Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

E-bridge Languages and Cultures Network (“E-bridge,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting cross-cultural understanding and language education through online and offline educational resources, applications, research, and programs. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, protect, and share information when you access our website, language learning applications, research programs, and related services (collectively, the “Services”). By using our Services, you agree to this Privacy Policy.

 

2. Information We Collect

We collect information necessary to operate, improve, and protect our educational Services. The type of information collected depends on how you interact with us.

2.1 Information You Provide Directly

We collect information that users, parents, guardians, or educators voluntarily provide when creating accounts, completing forms, contacting us, participating in research, or using our applications. This may include identifying information (such as names and contact details), account information (such as assigned user numbers or login credentials), educational preferences, submitted responses or assignments, consent forms, feedback, communications, and other information you choose to provide. Some information may be required to access certain features of the Services.

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

When you access or use our website or applications, we automatically collect certain technical and usage information to maintain functionality, security, and performance. This may include device and browser information, IP address, access dates and times, pages visited, navigation patterns, usage activity, diagnostic data, and information collected through cookies or analytics tools.

2.3 Student Learning Data

When users participate in our language learning applications, we collect educational and performance data to support learning, monitor progress, improve our programs, and conduct research. This may include records of lessons and activities, time spent, assessment results, progress indicators, interaction logs, and submitted responses (including audio or written work, if applicable). When used for research, data will be aggregated or de-identified where reasonably possible.

2.4 Information from Parents or Guardians

If minors use our Services, parents or guardians may provide consent documentation, verification information, communications regarding the student’s participation, and requests to access, correct, or delete information.

2.5 Information from Educational or Institutional Partners (If Applicable)

If we collaborate with schools or educational institutions, we may receive limited information necessary to provide our Services, subject to applicable agreements and laws.

2.6 Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to operate the website, maintain sessions, remember preferences, analyze usage, and support security. Users may manage cookie settings through their browser; however, disabling cookies may affect certain features.

 

3. How We Use Information

We use the information we collect for legitimate educational, research, operational, security, and legal purposes consistent with our nonprofit mission. In general, information may be used to operate and improve our website and applications, support language learning and progress tracking, communicate with users and families, conduct educational research, maintain system functionality and security, prevent misuse, and comply with applicable laws and organizational obligations. We use personal information only to the extent reasonably necessary to provide our Services and fulfill our educational and nonprofit objectives.

 

4. How We Share Information

We do not sell personal information. We may share information only when reasonably necessary to operate our Services, fulfill our educational mission, comply with legal requirements, protect rights or safety, or work with trusted service providers and educational partners who assist us in delivering our programs. Any sharing of information will be limited to what is reasonably necessary and subject to appropriate confidentiality, contractual, or legal safeguards. We do not use personal information for commercial advertising purposes unrelated to our educational mission.

 

5. Data Security and Retention

E-bridge implements reasonable administrative, technical, and organizational safeguards designed to protect personal information against unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. These measures are appropriate to the nature of the information collected and the educational purposes for which it is processed. While we strive to protect personal information, no method of transmission over the Internet or method of electronic storage can be guaranteed to be completely secure. Accordingly, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

We retain personal information only for as long as reasonably necessary to fulfill the educational, research, operational, and legal purposes described in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law. When personal information is no longer required, we may securely delete, anonymize, or archive the information in accordance with applicable legal, regulatory, or institutional requirements.

 

6. Children’s Privacy

Our Services may be used by minors for educational purposes. We collect and process children’s information only for legitimate educational and nonprofit purposes and with appropriate parental or guardian consent where required. Parents or guardians may contact us to review, request correction of, or request deletion of their child’s information, subject to applicable laws. We do not knowingly sell or use children’s information for commercial advertising purposes.

 

7. Research Participation

If users participate in research studies conducted by E-bridge, additional consent information may be provided describing the purpose, scope, and data handling practices of the specific study. Participation in research is voluntary unless otherwise stated by program requirements.

 

8. Your Rights and Choices

Subject to applicable laws and appropriate verification procedures, individuals may have certain rights regarding personal information maintained by E-bridge. Upon request, and to the extent required or permitted by law, we will provide reasonable access to personal information, consider requests for correction or deletion, and address concerns regarding how information is collected, used, or maintained. Parents or legal guardians may exercise applicable rights on behalf of minor children. To protect privacy and security, we may require identity verification before responding to any request. Certain information may be retained where necessary to fulfill educational, research, operational, or legal obligations. Requests regarding personal information may be submitted using the contact information provided below.

 

9. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of external sites. Users are encouraged to review the privacy policies of those third parties.

 

10. International Users

If you access our Services from outside the United States, you understand that information may be processed and stored in the United States or other jurisdictions where our service providers operate.

 

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in operations, technology, or legal requirements. Updated versions will be posted on this page with a revised effective date.

 

12. Contact Information

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us using the contact information provided on the Contact page of our website. We will make reasonable efforts to respond to inquiries in a timely manner.