Privacy & FERPA Notice

1. Introduction

AskCoco.net ("AskCoco," "we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting the privacy of students and families who use our AI-powered college counseling platform. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect student information in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and other applicable privacy laws.

Please read this Privacy Policy carefully. By accessing or using our services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by all the terms of this Privacy Policy.

2. FERPA Compliance

We handle all student data as education records under FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act). AskCoco acts as a "school official" with legitimate educational interest and never shares identifiable data without written consent.

Key FERPA Protections:

• All student data is treated as education records
• No identifiable data is shared without written consent
• Parents and eligible students have the right to access and correct education records
• We maintain strict data security measures to protect student information
• Third-party service providers are bound by Data Processing Agreements (DPAs)

3. Quick Summary

• We collect data to provide and improve our college counseling services.
• We use your information to personalize college recommendations and enhance your experience.
• We may use anonymized data to improve our recommendation algorithms.
• We share data with service providers and when legally required.
• You have rights regarding your personal information.
• We employ security measures to protect your data.
• This policy may be updated periodically.

4. Information We Collect

Personal Information:

• Email address (personal email, not school email)
• Name and profile information

Academic Information:

• GPA and academic performance data
• SAT/ACT scores and other standardized test results
• Intended major and academic interests
• Dream schools and college preferences
• Grade level and coursework information

System and Usage Data:

• Device and browser information (non-identifiable)
• Log file data (e.g., IP addresses, browser type, date/time stamps)
• Cookie and tracking technology data
• How you navigate our site and features you use
• Application progress and saved schools

We do not collect sensitive data such as Social Security Numbers, medical information, or school email addresses.

5. How We Use Your Information

We use your data solely for educational purposes:

• Generate personalized college recommendations
• Create and maintain your account
• Improve our algorithms and platform
• Track your application progress
• Enhance and personalize your experience
• Communicate account-related updates (never marketing)
• Respond to your inquiries and provide support
• Detect and prevent fraud

6. Consent to Data Collection

By signing up for AskCoco, you agree to the collection and processing of your academic data for educational guidance in compliance with FERPA. You can withdraw consent at any time by contacting us at billy@askcoco.net.

7. Data Sharing and Third-Party Processors

We only share data with trusted service providers under strict Data Processing Agreements (DPAs). We never sell or use data for unrelated purposes.

We may share your information with:

• Vetted service providers who assist us in operating our business and providing services (all bound by DPAs)
• Legal and regulatory authorities when required to comply with applicable laws

We will not sell your personal information to third parties. In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of all or a portion of our assets, your personal information may be transferred to the acquiring entity. We will ensure that the successor entity is bound by this Privacy Policy or provides you with notice before any changes are made regarding your personal information.

8. Access, Correction, and Deletion Rights

You have the right to:

• Access, correct, delete, or transfer your personal data
• Request copies of all data we have about you
• Correct inaccurate or incomplete information
• Opt-out of marketing communications
• Manage cookie settings through your browser
• Request that we delete your account and associated data

You may request to access, correct, or delete your data at billy@askcoco.net. We respond within 30 days.

9. Data Retention

Data is retained only as long as necessary for service provision and legal compliance. Inactive accounts are automatically deleted after 12 months of inactivity.

Contact us at billy@askcoco.net if you want your data to be deleted immediately or have any questions about our data retention practices.

10. Data Security Measures

All data is encrypted in transit (TLS/SSL) and at rest (AES-256). Access is limited to authorized staff, with logs and audits maintained. We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your data.

In case of a data breach, affected users will be notified within 30 days. However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. We regularly review our security practices to protect your information.

11. Children's Privacy

AskCoco.net is intended for users 13 and older. Our services are designed for high school students and their families. If you are under 18, you must have your parent or legal guardian's permission to use our services.

We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 without parental consent. Data from children under 13 discovered without consent will be deleted immediately. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us at billy@askcoco.net.

12. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your own. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for such transfers to protect your personal information in accordance with FERPA and other applicable privacy laws.

13. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party sites, including college websites and application portals. This privacy policy does not cover these external sites, and we encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.

14. Policy Updates

We may update this policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the new policy on this page and updating the "Effective Date." Continued use of AskCoco.net means you accept the revised terms.

We encourage you to review this Privacy & FERPA Notice frequently to stay informed about how we are protecting your information.

15. Contact Information

If you have any questions about this Privacy & FERPA Notice, or wish to exercise your data rights, please contact us at:

Email: billy@askcoco.net

Website: www.askcoco.net