Privacy Policy

Effective Date: May 7,  2025
Company: QuickTalk Tutor Limited
Company Registration: 16435617 (Registered in England and Wales)
Registered Office: England and Wales
Contact Email: info@quicktalktutor.com

QuickTalk Tutor Limited (“we,” “us,” or “our”) respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal data. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your information when you visit our website, book lessons, or purchase materials.

By using our website, booking a lesson, or purchasing materials, you agree to the terms in this Privacy Policy.

1. Information We Collect
We collect only the information necessary to provide our tutoring services, manage bookings, process payments, and meet legal obligations.

1.1 Personal Information Provided by You
When you contact us, book a lesson, or purchase a product, we may collect:
– Full name (of learner and, if under 18, parent or guardian)
– Email address
– WeChat ID or similar contact handle (if provided voluntarily)
– Lesson preferences and selected duration
– Country or time zone (for scheduling)
– Payment details (processed securely through Stripe – we never store full card information)
– Feedback or testimonials (if submitted voluntarily)

1.2 Information for Children Under 18
If the learner is under 18, a parent or legal guardian must provide consent and contact details.
We only collect information necessary to deliver lessons, such as the child’s name, age, and level of English.
We never knowingly collect personal data directly from children under 13 without verified parental consent.

1.3 Automatically Collected Information
When you visit our website, limited data may be collected automatically, including:
– IP address
– Browser type
– Device information
– Cookie data for basic functionality and analytics
We do not use invasive tracking or advertising cookies.

2. How We Use Your Information
We use personal information to:
– Provide online English tutoring and digital materials
– Manage bookings and lesson schedules through Calendly
– Communicate via email or WeChat (for lesson links, feedback, and support)
– Process payments through Stripe
– Deliver lesson feedback and respond to inquiries
– Maintain business records and comply with UK tax and legal obligations
– Improve our services and website user experience
We will not use your personal information for marketing unless you give clear consent.

2.1 Lawful Basis for Processing
We process your personal data on the following legal bases under UK GDPR:
– To perform a contract with you (lesson delivery, payment processing, and support).
– To comply with legal obligations (tax and record-keeping).
– For our legitimate interests (improving services and preventing fraud).
– With your consent (when you voluntarily provide testimonials or opt in for communications).

3. How We Share and Store Data
3.1 Service Providers
We share information only with trusted third-party providers necessary for our operations:
– Calendly: for booking and scheduling lessons
– Stripe: for payment processing
– Email and hosting services: for secure communication
– Video platforms (Zoom or Tencent Meeting): for delivering online lessons
Each provider is bound by data protection agreements and cannot use your data for other purposes.

3.2 Data Location and Transfers
We are based in the United Kingdom. When we transfer data outside the UK (for example, to Asia or other regions for students), we take all reasonable steps to ensure appropriate protection, including secure connections and GDPR-equivalent safeguards.

3.3 Storage and Security
All personal data is stored securely in encrypted systems. We apply strict access control, regular password changes, and secure cloud services. Your information is retained only for as long as necessary to deliver lessons, maintain business records, or comply with legal requirements.

4. Children’s Privacy and Parental Consent
We take the privacy of children seriously. Children under 18 may only book lessons with verified parental or guardian consent. Parents or guardians control communication and payments. Lessons with minors take place in private online settings with parental awareness. We never share, publish, or use a child’s personal information for advertising. Parents may request access, correction, or deletion of their child’s data at any time.

By consenting to lessons for a child, parents or guardians agree that QuickTalk Tutor Limited may contact them regarding lesson progress, scheduling, or any behavioural or safety concerns.

If we learn that we have collected information from a child under 13 without parental consent, we will delete it promptly.

5. Payments and Financial Data
Payments are handled securely through Stripe, which supports WeChat Pay, Alipay, and debit or credit cards. We never store your card numbers or payment details. Stripe’s privacy and security measures comply with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). Transaction details may appear on your statement as “QuickTalk Tutor Limited.”

6. Cookies and Tracking
Our website uses limited cookies for:
– Basic website functionality
– Anonymous visitor analytics (to understand traffic and improve content)
– Session management during bookings
Session cookies are automatically deleted when you close your browser. Anonymous analytics cookies may be retained for up to 26 months. You can disable cookies in your browser settings. We do not use advertising or social media tracking cookies.

7. Data Retention
We retain personal data only as long as necessary for the purpose collected, including:
– Active student records: kept during the tutoring relationship
– Payment and tax records: up to 6 years (required by law)
– Testimonials and feedback: until you request removal
When data is no longer needed, it is securely deleted or anonymized.

8. Your Rights Under UK GDPR
You have the following rights regarding your personal data:
– Right of access: to request a copy of your personal information.
– Right to correction: to update or fix incorrect data.
– Right to deletion: to request that we delete your personal data (except when legally required to retain it).
– Right to restriction: to limit how we use your data.
– Right to portability: to request your data in a structured format.
– Right to object: to certain uses of your data (e.g. marketing).
To exercise any of these rights, email info@quicktalktutor.com. We will respond within one calendar month as required by law.
If you are not satisfied with how we handle your data, you may contact the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) at www.ico.org.uk.

9. Data Security
We maintain strict administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your data against unauthorized access, misuse, alteration, or loss. These include:
– Encrypted cloud storage
– Password-protected systems
– Secure video and communication platforms
– Regular data protection reviews
No online system is completely secure, but we take every reasonable step to minimize risk.

10. Third-Party Links
Our website may include links to other websites or resources (for example, Stripe or Calendly). We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before sharing personal information.

11. Digital Products and Downloads
When you purchase digital materials such as books or guides, your personal data (name, email, and payment details) are collected to process your order and provide access. Downloads are for personal, non-commercial use only. We retain sales records for accounting purposes but do not store files on your device or monitor your use.

12. Data Breach Policy
In the event of a data breach, we will:
1. Identify and contain the breach immediately.
2. Assess the risk to affected individuals.
3. Notify the Information Commissioner’s Office within 72 hours (if required).
4. Notify affected individuals if there is a high risk to their rights and freedoms.

13. Lawful Non-Disclosure
We do not sell, rent, or trade personal information to third parties. Data is shared only with service providers directly involved in delivering our lessons, payments, or communications.

14. Data Protection Contact
Our appointed Data Protection Contact is the Director of QuickTalk Tutor Limited. All privacy-related inquiries should be directed to info@quicktalktutor.com with the subject “Data Protection Request.”

15. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect legal, technical, or business developments. The updated version will always be posted on our website with a revised “Effective Date.” We encourage you to review this page periodically.

16. Contact Us
If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or your personal data, please contact:

QuickTalk Tutor Limited
Registered in England and Wales (No. 16435617)
Email: info@quicktalktutor.com