Privacy Policy

1. Information We Collect

We collect information you provide directly to us, such as when you create an account, use our services, or contact us for support.

• Account information (name, email, profile data)
• Study progress, quiz scores, and learning activity tracking
• AI chat history and tutoring interactions
• Flashcard usage and bookmark data
• Communications with our support team
• Usage analytics and performance metrics

We may also use cookies and similar technologies to collect this information. For more details, please see our Cookie Policy.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to provide, maintain, and improve our services:

• Provide personalized learning experiences and AI tutoring
• Track your progress, quiz performance, and learning activity
• Generate study recommendations and adaptive content
• Store flashcard progress and bookmark preferences
• Communicate with you about your account and our services
• Analyze usage patterns to improve our platform
• Provide customer support

3. Information Sharing

We do not sell, trade, or otherwise transfer your personal information to third parties, except in the following circumstances:

• With your explicit consent
• To comply with legal obligations
• To protect our rights and prevent fraud
• With service providers who assist our operations (under strict confidentiality)

4. AI and Google Services

MapleShip uses Google's Gemini AI to power our intelligent tutoring features and Google Authentication for secure sign-in. When you use these services:

• Your interactions with AI features are processed by Google to provide responses
• Google Authentication data is handled according to Google's privacy policies
• We minimize data sent to these services and retain only what's necessary for your experience

5. Mobile App Data Collection

When you use the MapleShip mobile app, we may collect additional information to improve your experience:

• Device information (model, operating system version, unique device identifiers)
• App usage statistics and crash reports to ensure stability
• Location data (if you grant permission) for location-based features
• Push notification preferences and interaction data

All mobile app data collection follows the same privacy principles as our web platform.

6. Google User Data and Services

MapleShip integrates with Google services to provide authentication and AI-powered features. We access, use, store, and share Google user data as follows:

Google Authentication

When you sign in with Google, we access:

• Your email address (required for account creation and communication)
• Your name and profile picture (optional, used for personalization)
• Basic profile information to create and maintain your account

This data is stored securely in our database and used only for authentication and account management. We do not share this data with third parties except as required for the service.

Google Gemini AI

Our AI tutor feature uses Google's Gemini AI service. When you interact with the AI tutor:

• Your chat messages and study-related queries are sent to Google for processing
• AI responses are generated based on your input and stored temporarily for conversation continuity
• We retain chat history only while your account is active
• Data is processed according to Google's AI principles and our data minimization practices

Firebase Services

We use Google Firebase for app functionality:

• Firebase Authentication for secure sign-in
• Firebase Firestore for storing your study progress and data
• Firebase Crashlytics for app stability monitoring

All Google service usage complies with Google's privacy policies and our commitment to data protection.

7. Data Security

We implement appropriate security measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction.

8. Your Rights and Data Control

You have complete control over your personal data. You have the right to:

• Access and update your personal information through your profile settings
• Delete your account and all associated data at any time - available directly in your profile settings under "Danger Zone"
• Opt out of non-essential communications
• Request data portability in a machine-readable format
• Request a copy of all data we have about you

Account Deletion: When you delete your account, we permanently remove:

• Your profile and account information
• All study progress, quiz scores, and bookmarks
• AI chat history and learning data
• Any preferences and settings

This action is immediate and cannot be undone. You can delete your account at any time from your profile page without contacting support.

9. Children's Privacy

Our services are not intended for children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this privacy policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the new policy on this page and updating the "last updated" date.

11. Government Affiliation Disclaimer

MapleShip is an independent study portal and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the Government of Canada or any government entity. All study materials are based on the official Discover Canada guide. This app is for study purposes only and does not provide or facilitate government services.