Privacy Policy

Last updated: January 1, 2025 | Effective: January 1, 2025

The short version: We collect only what we need to run the app. We do not sell your data. We do not use your personal content to train AI models. We take the privacy of children especially seriously.

1. Who We Are

StudyBridge AI ("we", "us", "our") operates the StudyBridge AI educational platform. We are committed to protecting the privacy of all users, especially children and students with disabilities.

Contact: hello@study-bridge.org

2. Information We Collect

Information you provide:

Account information: name, email address, password (hashed — never stored in plain text)
Google account information if you sign in with Google (name, email, profile picture)
User-generated content: notes, homework entries, flashcard decks, and other study materials you create
Messages sent to the AI tutor and Ability Guide

Information collected automatically:

Usage data: AI call count for plan limit enforcement (not content)
Session data: encrypted session token stored in a secure cookie
Basic server logs for error monitoring (IP addresses are not retained)

Payment information: We do not store credit card numbers or payment details. All payment processing is handled by Stripe. See Stripe's Privacy Policy.

3. How We Use Your Information

To provide, maintain, and improve the Service
To authenticate your identity and manage your account
To track AI usage for plan limit enforcement
To process payments through Stripe
To respond to your questions and support requests
To send important service notifications (we do not send marketing emails without consent)

4. AI and Your Data

When you use AI features (tutor, quiz generator, note enhancer, etc.), your messages are sent to Anthropic's API to generate responses. We do not store the full content of AI conversations permanently — session data is cleared when you log out or your session expires.

We do not use your personal content or AI conversations to train AI models.

Anthropic processes API requests subject to their own Privacy Policy. By using AI features, you acknowledge that your messages are processed by Anthropic to generate responses.

5. Children's Privacy (COPPA)

We take children's privacy very seriously. StudyBridge AI is an educational platform designed to serve students of all ages, including children under 13. We comply with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).

We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 without verifiable parental consent.
Schools using the Service on behalf of students under 13 must obtain appropriate parental consent.
Parents may request deletion of their child's account and data at any time by contacting us.
We do not serve behavioral advertising to children.
We do not share children's personal information with third parties except as necessary to provide the Service.

6. FERPA

If StudyBridge AI is used by a school or educational institution, we act as a "school official" with a legitimate educational interest under FERPA. We do not disclose student education records to third parties except as required by law or as directed by the school.

7. Data Sharing

We do not sell your personal information. We share data only in these limited circumstances:

Stripe: For payment processing only. They do not receive your educational data.
Anthropic: AI messages are processed by Anthropic's API to generate responses. We send only the message content necessary for the AI feature, not your full account profile.
Google: If you use Google Sign-In, we receive basic profile information from Google as you authorize.
Legal requirements: We may disclose information when required by law, court order, or to protect the safety of users.

8. Data Storage and Security

Your data is stored on a self-hosted server in the United States. We implement security measures including encrypted HTTPS connections, hashed passwords (bcrypt), secure session management, and access controls. No system is 100% secure — please use a strong, unique password.

9. Data Retention

We retain your account data for as long as your account is active. You may request deletion of your account and associated data at any time by emailing us. We will delete your data within 30 days of a verified deletion request, except where retention is required by law.

10. Your Rights

Depending on your location, you may have rights to:

Access the personal information we hold about you
Correct inaccurate information
Delete your account and associated data
Export your data in a portable format
Opt out of non-essential data processing

To exercise these rights, contact us at hello@study-bridge.org.

11. Cookies

We use a single session cookie to keep you logged in. This cookie is essential for the Service to function. It is HTTP-only (not accessible to JavaScript) and expires when you log out or your session ends. We do not use advertising cookies or third-party tracking cookies.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. We will notify you of material changes via email or in-app notice. Continued use of the Service after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

13. Contact Us

Privacy questions or data requests: hello@study-bridge.org

We aim to respond within 5 business days.