1. Introduction
helloprep Inc. ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our SAT preparation platform ("Service"). Please read this Privacy Policy carefully. By using our Service, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.
2. Information We Collect
2.1 Information You Provide
We collect information that you provide directly to us, including:
- Account Information: Name, email address, password (hashed), and authentication credentials
- Academic Information: Current SAT score, target score, test date, and academic goals
- Usage Data: Answers to practice questions, time spent on questions, performance metrics, and progress data
- Payment Information: Billing address and payment method (processed securely through Stripe; we do not store full credit card numbers)
- Communication Data: Messages, feedback, and support requests you send to us
2.2 Automatically Collected Information
When you use our Service, we automatically collect certain information, including:
- Device Information: IP address, browser type, operating system, device identifiers
- Usage Information: Pages visited, features used, time spent on the Service, click patterns
- Performance Data: Response times, error logs, and system performance metrics
3. How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect to:
- Provide and Improve the Service: Deliver personalized practice questions, track progress, and generate score predictions
- Train AI Models: Use your answers, performance data, and usage patterns to train and improve our machine learning algorithms that power personalized recommendations
- Process Payments: Process subscription payments and manage billing through Stripe
- Communicate with You: Send service-related notifications, respond to support requests, and provide updates about the Service
- Ensure Security: Detect, prevent, and address technical issues, fraud, and unauthorized access
- Comply with Legal Obligations: Meet legal requirements, respond to legal requests, and protect our rights
- Analytics and Research: Analyze usage patterns to improve the Service and conduct research on learning effectiveness
4. How We Store Your Information
4.1 Data Storage
Your information is stored securely using Firebase, a cloud-based platform provided by Google. Specifically:
- Firebase Authentication: Stores user account credentials and authentication tokens
- Cloud Firestore: Stores user profiles, academic data, practice question answers, progress metrics, and performance history
- Firebase Storage: Stores any files or documents you upload (if applicable)
4.2 Data Security
We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your information:
- Encryption in transit (HTTPS/TLS) and at rest
- Secure authentication and authorization controls
- Regular security audits and monitoring
- Access controls limiting employee access to user data
However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to use commercially acceptable means to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.
5. Product Personalization and Third-Party Tools
We use your practice performance on our systems (scores, skill mastery, and progress) to personalize daily plans and predictions. Aggregated and anonymized insights may be used to improve the product.
When you open the built-in Desmos graphing calculator, Desmos may load its calculator script in your browser. We do not send your name, account email, or Firebase user ID to Desmos.
We do not sell education records to advertising networks.
6. Information Sharing and Disclosure
We do not sell your personal information. We may share your information only in the following circumstances:
- Service Providers / Subprocessors: Firebase (authentication and database), Stripe (payments), Desmos (optional graphing calculator embed), Calendly (optional demo booking), and optional analytics (Firebase Analytics / GA4) only if you opt in via our consent banner. These providers are used to operate the Service.
- Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or government regulation, or to protect our rights, property, or safety, or that of our users
- Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, where your information may be transferred as part of the transaction
- With Your Consent: When you explicitly consent to sharing your information
- Schools / Centers: If you join through a tutoring center, your roster profile may be visible to that center's authorized staff for instructional support.
7. Children's Privacy (COPPA Compliance)
HelloPrep is intended for students preparing for the SAT who are 13 years of age or older, and for parents/guardians managing accounts for such students. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13.
- During onboarding, users must confirm they are 13+ (or a parent/guardian of a student who is 13+)
- We do not knowingly allow under-13 accounts; if we learn an under-13 account was created, we will delete it
- Parents/guardians can request deletion of a student account they control via Settings or by contacting support
- We do not use advertising pixels or sell student data to ad networks
If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child under 13 has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately at support@helloprep.ai.
8. Your Rights and Choices
You have the following rights regarding your personal information:
- Access: Request access to the personal information we hold about you
- Correction: Update or correct inaccurate information through your account settings
- Deletion: Delete your account in Settings, which removes your profile and practice records from our database
- Data Portability: Download a copy of your profile and practice data from Settings
- Analytics Opt-Out: Choose "Essential only" on our consent banner to disable optional analytics
- Opt-Out: Unsubscribe from marketing communications (service-related communications may still be sent)
To exercise these rights, use account Settings or contact us at support@helloprep.ai.
9. Data Retention
We retain your personal information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide the Service. We may retain certain information for longer periods as required by law, to resolve disputes, enforce our agreements, or for legitimate business purposes. When you delete your account, we will delete or anonymize your personal information, except where we are required to retain it for legal or regulatory purposes.
10. International Data Transfers
Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. These countries may have data protection laws that differ from those in your country. By using the Service, you consent to the transfer of your information to the United States and other countries where we operate. We take appropriate measures to ensure your information receives adequate protection in accordance with this Privacy Policy.
11. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to:
- Remember your preferences and settings
- Authenticate your account and maintain your session
- Analyze usage patterns and improve the Service
- Provide personalized content and recommendations
You can control cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling cookies may limit your ability to use certain features of the Service.
12. Changes to This Privacy 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. We may also notify you via email or through the Service. Your continued use of the Service after such changes constitutes your acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.
13. Contact Us
If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us at:
helloprep Inc.
Seal Beach, California
United States of America
Email: support@helloprep.ai