Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Welcome to StudentsBoat ("we," "our," or "us"). 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, website, and services (collectively, the "Services").

By accessing or using our Services, you agree to this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with the terms of this Privacy Policy, please do not access or use our Services.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

• Account Information: Name, email address, phone number, date of birth, nationality, and profile photo.
• Identity Verification: Government-issued ID, passport, visa documents, and student verification documents.
• Payment Information: Credit/debit card details, bank account information, and billing address (processed through secure third-party payment processors).
• Profile Information: University enrollment details, program of study, expected graduation date, and housing preferences.
• Communications: Messages sent through our platform, support inquiries, and feedback.

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

• Device Information: IP address, browser type, operating system, device identifiers, and mobile network information.
• Usage Data: Pages visited, features used, search queries, click patterns, and time spent on the platform.
• Location Data: General location based on IP address; precise location only with your explicit consent.
• Cookies and Similar Technologies: See our Cookie Policy for details.

2.3 Information from Third Parties

• University enrollment verification from educational institutions.
• Background check information from authorized screening services.
• Identity verification from third-party verification providers.
• Information from social media platforms if you choose to link your accounts.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

• Provide Services: Create and manage your account, process transactions, facilitate housing matches, and enable communication between users.
• Safety and Security: Verify identity, prevent fraud, ensure platform safety, and comply with legal obligations.
• Improve Services: Analyze usage patterns, conduct research, develop new features, and enhance user experience.
• Communications: Send service updates, booking confirmations, payment receipts, and respond to inquiries.
• Marketing: With your consent, send promotional content about our services, special offers, and relevant opportunities.
• Legal Compliance: Comply with applicable laws, regulations, legal processes, and government requests.

4. How We Share Your Information

We may share your information in the following circumstances:

4.1 With Other Users

When you make a booking or list a property, certain information is shared with the other party to facilitate the transaction, including name, profile photo, and relevant booking details.

4.2 Service Providers

We share information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating our platform, including payment processors, identity verification services, cloud hosting providers, and customer support tools.

4.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose information when required by law, court order, or government request, or when necessary to protect our rights, property, or safety, or that of our users or others.

4.4 Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction.

5. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your personal information, including:

• Encryption of data in transit (TLS/SSL) and at rest (AES-256).
• Regular security assessments and penetration testing.
• Access controls and authentication mechanisms.
• Secure data centers with physical security measures.
• Employee training on data protection and privacy.

While we strive to protect your information, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security.

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to provide our Services, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements. When your account is closed, we will delete or anonymize your information within a reasonable timeframe, unless retention is required by law.

7. Your Rights and Choices

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights:

• Access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you.
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information.
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information, subject to certain exceptions.
• Portability: Request your data in a structured, commonly used format.
• Opt-Out: Opt out of marketing communications at any time.
• Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent for processing where consent is the legal basis.

To exercise these rights, please contact us at info@studentsboat.com.

8. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, such as Standard Contractual Clauses or other approved transfer mechanisms, to protect your information in accordance with applicable laws.

9. Children's Privacy

Our Services are not intended for individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have collected information from a child, please contact us immediately.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page and updating the "Last updated" date. Your continued use of our Services after any changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

11. Contact Us

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