Privacy Policy

Summary (plain English)

We collect only the information needed to run Ubuntu Talks (your account, payments, and learning activity), keep it secure, and improve our services. We do not sell personal data. You can access, update, download, or delete your data at any time by emailing admin@ubuntutalks.com.

Who We Are

Ubuntu Talks (“we”, “us”, “our”) provides online African-language courses and related services for individuals, schools, and enterprises.
Data controller & contact: admin@ubuntutalks.com

What Data We Collect

• Account & identity: name, email address, password (hashed), profile details (e.g., avatar, language interests).

• Transactions: billing details, invoice data, payment confirmations (we do not store full card numbers; payments are handled by our payment provider).

• Learning activity: courses and lessons, progress, assessments, certifications, messages/forums you choose to post.

• Usage & device: IP address, device/browser type, pages viewed, approximate location, cookies or similar identifiers.

• Support & communications: inquiries, support tickets, survey responses, newsletter preferences.

How We Use Your Data (Purposes & Legal Bases)

• Provide the service (create/manage accounts, enrollments, certificates, support). Legal basis: contract / legitimate interests.

• Payments & invoices. Contract / legal obligation.

• Security & fraud prevention (logins, auditing, abuse prevention). Legitimate interests / legal obligation.

• Service improvement & analytics (feature development, performance, content relevance). Legitimate interests / consent where required.

• Marketing communications (newsletters, product updates) only if you opt in or where permitted; you can unsubscribe anytime. Consent / legitimate interests.

Cookies & Similar Technologies

We use:

• Essential cookies to run the site (security, sessions, preferences).

• Optional analytics/marketing cookies (if enabled) to understand usage and improve content.
  You can manage preferences via our cookie banner and your browser settings. See our Cookie Policy for details.

When We Share Data

We share personal data only with trusted service providers who help us operate Ubuntu Talks, such as:

• learning platform and hosting providers,

• payment processors,

• email and customer-support tools,

• video/meeting and content delivery tools,

• analytics and error-monitoring services.

These providers process data under contract, follow our instructions, and may access data only to provide their services. We do not sell personal information.

International Transfers

If personal data is transferred outside your country (e.g., to the US/EU/UK), we use appropriate safeguards such as Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) or equivalent mechanisms as required by law.

Data Retention

• Account data: retained while your account is active; deleted or anonymized within 12 months after closure (unless required otherwise by law).

• Transaction records: retained for tax/accounting purposes (typically 7 years).

• Support tickets/emails: up to 24 months.
  We may retain logs longer where necessary for security, auditing, or to resolve disputes.

Your Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the right to access, correct, delete, restrict or object to processing, and receive a copy of your data (portability).
Requests: admin@ubuntutalks.com. We will respond as required by applicable law.
If you are in the EEA/UK, you can also complain to your local data protection authority.

California Privacy Notice (CPRA)

California residents have rights to: know, delete, correct, and limit the use/disclosure of sensitive personal information, and to opt out of “sharing” for cross-context behavioral advertising.
Use our cookie/banner preferences or email admin@ubuntutalks.com to exercise your rights.
If applicable on your site, provide a link: “Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information.”

Children’s Privacy

Our services are not directed to children under 13 (or the age required by your jurisdiction). We do not knowingly collect children’s personal data without verifiable consent from a parent/guardian. If you believe a child has provided personal data, contact admin@ubuntutalks.com to request deletion.

Security

We implement administrative, technical, and physical safeguards appropriate to the risk, including encryption in transit, access controls, least-privilege practices, and ongoing monitoring. No method is 100% secure; if a breach occurs, we will notify affected users as required by law.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy from time to time. We will post the revised version here and update the Last updated date above. For material changes, we may also notify you by email or in-app.

Contact Us

Questions or privacy requests: admin@ubuntutalks.com