Privacy Policy
This Privacy Policy describes how NearTeach ("Company", "we", "us", "our") collects, uses, stores, shares, and protects information about you when you use the NearTeach mobile application ("Application", "App", "Platform"). By using the Application, you consent to the practices described in this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with this policy, please do not use the Application.
This Privacy Policy is to be read together with our Terms of Service. Capitalised terms not defined in this policy have the meanings given to them in the Terms of Service.
1. Information We Collect
1.1 Information You Provide Directly
When you register and use the NearTeach Application, we collect information that you voluntarily provide, including: Your full name as provided during registration; your email address used for authentication and communication; your phone number, if provided during registration or profile setup; your profile photograph, if uploaded; your biography and self-description; your city and neighbourhood; your role on the Platform (tutor or student); for tutors: subjects taught, grade levels, years of experience, rate per month, rate per session; for students: grade level, subjects needed, preferred timing, and budget preferences; any reviews you write; any messages you send through the in-app chat; any support requests or communications you send to us.
1.2 Information Collected Automatically
When you use the Application, we automatically collect certain technical information, including: your device type, model, and operating system version; your application version; timestamps of your activity; push notification tokens; basic usage data including which screens you visit and how you interact with the Application.
1.3 Location Information
The Application collects your location information to facilitate the core function of the Platform. We collect the neighbourhood name and city you provide or confirm during onboarding, and we store a geographic coordinate point for calculating distances between users. We do not track your real-time GPS location continuously. Your location is updated only when you choose to update it within the Application.
1.4 Payment Information
All payment transactions are processed by Razorpay. NearTeach does not collect, store, or process your credit card numbers, debit card numbers, bank account details, UPI information, or any other sensitive financial data. We receive only transaction confirmation details from Razorpay.
1.5 Information We Do Not Collect
NearTeach does not collect Aadhaar card numbers or Aadhaar biometric data. NearTeach is not authorised to collect Aadhaar information and does not request or store such information under any circumstances.
2. How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect to: create and manage your account; display your profile to other users; calculate and display distances; facilitate in-app communication; send one-time passwords and push notifications; process payments through Razorpay; verify tutor profiles; moderate content; respond to support requests; improve the Application; maintain security; and comply with legal obligations.
3. How We Share Your Information
3.1 With Other Users
Certain profile information is visible to other users, including your name, profile photograph, neighbourhood, city, distance, subjects, grade level, verification status, and ratings. Your email address and phone number are never displayed to other users.
3.2 With Service Providers
We share information with Supabase (database), Cloudinary (media), Razorpay (payments), Resend (email), and Expo (push notifications). These providers are bound by contractual obligations to protect your information.
3.3 Cross-Border Data Transfers
Some service providers operate outside India. We take reasonable steps to ensure transfers comply with applicable data protection principles.
3.4 Legal Requirements
We may disclose your information if required by law or to protect rights, property, or safety.
3.5 No Sale of Personal Data
NearTeach does not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties.
4. Data Storage and Security
Your data is stored on Supabase and Cloudinary. We implement encryption, password hashing, rate limiting, and row-level security. No method of transmission over the internet is completely secure; we cannot guarantee absolute security.
5. Your Rights and Choices
You have the right to access and correct your information, request account deletion (processed within thirty days), opt out of push notifications, update location information, and request a copy of your data by contacting nearyou.teach@gmail.com.
6. Data Retention
We retain your data while your account is active. After deletion, we remove data within thirty days, except: payment records (seven years for tax compliance), legal dispute records, and anonymised analytical data.
7. Children's Privacy
Account creation requires at least thirteen years of age. Users between thirteen and eighteen require parent or guardian consent. Contact nearyou.teach@gmail.com if a child under thirteen has created an account without consent.
8. Third-Party Links and Services
The Application may contain links to third-party services (e.g. Google Meet). This Privacy Policy does not apply to those services. Review their privacy policies separately.
9. Cookies and Tracking
The NearTeach mobile Application does not use cookies. The website at nearteach.com may use basic session cookies. We do not use third-party tracking or advertising cookies.
10. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this policy from time to time. Material changes will be notified via push notification, in-app message, or email. The updated policy is effective when posted at nearteach.com/privacy.
11. Contact Us
For questions regarding this Privacy Policy or our handling of your personal data:
NearTeach
Privacy inquiries: nearyou.teach@gmail.com
Website: nearteach.com
We will respond to legitimate privacy inquiries within thirty days.