Privacy Policy & Data Protection

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Giveaway Entry Information

When you enter our giveaway, we collect:

• Full name (required)
• Email address (required)
• Phone number (optional)
• University name (required)
• Major/field of study (required)
• Expected graduation date (optional)
• Entry timestamp and IP address

1.2 Information Collected Automatically

When you visit our website, we automatically collect:

• Device Information: IP address, browser type, operating system
• Usage Information: Pages visited, referring website

Note: We currently do not use cookies or tracking technologies on our website.

1.3 Referral Information

We store referral tracking data locally in your browser (using localStorage) to track giveaway referrals. This data never leaves your device unless you choose to share your referral link.

2. How We Use Your Information

2.1 Giveaway Purposes

We use your information to:

• Process and verify your giveaway entry
• Conduct the random drawing and select a winner
• Notify and verify the winner
• Deliver the prize
• Comply with legal requirements (e.g., tax reporting if required)
• Announce the winner (with consent)
• Prevent fraud and ensure contest integrity

2.2 Marketing Communications (Optional)

With your explicit consent (via opt-in during signup), we may send you:

• Updates about Careers Launch Academy services
• Career resources and educational content
• Future opportunities and announcements

You may withdraw your consent at any time by:

• Clicking the "unsubscribe" link in any marketing email
• Emailing us at info@careerslaunchacademy.com

2.3 Legal and Security Purposes

We may use your information to:

• Comply with legal obligations and regulations
• Enforce our Terms of Service
• Protect our rights, property, and safety
• Prevent fraud, spam, and abuse

3. How We Protect Your Information

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal data from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction, including:

• Encryption of data in transit (SSL/TLS)
• Encryption of sensitive data at rest
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Access controls and authentication
• Employee training on data protection
• Secure data storage with reputable providers
• Regular backups and disaster recovery procedures

While we follow industry best practices and implement appropriate safeguards to protect your information, no system is completely secure. No method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. We encourage you to use caution when sharing personal data online and to contact us immediately if you suspect any unauthorized access to your account.

4. Sharing Your Information

4.1 We Do Not Sell Your Information

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties for their marketing purposes.

4.2 Service Providers

We may share your information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in:

• Website hosting and maintenance
• Email delivery (if you opt-in to communications)
• Analytics and performance monitoring
• Payment processing (for prize delivery)

These providers are contractually obligated to protect your information and use it only for the purposes we specify.

4.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required to do so by law or in response to:

• Court orders or legal processes
• Government or regulatory requests
• Enforcement of our Terms of Service
• Protection of our rights, property, or safety
• Prevention of fraud or illegal activity

4.4 Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred to the acquiring entity. We will notify you via email or prominent notice on our website before your information becomes subject to a different privacy policy.

5. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to:

• Fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy
• Comply with legal, accounting, or reporting requirements
• Resolve disputes and enforce our agreements

Specific Retention Periods:

• Giveaway Entries: 3 years after the drawing for record-keeping and tax purposes
• Marketing Data: Until you unsubscribe or request deletion

6. Your Rights and Choices

You have the following rights regarding your personal information:

6.1 Access

You have the right to request a copy of the personal information we hold about you.

6.2 Correction

You have the right to request that we correct any inaccurate or incomplete personal information.

6.3 Deletion

You have the right to request deletion of your personal information, subject to certain legal exceptions (such as legal obligations or completing the giveaway).

6.4 Opt-Out of Marketing

You can unsubscribe from marketing emails by clicking the "unsubscribe" link in any email or by contacting us at info@careerslaunchacademy.com.

6.5 Identity Verification

To protect your privacy and security, we will verify your identity before processing certain requests. This may include verifying your email address through a confirmation link.

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at info@careerslaunchacademy.com. We will respond to your request within 30 days (or 45 days for California residents under CCPA).

7. Children's Privacy

Our services are not intended for children under 13 years of age, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 in compliance with COPPA.

If you believe we have inadvertently collected information from a child under 13, please contact us immediately at info@careerslaunchacademy.com, and we will delete it promptly.

8. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites (such as Google's reCAPTCHA). We are not responsible for their privacy practices. Please review their privacy policies before providing any information.

9. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. When we make changes, we will:

• Update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy
• Post the updated policy on our website
• For material changes, notify you via email or prominent notice on our website

This policy is effective as of October 13, 2025.

10. California Privacy Rights (CCPA)

If you are a California resident, you have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA):

• Right to Know: What personal information we collect, use, and disclose
• Right to Delete: Request deletion of your personal information
• Right to Opt-Out: We do not sell your information
• Right to Non-Discrimination: We will not discriminate against you for exercising your rights

Contact us at info@careerslaunchacademy.com to exercise these rights. We will respond within 45 days.

11. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, or if you wish to exercise your privacy rights, please contact us: