490 Chem. de Vassan, Val-d'Or, QC J9P 0C1, Canada
+1 (819) 824-3146

Last Updated: January 15, 2025

1. Privacy Policy Overview

At MakerMind Academy, we are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, share, and protect information about you when you use our website, courses, and services.

This policy applies to all users of our platform, including students, instructors, and visitors to our website. By using our services, you consent to the collection and use of your information as described in this Privacy Policy.

Key Privacy Principles

We follow these core principles in handling your data: transparency, minimal data collection, purpose limitation, data accuracy, storage limitation, security, and accountability.

Scope of This Policy

This Privacy Policy covers our treatment of personally identifiable information collected through our website, mobile applications, and other digital services. It does not apply to third-party websites or services that may be linked from our platform.

2. Information We Collect

We collect various types of information to provide and improve our educational services. The information we collect falls into several categories:

Personal Information You Provide

When you create an account, enroll in courses, or contact us, you may provide:

  • Name, email address, and contact information
  • Billing and payment information
  • Profile information and preferences
  • Course progress and completion data
  • Communications with our support team
  • User-generated content such as forum posts and project submissions

Information Collected Automatically

We automatically collect certain technical information when you use our services:

  • Device and browser information
  • IP address and geographic location
  • Website usage patterns and navigation data
  • Course viewing and interaction statistics
  • Log files and error reports

Information from Third Parties

We may receive information about you from third-party sources such as:

  • Social media platforms when you connect your accounts
  • Payment processors for transaction verification
  • Marketing partners for promotional activities
  • Analytics services for website optimization

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information for legitimate business purposes and to provide you with the best possible educational experience. Our primary uses include:

Service Provision and Account Management

  • Creating and maintaining your user account
  • Processing course enrollments and payments
  • Providing access to course content and materials
  • Tracking your learning progress and achievements
  • Issuing certificates and credentials

Communication and Support

  • Responding to your inquiries and support requests
  • Sending course updates and important notifications
  • Providing technical support and troubleshooting
  • Conducting surveys and collecting feedback

Platform Improvement and Analytics

  • Analyzing usage patterns to improve our services
  • Personalizing your learning experience
  • Developing new courses and features
  • Ensuring platform security and preventing fraud

Marketing and Promotional Activities

With your consent, we may use your information for:

  • Sending promotional emails about new courses
  • Personalizing marketing content and advertisements
  • Conducting promotional campaigns and contests
  • Analyzing marketing effectiveness

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We respect your privacy and do not sell your personal information to third parties. However, we may share your information in the following circumstances:

Service Providers and Partners

We work with trusted third-party service providers to deliver our services:

  • Payment processors for secure transaction handling
  • Cloud hosting providers for data storage and processing
  • Email service providers for communication delivery
  • Analytics providers for website and course performance
  • Customer support platforms for help desk services

Legal Requirements and Safety

We may disclose your information when required by law or to:

  • Comply with legal processes and court orders
  • Respond to government requests and investigations
  • Protect our rights, property, and safety
  • Prevent fraud and security breaches
  • Enforce our Terms of Service

Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of the business transaction. We will notify you of any such change in ownership or control of your personal information.

Consent-Based Sharing

We may share your information with your explicit consent for specific purposes, such as featuring your work in promotional materials or connecting you with other students for collaborative projects.

5. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalized content. Understanding these technologies helps you make informed choices about your privacy.

Managing Cookie Preferences

You can control cookies through your browser settings and our cookie consent banner. Disabling certain cookies may limit some functionality of our website. Most browsers allow you to:

  • View and delete existing cookies
  • Block cookies from specific websites
  • Block all cookies by default
  • Receive notifications when cookies are set

Third-Party Tracking

We may use third-party analytics and advertising services that place cookies on your device. These services have their own privacy policies governing the use of your information.

