the disclosure of the personal information we have collected from their child. Please refer to the "Parental Rights" section for details on how to make such a request.

Anonymized and Aggregated Data

Educational Research and Development: We may share or disclose anonymized or aggregated information with third parties for research or analytical purposes. This data does not identify individual users and is used to improve educational content and strategies.

Security Measures

Data Protection: Any sharing or disclosure of personal information is conducted in a manner that maintains the security of the data. Our service providers are bound by confidentiality obligations and are restricted from using the data for any other purpose than to carry out the services they are performing for us.

Your Consent

Control Over Information: Except as otherwise described in this Privacy Policy, personal information will not be disclosed outside of Zape without your consent.

Notification of Changes to This Policy

Updates: If we decide to change our information sharing practices, we will update this Privacy Policy. We will notify you of any significant changes in the way we treat personal information by sending a notice to the primary email address specified in your Zape account or by placing a prominent notice within our app.

Parental Control

At Zape, we understand that parental involvement is crucial in managing the online experience of children. We have established a comprehensive set of parental controls to ensure that parents and guardians have the necessary tools to oversee their child's educational journey on our platform.

Creating and Managing Child Profiles

Parental Account Creation: Parents or guardians are required to create their account using a one-time password (OTP) verification process to ensure the security and authenticity of each registration.

Child Profile Setup: After creating their account, the parent or guardian can then set up profiles for their children. Each profile is unique to a child and records their progress and activity within the app.

Monitoring Progress

Progress Reports: Parents can view detailed reports of their child's activities, achievements, and overall progress through the 'View Progress' screen. This feature is designed to provide insights into the child's learning patterns and areas of strength or needed improvement.

Control Over Personal Information and Data Security at Zape

Control Over Personal Information

Review and Modify Information

As detailed in the "Parental Rights" section, parents have the right to review, amend, or delete any personal information that has been collected from their child.

Subscription-Based Features

Additional Profiles: The free plan of the app allows the creation of up to three child profiles per parent account. Our subscription model offers the option to add more profiles, giving families with more children the flexibility to use our services without the need for multiple accounts.

Parental Consent and Oversight

Informed Consent: We obtain verifiable parental consent before collecting any personal information from children. This consent is an integral part of our registration process and ensures that parents are fully aware of and agree to the data collection practices of Zape.

Continuous Control: Parents are encouraged to regularly review their child's profiles and the information within them, as well as update consent choices as their child's use of the app evolves.

Security and Safety

Protecting Children's Privacy: We take the privacy and safety of our young users seriously and implement robust measures to protect their information. This includes secure authentication methods and monitoring our platform for any potential issues that could affect child users.

Parental Support

Assistance and Queries: We provide dedicated support for any questions or concerns parents may have regarding the control and management of their child's profile on Zape. Parents can reach out to our support team at [email protected] for assistance.

Changes to Parental Control Features

Updates and Improvements: We are committed to continually improving the parental control features on Zape. Any changes to these features will be communicated to parents through in-app notifications and email alerts, ensuring families are always informed of the tools available to them.

Data Security

At Zape, the security of our users' information is paramount. We employ a comprehensive array of security measures designed to protect the personal information of both parents and children from unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction.

Secure Authentication

Firebase Authentication: We use Firebase Authentication, a state-of-the-art security system, to manage user sign-ins. This system provides robust features like password hashing and secure token generation, which are critical for safeguarding your account.

Authentication Measures: The authentication process may involve methods such as SMS verification or email confirmation to ensure that access to user accounts is strictly regulated and monitored.

Data Encryption

Transit and Rest: All personal information is encrypted during transmission and while at rest in our databases. We use industry-standard encryption protocols to ensure that data is not readable by unauthorized parties.

Access Controls

Limited Access: Access to personal data is strictly limited to authorized personnel who need the information to perform their job functions. These individuals are bound by confidentiality agreements and are subject to disciplinary action, including termination and criminal prosecution, if they fail to meet these obligations.

Regular Security Assessments

Monitoring and Review: Our security measures are regularly assessed and updated to address new security threats and to ensure the ongoing safety of our data processing.

Vulnerability Testing: We conduct periodic security audits and vulnerability testing to proactively identify and remediate potential security issues.

Incident Response Plan

Prompt Action: In the unlikely event of a data breach, we have an incident response plan in place to promptly address the situation. We will take immediate steps to mitigate any harm and will notify affected users and regulatory authorities, as required by law.

User Participation

Strong Passwords: We encourage our users to contribute to the security of their accounts by choosing strong passwords and keeping them confidential.

Alerts and Notifications: Users are advised to report any unusual account activity they detect, and we provide notifications for account access changes as an additional layer of security.

Compliance with Security Standards

Best Practices: We adhere to best practices and international standards for data security to ensure we are aligned with industry benchmarks and regulations.

Training and Awareness

Employee Training: Our staff undergoes regular training on data security and privacy to remain vigilant in protecting user information.

Data Retention, Contact Information, and Feedback

Data Retention

Minimization: We retain personal information only 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.

Data Retention and Deletion

Data Retention Policy

Active Use: We retain personal information for the duration of the user's active engagement with the Zape app. This includes maintaining an account, accessing our educational content, and utilizing app features.

Account Inactivity: In the case of account inactivity, we will retain personal information for a period that is consistent with applicable law, after which we will take steps to delete or anonymize the information.

