Privacy Policy

Introduction

TutorSMS ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our student management application for tutors.

Please read this privacy policy carefully. By using TutorSMS, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.

Information We Collect

Account Information

When you create an account, we collect:

• Email address
• Password (stored securely using industry-standard hashing)
• Name (optional)
• Mobile phone number (optional, for SMS notifications)

Student Data

You may choose to store information about your tutoring students, including:

• Student names and contact information
• Parent/guardian contact information
• Session history and notes
• Billing rates and payment information
• Communication logs

Google Calendar Data

If you choose to connect your Google Calendar, we access:

• Calendar event data to sync your tutoring sessions
• The ability to create, read, update, and delete calendar events on your behalf

Important: We only access calendar data that you explicitly authorize. We do not access other Google services or data beyond what is necessary for calendar synchronization.

SMS Messaging Data

If you opt in to receive SMS notifications, we collect:

• Mobile Phone Number: Required to send you text messages
• Opt-In Timestamp: Date and time you consented to receive messages
• Message Preferences: Your notification preferences
• Opt-In/Opt-Out History: Record of your consent and any opt-out requests

We may also automatically collect:

• Carrier information for message delivery
• Message delivery status
• Response activity (keywords like STOP, HELP)

How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Provide, maintain, and improve our services
• Create and manage your account
• Store and display your student and session data
• Sync your tutoring sessions with Google Calendar (if enabled)
• Send you important updates about the service
• Respond to your comments, questions, and support requests
• Monitor and analyze usage patterns to improve user experience

SMS-Specific Uses

If you opt in to SMS notifications, we use your mobile phone number to:

• Send verification codes for account security
• Notify you of new student bookings
• Process opt-out requests immediately
• Respond to HELP requests with assistance
• Maintain compliance with TCPA and FCC regulations

We do NOT:

• Sell your phone number to third parties
• Share your phone number for marketing purposes without consent
• Use your number for purposes other than the program you opted into

Google API Services User Data Policy

TutorSMS's use and transfer of information received from Google APIs adheres to the Google API Services User Data Policy, including the Limited Use requirements.

Specifically, we:

• Only request access to the data we need to provide calendar synchronization features
• Do not sell your Google user data to third parties
• Do not use your Google user data for advertising purposes
• Do not transfer your Google user data to third parties except as necessary to provide and improve our services, or as required by law
• Do not use your Google user data to develop or train AI/ML models

Data Storage and Security

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

• Encryption of data in transit using TLS/SSL
• Encryption of sensitive data at rest
• Secure password hashing
• Regular security assessments
• Access controls limiting who can access your data

Your data is stored on secure servers. While we strive to protect your personal information, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure.

Data 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:

• Service Providers: With third-party vendors who assist us in operating our service (e.g., hosting providers, database services), subject to confidentiality agreements
• SMS Gateway Providers: Companies that transmit text messages to your carrier on our behalf
• Legal Requirements: If required by law or in response to valid legal requests by public authorities
• Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, with appropriate notice to you
• With Your Consent: With your explicit consent for any other purpose

All service providers are contractually required to protect your information and use it only for specified purposes.

Your Rights and Choices

You have the following rights regarding your data:

• Access: You can access your data at any time through your account
• Correction: You can update or correct your information through your account settings
• Deletion: You can request deletion of your account and associated data by contacting us
• Export: You can request a copy of your data in a portable format
• Revoke Google Access: You can disconnect your Google Calendar at any time through your account settings or through your Google Account permissions

SMS Opt-Out Rights (TCPA Compliance)

You have the absolute right to opt out of our SMS program at any time:

• Text "STOP" to any message to immediately unsubscribe
• We will send one final confirmation message and remove your number within 10 days
• Opting out does not affect your ability to use our other services
• You can also remove your phone number through your account settings

Need Help? Text "HELP" to any message for assistance, or contact us at info@tutorsms.com

California Residents (CCPA)

If you are a California resident, you have the right to:

• Know what personal information we collect
• Request deletion of your information
• Opt out of "sale" of information (we do not sell your data)
• Non-discrimination for exercising your rights

To exercise these rights, contact info@tutorsms.com

Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide you services. If you delete your account, we will delete your personal information within 30 days, except where we are required to retain it for legal purposes.

SMS Data Retention:

• Active Subscribers: For as long as you remain opted in
• After Opt-Out: Up to 5 years for compliance and legal requirements (TCPA record-keeping)
• Aggregated Data: Anonymized analytics may be retained indefinitely

You may request earlier deletion by contacting info@tutorsms.com, subject to our legal obligations.

Children's Privacy

TutorSMS is designed for use by tutors (adults) to manage their tutoring business. While tutors may store information about their students (who may be minors), TutorSMS is not directed at children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information directly from children under 13.

Our SMS program is not intended for individuals under 18 years of age. If you believe a child has provided us with their mobile number, please contact us immediately at info@tutorsms.com

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page and updating the "Last updated" date. Material changes will be communicated via:

• Email notification (if we have your email)
• SMS notification to active SMS subscribers
• Prominent notice on our website

Your continued use of TutorSMS after changes indicates acceptance of the updated policy.

Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us at:

Email: info@tutorsms.com