6. Data Security Measures

We implement comprehensive security measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. Our security practices include:

Technical Security Measures

  • SSL/TLS encryption for data transmission
  • Encrypted data storage and backup systems
  • Secure server infrastructure and firewalls
  • Regular security updates and patches
  • Multi-factor authentication for admin access
  • Intrusion detection and monitoring systems

Administrative Security Controls

  • Employee training on data protection practices
  • Background checks for personnel with data access
  • Role-based access controls and permissions
  • Regular security audits and assessments
  • Incident response and breach notification procedures

Physical Security Measures

  • Secure data centers with restricted access
  • Surveillance and monitoring systems
  • Environmental controls and redundancy
  • Secure disposal of hardware and storage media

Security Notice

While we implement strong security measures, no system is completely secure. We encourage you to use strong passwords and keep your account information confidential.

7. Data Retention and Deletion

We retain your personal information only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected and to comply with legal obligations.

Retention Periods

  • Account Information: Retained for the duration of your account plus 3 years after closure
  • Course Progress Data: Retained permanently to maintain learning records and certificates
  • Payment Information: Retained for 7 years for tax and accounting purposes
  • Communication Records: Retained for 3 years for support and quality purposes
  • Marketing Data: Retained until you unsubscribe or request deletion
  • Analytics Data: Anonymized after 26 months

Data Deletion Process

When personal information is no longer needed, we securely delete or anonymize it according to our data retention schedule. You may request deletion of your personal information, subject to legal and contractual obligations.

8. Your Privacy Rights

Depending on your location and applicable laws, you may have various rights regarding your personal information. We are committed to honoring these rights and providing you with control over your data.

Rights Under GDPR and Similar Laws

  • Right to Access: Request a copy of your personal information
  • Right to Rectification: Correct inaccurate or incomplete data
  • Right to Erasure: Request deletion of your personal information
  • Right to Restrict Processing: Limit how we use your data
  • Right to Data Portability: Receive your data in a structured format
  • Right to Object: Opt out of certain data processing activities
  • Right to Withdraw Consent: Revoke consent for data processing

Exercising Your Rights

To exercise any of these rights, please contact our Privacy Team using the information provided at the end of this policy. We will respond to your request within the timeframe required by applicable law.

Marketing Communications

You can unsubscribe from marketing emails at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in our emails or by updating your communication preferences in your account settings.

9. Children's Privacy Protection

MakerMind Academy is committed to protecting the privacy of children. Our services are not directed to children under 13 years of age, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13.

Age Verification

When creating an account, users must confirm they are at least 13 years old. If we discover we have collected information from a child under 13, we will delete that information immediately.

Parental Consent for Teens

Users between 13 and 18 years old should have parental or guardian consent before using our services. We encourage parents to monitor their children's online activities and help them understand privacy and safety online.

Educational Content for Minors

Some of our courses may be appropriate for teenagers under parental supervision. In such cases, we recommend that parents review course content and participate in their child's learning experience.

10. International Data Transfers

MakerMind Academy operates globally, and your personal information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for international transfers.

Transfer Mechanisms

When transferring data internationally, we use approved transfer mechanisms such as:

  • European Commission adequacy decisions
  • Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs)
  • Binding Corporate Rules
  • Certification schemes and codes of conduct

Data Processing Locations

Your data may be processed in Canada, the United States, and the European Union. Our service providers are required to implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information.

11. Policy Updates and Changes

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or business operations. We are committed to keeping you informed about how we protect your privacy.

Notification of Changes

When we make material changes to this Privacy Policy, we will:

  • Post the updated policy on our website
  • Update the "Last Modified" date at the top of this policy
  • Send email notifications for significant changes
  • Display prominent notices on our website

Continued Use

Your continued use of our services after policy changes indicates your acceptance of the updated terms. If you do not agree with the changes, you may close your account and discontinue using our services.

Privacy Questions and Concerns

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact our Privacy Team:

Privacy Officer: [email protected]

General Inquiries: +1 (819) 824-3146

Mailing Address: 490 Chem. de Vassan, Val-d'Or, QC J9P 0C1, Canada

Response Time: We typically respond to privacy inquiries within 5 business days.