Legal and Regulatory Requirements: Certain information may be retained for longer periods if required by legal, tax, or regulatory reasons, or for legitimate and lawful business purposes.

Data Deletion Procedure

User-Initiated Deletion: Users may delete their profiles or personal information at any time through the app's settings. Upon initiating a deletion request, we will promptly remove the user's personal information from our active databases.

Automated Deletion: If a user's account is inactive for an extended period or if the user has not interacted with the app as defined by our inactivity policy, we may automatically anonymize or delete the user's personal data.

Backup Systems: Deleted data may persist in backup copies for a limited period due to the nature of the backup process but will be deleted in accordance with our backup retention policy.

Parental Rights and Child's Information

Parental Requests: Parents or guardians have the right to request the deletion of their child's personal information. Such requests can be made directly within the app or by contacting our support team at [email protected].

Verification Before Deletion: To protect the child's privacy and security, we will take steps to verify the identity of the requesting parent or guardian before proceeding with the deletion of a child's information.

Consequences of Deletion: We will inform parents or guardians of the implications of deleting their child's personal information, such as the loss of access to app features or content.

Retention of Non-Personally Identifiable Information

Aggregated Data: We may retain and use aggregated or anonymized information, which cannot be used to identify individuals, for analytics, research, and other business purposes.

Changes to Data Retention Practices

Policy Updates: Our data retention practices are reviewed regularly and may be updated to reflect changes in legal requirements, technical advancements, or our business practices. Any changes to this policy will be communicated to users through the app or via email.

Contact Information

We at Zape are dedicated to maintaining open channels of communication with our users, especially when it comes to privacy-related inquiries or concerns. Below you will find the necessary contact information to reach out to our dedicated support team.

Support and Inquiries

For any questions regarding our Privacy Policy, data practices, or the handling of your or your child's personal information, please contact us at:

Email: [email protected]

Please include a clear subject line such as "Privacy Inquiry" or "Account Support" to ensure your query is directed to the appropriate team member. We strive to respond to all inquiries promptly.

Parental Support

Parents or guardians with questions or requests pertaining to their child's account, the use of personal information, or parental controls can use the aforementioned contact details. For a swift resolution, please include "Parental Support Request" in your email subject line.

Feedback and Suggestions

We value the feedback of our users and welcome any comments or suggestions that could help improve our Privacy Policy and the way we manage personal data. Please send your feedback to the provided email address with the subject line "Privacy Policy Feedback".

Legal Correspondence, User Concerns, Policy Updates

Legal Correspondence

If you need to send us any legal documents or have specific legal queries, please direct your correspondence to the email address mentioned above and include "Legal Correspondence" in the subject line.

Addressing User Concerns

We are committed to addressing all user concerns regarding privacy and data security with attention and care. Our team will review each inquiry and provide thorough, timely responses to ensure your peace of mind.

Updates and Notifications

Should there be any changes to our contact information, we will notify our users via the Zape app or through an email update to the address associated with your account.

Policy Updates

Changes to This Policy

Periodic Review: Our Privacy Policy is reviewed regularly to ensure that it remains up-to-date with the latest legal requirements and industry standards.

Amendments: We reserve the right to amend this Privacy Policy at any time to reflect changes in our data collection, usage, and sharing practices.

Notification of Changes

User Notification: In the event of any significant changes to our Privacy Policy, we will provide notice to our users through the following methods:

  • In-App Notifications: Users will receive an alert about changes to the Privacy Policy when they open the Zape app.
  • Email Communication: An email summarizing the changes will be sent to the email address associated with the user's account.

Access to Updated Policies

Availability: The most current version of our Privacy Policy will always be accessible within the Zape app and, if applicable, on our website.

Review: We encourage all users to regularly review the Privacy Policy to stay informed about our data protection practices and their rights.

Effective Date

Policy Effective Date: The updated policy will include the date it becomes effective, and we will take reasonable steps to ensure users are aware of the new effective date.

User Acknowledgment

Acceptance of Changes: Continued use of the Zape app after any changes to the Privacy Policy have been made will constitute acceptance of those changes. If users do not agree with the changes to the policy, they should cease using the app and contact us with any concerns.

Questions or Concerns

Contact for Clarification: Users who have questions or seek clarification regarding any changes to the Privacy Policy are encouraged to contact our support team at [email protected].

Effective Date

This Privacy Policy is effective as of Jan 1, 2023.

Version and Revision

Policy Version: This document is Version 1, reflecting all updates and revisions made up to the stated effective date.

Previous Versions: Previous versions of our Privacy Policy are archived and available upon request for your review. If you wish to access these, please contact our support team at [email protected].

Acknowledgment of Policy

By using the Zape app, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy as of its effective date. Any changes or updates made to this policy will be published with a new effective date.

Consent to Policy

Consent: Your continued use of the app after the effective date of this Privacy Policy constitutes your consent to the policy and any updates that may follow.

Withdrawal of Consent: If you do not agree with the terms of this Privacy Policy, please do not use the app and contact us if you have specific concerns.

Contact for Further Information

Should you have any questions or require clarification regarding this Privacy Policy, please reach out to our support team using the contact information provided in the "Contact Information" section of this policy.

Commitment to Privacy

We at Zape are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring that you have a safe and enjoyable educational experience with our app.