Teacherwave

Privacy Policy

Your trust matters. Here's how we handle your data.

Effective Date: 03/12/2025Last Updated: 03/12/2025

At TeacherWave E.E. ("TeacherWave", "we", "us"), we are committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal data responsibly. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, share, and safeguard information relating to Students ("Users") and Tutors ("Freelancers") across the TeacherWave Platform ("Platform").

By creating an account or using the Platform, you acknowledge and agree to this Privacy Policy.

1. Data Controller & Contact Information

  • TeacherWave acts as the Data Controller for all personal data processed through the Platform.
  • Company Name: TeacherWave E.E.
  • Legal Entity: [Insert Legal Entity Type]
  • Email: [Insert Contact Email]
  • Data Protection Officer (DPO): [Insert if applicable]
  • For all privacy-related questions: privacy@teacherwave.com

2. Information We Collect

We collect only the personal data necessary to operate, secure, and improve the Platform.

2.1 Students (Users)

  • Full name, date of birth, gender (optional), and contact details
  • Parent/guardian information (for minors)
  • Account login details
  • Payment information (processed only by secure third-party providers)
  • Learning goals, lesson preferences, time zone
  • Lesson history, attendance, progress notes
  • Messages and communications with Tutors
  • Device, log, and usage data (IP address, browser type, session information)

2.2 Tutors (Freelancers)

  • Full name, residence address, contact details
  • Date of birth
  • Verification documents (passport/ID, qualifications, certificates)
  • Profile information (bio, introduction video, teaching areas)
  • Bank or PayPal details for payments
  • Tax identification number or business registration details
  • Availability, schedule, ratings, and performance metrics
  • Uploaded teaching materials and communication logs

2.3 Automatically Collected Data (All Users)

  • IP address, device identifiers, browser type
  • Date/time of access, session duration
  • Cookies and tracking technologies (see Section 10)

3. How We Use Your Information

We process personal data to:

For All Users

  • Create and manage accounts
  • Deliver Platform services
  • Connect Students and Tutors
  • Process payments, subscriptions, and withdrawals
  • Improve teaching experience and personalisation
  • Provide customer support
  • Detect fraud and maintain platform security
  • Comply with legal, financial, and tax obligations
  • Communicate important service updates

For Students

  • Facilitate bookings and subscription renewals
  • Provide Tutors with necessary teaching details
  • Track lesson progress and performance
  • Maintain learning history and preferences

For Tutors

  • Verify identity and qualifications
  • Publish teaching profiles
  • Process payments and withdrawals
  • Display ratings, reviews, and availability
  • Comply with tax and regulatory requirements

TeacherWave never sells personal data.

4. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR-Compliant)

We process data under the following lawful bases:

  • Contractual necessity: To provide lessons, payments, and support.
  • Legitimate interests: To improve platform performance, prevent fraud, and secure accounts.
  • Legal obligation: To comply with tax, finance, and law-enforcement requirements.
  • Consent: For marketing, cookies (non-essential), and certain optional features.

You may withdraw consent at any time by contacting privacy@teacherwave.com.

5. Data Sharing

We only share personal data where necessary and never sell data.

5.1 Sharing with Tutors (Students’ data)

Tutors receive:

  • First name
  • Age group (if provided)
  • Country
  • Lesson preferences, level, and schedule

Tutors do not receive:

  • Full address
  • Payment information
  • Private contact details

5.2 Sharing with Students (Tutors’ data)

Students only see public profile information such as:

  • Name, biography, qualifications
  • Photo, ratings, experience
  • Availability and teaching subjects

Private data (ID documents, banking info) is never shared.

5.3 Service Providers (Processors)

We use trusted third-party processors, including:

  • Payment processors (Stripe, PayPal)
  • Video lesson providers (Zoom, LessonSpace, etc.)
  • Cloud hosting services
  • Analytics and security providers

All partners comply with GDPR/CCPA requirements.

5.4 Legal Requests

We may disclose data when required by:

  • Law
  • Court orders
  • Tax authorities
  • Regulatory agencies

Only the minimum necessary data is provided.

6. International Data Transfers

TeacherWave is a global platform. Your data may be transferred to servers outside your home country.

Where required by law, transfers rely on:

  • GDPR Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs)
  • UK SCC Addendum
  • Adequacy decisions
  • Equivalent international safeguards

We ensure high security for all transfers.

7. Data Retention

We retain data only as long as necessary:

  • Active accounts: While in use
  • Tutor payment/tax records: Minimum 7 years
  • Messages and logs: Up to 2 years after account closure
  • Verification documents: Deleted after successful verification unless required for legal audits

You may request deletion at any time (see Section 9).

8. Security Measures

We use industry-standard protections, including:

  • SSL/TLS encryption
  • Two-factor authentication for Tutors
  • Limited role-based access controls
  • Regular security testing and monitoring
  • Encrypted databases and secure backups

While we take strong precautions, no online system is completely secure.

9. Your Data Rights

Under GDPR (EU/UK), you have the right to:

  • Access your data
  • Correct inaccurate information
  • Request deletion ("right to be forgotten")
  • Data portability
  • Restrict or object to processing
  • Withdraw consent

Under CCPA/CPRA (California), you may:

  • Request disclosure of collected data
  • Request deletion
  • Opt out of “sale” of data (TeacherWave does not sell data)
  • Limit use of sensitive information

Brazil (LGPD), Canada (PIPEDA), Australia, etc.: Equivalent rights apply.

To exercise any rights, email: privacy@teacherwave.com

We reply within 30 days, or within the legally required timeframe.

10. Cookies & Similar Technologies

TeacherWave uses cookies to:

  • Maintain login sessions
  • Improve performance and analytics
  • Personalize lesson recommendations

Types of cookies:

  • Essential cookies: Required for platform operation
  • Functional cookies: Improve user experience
  • Analytics cookies: Track usage (requires consent in some countries)

You can modify cookie settings in your browser. See our Cookie Policy for full details.

11. Marketing Communications

  • We may send essential service notifications (cannot be disabled).
  • Marketing emails only with your explicit consent.
  • You may unsubscribe at any time.

12. Third-Party Links

We may link to external websites. TeacherWave is not responsible for their privacy practices. Please review third-party policies before sharing personal data.

13. Children’s Privacy (COPPA + GDPR-K Compliant)

  • TeacherWave does not knowingly collect data from children without parental or guardian consent.
  • Children under 16 require parental consent (age 13 under U.S. COPPA).
  • Parent/guardian accounts are responsible for child activity on the Platform.
  • If we discover unauthorized data from a minor, we will delete it promptly.

14. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The latest version will always be posted on the Platform. Material changes will be notified in advance where legally required.

15. Contact & Complaints

For requests or complaints, email privacy@teacherwave.com.

If you believe your data rights have been violated, you may contact your local Data Protection Authority, including the Hellenic Data Protection Authority (HDPA) for EU/Greece.