Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Branchways (“we”, “our”, or “us”) is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard personal information when you use our website and applications (the “Service”).

This Privacy Policy complies with:

• PIPEDA – Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (Canada)
• Applicable provincial privacy laws
• COPPA – Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (U.S.) for users under 13
• GDPR (as applicable for EU users)

By using the Service, you consent to the practices outlined in this Privacy Policy.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

• Name
• Email address
• Username and password
• Class or school affiliation (if applicable)
• Messages, notes, or content you submit to the app
• Support inquiries and feedback

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

• Device information
• Browser type
• IP address
• Usage data (pages viewed, actions taken, interactions)
• Cookies or similar technologies used for essential functionality

2.3 Student Data (Educational Use)

• If the Service is used by teachers or schools:
• Teachers or schools may create and manage accounts for students
• Schools may provide student names or identifiers
• Student activity within the app (e.g., progress or submissions)
• We do not collect unnecessary personal information from students.

3. Children Under 13

Branchways can be used in educational environments where teachers or schools create accounts for students under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 directly.

• If a teacher or school provides student information, they represent that they have obtained all required parental or guardian consent.
• We use student data solely for educational purposes.
• We do not use student data for marketing, ad targeting, or profiling.
• We comply with COPPA, PIPEDA, and equivalent education privacy standards.
• If we become aware of unauthorized child data collection, we will delete it promptly.

4. How We Use Personal Information

• Provide and maintain the Service
• Create and manage accounts
• Support teachers and student progress tracking (if used in a classroom setting)
• Improve the Service and user experience
• Communicate updates, security notices, and technical support
• Monitor and analyze usage
• Ensure the security and integrity of the platform

We do not sell personal information. We do not use personal information for advertising or cross-site tracking.

5. PIPEDA Compliance and Individual Rights (Canada)

Branchways complies with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA). You have the right to:

• Know why and how your personal information is collected, used, and disclosed
• Access the personal information we hold about you
• Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Withdraw consent at any time
• Challenge our compliance
• File a complaint with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada

We only collect personal information for purposes that a reasonable person would consider appropriate.

6. Legal Bases for Processing (GDPR – if applicable)

For EU/EEA users, we process personal data under lawful bases including:

• Consent
• Performance of a contract
• Legitimate interests
• Compliance with legal obligations

7. Data Storage, International Transfer, and Security

Branchways stores data using reputable third-party service providers. Data may be stored in Canada, the United States, or other jurisdictions.

When personal information is transferred outside Canada, it may be subject to foreign laws. We ensure all processors provide comparable protection required by PIPEDA.

We use encryption and industry-standard safeguards; however, no system is 100% secure.

8. Sharing of Information

• Service providers (cloud hosting, authentication, analytics)
• Schools or teachers, when accounts are created under an education license
• Legal authorities, if required by law or to protect rights and safety

We do not share personal information for advertising or marketing.

9. Retention

We retain personal information only as long as necessary for the purposes it was collected, to meet legal or contractual obligations, or to maintain accurate education records (when applicable). Users and schools may request deletion of their data at any time.

10. Your Choices and Rights

• Access or update your account
• Delete your account
• Request correction of any inaccurate information
• Withdraw consent
• Request deletion of stored data
• Teachers may request bulk deletion of student accounts

11. Contact Information

For privacy questions, concerns, or requests:

Email: contact@branchways.net

You may also contact: Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada (if in Canada)

Last updated: December 2025