Last Updated: January 23, 2024
1. Introduction
DegreeRank (“we,” “our,” or “us”) is committed to protecting your privacy and personal data. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our website and services. By using DegreeRank, you consent to the data practices described in this policy.
2. Information We Collect
2.1 Personal Information
We collect information that you voluntarily provide when using our services. This includes basic contact information such as your name and email address, as well as details about your academic interests and background. When you create an account or submit inquiries, we may collect additional information such as your phone number, country of residence, academic history, and professional background to better serve your educational needs.
2.2 Automatically Collected Information
When you visit DegreeRank, our systems automatically collect certain technical information about your visit. This includes your IP address, browser type, device information, and details about how you interact with our website. We use this information to analyze trends, administer the site, track user movements, and gather demographic information for aggregate use.
2.3 Cookies and Similar Technologies
We utilize cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your browsing experience. These tools help us remember your preferences, analyze website traffic, and personalize content to your interests. You can control cookie settings through your browser, though disabling certain cookies may limit your access to some features of our website.
3. How We Use Your Information
3.1 Service Provision
Your information enables us to provide our core educational comparison services effectively. We use it to maintain your account, process course inquiries, and facilitate communications with universities. This data also helps us provide personalized course recommendations and respond to your support requests promptly.
3.2 Communications
We use your contact information to send important service updates and educational resources relevant to your interests. With your explicit consent, we may send marketing communications about universities, courses, and educational opportunities. You can manage your communication preferences at any time through your account settings.
3.3 Website Improvement
To enhance our services, we analyze user behavior patterns and website performance metrics. This analysis helps us optimize the user experience, develop new features, and resolve technical issues. All analytics are conducted with respect for user privacy and data protection principles.
4. Information Sharing
We respect your privacy and carefully control how your information is shared. We only share your data with:
Partner Universities: When you express interest in a program, we share relevant information with the university to facilitate your application process.
Service Providers: We work with trusted third-party providers who assist in operating our website, conducting business, or serving you. These providers are bound by strict confidentiality agreements.
Legal Requirements: We may disclose information when required by law or to protect our rights, privacy, safety, property, or that of others.
5. Data Protection
5.1 Security Measures
We implement comprehensive security measures to protect your data. Our systems use advanced SSL encryption, secure data storage protocols, and strict access controls. Regular security audits and employee training ensure consistent protection of your information.
5.2 Data Retention
We maintain your personal data only for as long as necessary to provide our services and comply with legal obligations. You can request data deletion at any time, though we may retain certain information as required by law or for legitimate business purposes.
6. Your Rights
As a user of DegreeRank, you have several fundamental rights regarding your personal data. You can request access to all personal information we hold about you, and we will provide this information within 30 days. You have the right to correct any inaccurate data in your records. If you wish to withdraw from our services, you can request complete deletion of your personal data, subject to legal retention requirements. You may also object to certain types of processing and request your data be transferred to another service provider.
7. International Data Transfers
7.1 Data Location
DegreeRank maintains its primary servers in the European Union. However, due to our global reach, your information may be transferred to different locations worldwide. We work with international service providers and university partners to deliver our services effectively while maintaining data protection standards.
7.2 Transfer Safeguards
When transferring data internationally, we implement robust safeguards to protect your information. These include standard contractual clauses approved by the European Commission, Privacy Shield compliance where applicable, and comprehensive data processing agreements with our partners. We ensure that any international transfer of your data complies with applicable data protection laws.
8. Children’s Privacy
DegreeRank is committed to protecting children’s privacy. Our services are not intended for users under 16 years of age. If we discover that we have collected personal information from a child under 16, we will promptly delete it. Parents or guardians who believe their child has submitted personal information should contact us immediately. We may implement age verification measures for certain services to ensure compliance.
9. Marketing Communications
9.1 Opt-in Consent
We respect your choice in receiving marketing communications. All marketing messages require your explicit consent, and you can manage your preferences through your account settings. We provide clear mechanisms to opt-out of marketing communications while continuing to receive essential service updates.
9.2 Communication Types
Our communications include service updates about our platform, educational content relevant to your interests, information about new courses or universities, and occasional promotional offers. We strive to ensure all communications provide value to your educational journey.
10. Third-Party Links
Our website includes links to external websites and services. These third-party sites have their own privacy policies, which may differ from ours. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any external sites you visit through our platform. While we carefully select our partners, we cannot be responsible for the privacy practices of other websites.
11. Changes to Privacy Policy
We regularly review and update our privacy policy to reflect changes in our practices and services. When we make significant changes, we will notify you through email or website notifications. Continued use of our services after policy updates constitutes acceptance of the changes. We maintain an archive of previous versions for reference.
12. Legal Basis
We process personal data under several legal frameworks:
- Consent: When you explicitly agree to the processing of your data
- Contractual Necessity: To provide our services and fulfill our agreements with you
- Legal Obligations: To comply with applicable laws and regulations
- Legitimate Interests: When processing is necessary for our legitimate business interests while respecting your rights and freedoms
13. Cookie Policy
Our detailed Cookie Policy explains how we use different types of cookies and similar technologies on our website. This includes essential cookies for website functionality, analytics cookies to improve our services, and optional marketing cookies. You can access our complete Cookie Policy for more information about managing your cookie preferences.
14. Jurisdiction
This privacy policy is governed by and constructed in accordance with EU GDPR and other applicable data protection laws. For users outside the EU, we strive to provide equivalent levels of data protection. We comply with international privacy standards and industry best practices while adapting to evolving legal requirements.
15. Data Processing Records
We maintain detailed records of our data processing activities as required by law. These records include categories of personal data processed, purposes of processing, categories of recipients, and technical security measures. While these records are primarily for internal use and regulatory compliance, you may request access to relevant portions that concern your personal data.
Contact Information
For privacy-related questions or concerns, please contact our Data Protection Officer:
Email: privacy@degreerank.com Data Protection Officer: dpo@degreerank.com Response Time: Within 48 hours
Acceptance of Terms
By using DegreeRank, you acknowledge that you have read and understand this Privacy Policy. If you disagree with any aspect of this policy, please discontinue use of our services. For any questions about these terms, contact us at dpo@degreerank.com.
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