Privacy Policy

Welcome to 2ndNote ("we," "our," or "us"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our academic PDF sharing platform, including our website and mobile applications (collectively, the "Service").

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Information You Provide

• Account Information: Email address, display name, and profile information when you create an account
• Educational Information: Department, level/year, school/university name
• Content: PDFs and documents you upload to share with the community
• Communications: Messages sent through our support or feedback systems

1.2 Information We Collect Automatically

• Usage Data: How you interact with our Service, pages viewed, time spent
• Device Information: Device type, operating system, browser type, IP address
• Location Data: General location based on IP address (country/region level only)
• Cookies and Tracking: For website functionality and analytics

1.3 Information from Third Parties

• Google Sign-In: If you choose to sign in with Google (optional)
• Analytics Services: Google Analytics for website usage insights

2. How We Use Your Information

2.1 Service Provision

• Create and manage your account
• Provide access to academic PDFs and study materials
• Enable PDF uploads and sharing functionality
• Process favorites and user preferences

2.2 Community Features

• Facilitate PDF sharing among students and educators
• Display user-generated content and academic resources
• Manage PDF request and sharing features

2.3 Service Improvement

• Analyze usage patterns to improve our Service
• Debug technical issues and ensure platform stability
• Develop new features based on user needs

2.4 Legal Compliance

• Comply with applicable laws and regulations
• Prevent fraud, abuse, and illegal activities
• Enforce our Terms of Service

3. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information only in the following circumstances:

3.1 With Your Consent

When you explicitly agree to share information for specific purposes.

3.2 Service Providers

We use trusted third-party services (Firebase, hosting providers) who help operate our Service. These providers have access to your information only to perform tasks on our behalf and are obligated to protect it.

3.3 Legal Requirements

When required by law, court order, or to protect our rights, safety, or that of others.

3.4 Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred.

3.5 Academic Community

Uploaded PDFs and basic profile information are shared with the academic community to facilitate learning and collaboration.

4. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information:

• Encryption: Data transmission and storage encryption
• Access Controls: Limited access to personal information
• Regular Audits: Security monitoring and updates
• Safe Storage: Secure cloud infrastructure (Firebase)

However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security.

5. Data Retention

• Account Data: Retained while your account is active and for a reasonable period after deletion
• Uploaded Content: Retained as long as it benefits the academic community
• Usage Data: Typically retained for 2 years for analytics and service improvement
• Legal Requirements: Some data may be retained longer if required by law

6. Your Rights and Choices

6.1 Account Information

• Access: View and update your profile information
• Correction: Update inaccurate information
• Deletion: Request account and data deletion
• Export: Download your data in a portable format

6.2 Content Control

• Upload Management: Control your uploaded PDFs
• Favorites: Manage your saved documents
• Visibility: Choose what information to share

6.3 Communication Preferences

• Marketing: Opt-out of promotional communications
• Notifications: Control push notifications and emails

7. Cookies and Tracking

We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience:

• Essential Cookies: Required for basic functionality
• Analytics Cookies: Help us understand usage patterns
• Preference Cookies: Remember your settings

You can control cookie preferences through your browser settings.

8. Third-Party Services

8.1 Firebase

We use Google Firebase for authentication, database, and file storage. Their privacy policy applies to data processed through their services.

8.2 Analytics

Google Analytics helps us understand how users interact with our Service. This data is anonymized and aggregated.

8.3 Ad Networks (Future)

If we implement advertising, ad networks may collect information about your interests and browsing behavior.

9. Children's Privacy

Our Service is intended for users 13 years and older. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware of such collection, we will delete the information immediately.

10. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your own. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your data during such transfers.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes by:

• Email notification to your registered email address
• Prominent notice on our Service
• Update of the "Last Updated" date

Your continued use of the Service after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

12. Contact Us

13. Governing Law

This Privacy Policy is governed by the laws of [Your Country/State], without regard to its conflict of law principles.

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This privacy policy is designed to comply with GDPR, CCPA, and other international privacy regulations.
Last reviewed: January 8, 2025