Privacy Policy

Last updated: May 8, 2026

1. Introduction

MatricMentor ("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 AI tutoring platform designed for South African high school students.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

When you register for MatricMentor, we collect:

  • Full name
  • Email address
  • Grade level (10, 11, or 12)
  • Parent/guardian email (optional)
  • Password (encrypted)

2.2 Usage Information

We automatically collect information about how you use our service:

  • Questions asked and AI responses
  • Subject preferences
  • Study session duration and frequency
  • Progress and performance metrics
  • Device information and browser type
  • IP address and approximate location

2.3 Payment Information

Payment processing is handled securely by PayFast. We do not store your full credit card details. We only retain transaction IDs and payment status for billing purposes.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information to:

  • Provide and maintain our tutoring service
  • Personalize your learning experience
  • Track your academic progress and study habits
  • Send you progress reports and educational updates
  • Process payments and manage subscriptions
  • Improve our AI models and service quality
  • Communicate important service updates
  • Respond to customer support inquiries
  • Detect and prevent fraud or abuse

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell your personal information. We may share your information only in the following circumstances:

  • With Parents/Guardians: Progress reports are shared with the parent email you provided (if any)
  • Service Providers: We use third-party services (Supabase for data storage, OpenAI for AI processing, PayFast for payments) that may access your data to provide services on our behalf
  • Legal Requirements: We may disclose information if required by law or to protect our rights and safety
  • Business Transfers: In the event of a merger or acquisition, your information may be transferred to the new entity

5. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide you services. You may request deletion of your account at any time by contacting us. We will delete your data within 30 days of your request, except where we are required to retain it for legal or security purposes.

6. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your information, including:

  • Encryption of data in transit and at rest
  • Secure password hashing
  • Regular security audits
  • Access controls and authentication
  • Secure hosting infrastructure

However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your data, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

7. Children's Privacy

MatricMentor is designed for high school students (typically ages 15-18). We comply with applicable privacy laws regarding minors. If you are under 18, we encourage you to provide a parent/guardian email so they can monitor your progress. Parents have the right to review and request deletion of their child's information.

8. Your Privacy Rights

Under South African law (POPIA), you have the right to:

  • Access the personal information we hold about you
  • Correct inaccurate or incomplete information
  • Request deletion of your personal information
  • Object to processing of your information
  • Withdraw consent at any time
  • Export your data in a portable format

To exercise these rights, please contact us at support@matricmentor.co.za

9. Cookies and Tracking

We use cookies and similar technologies to maintain your session, remember your preferences, and analyze service usage. You can control cookie settings through your browser, but disabling cookies may affect service functionality.

10. Third-Party Services

MatricMentor integrates with third-party services:

  • Supabase: Database and authentication
  • OpenAI: AI tutoring responses
  • PayFast: Payment processing
  • Vercel: Hosting and deployment

Each service has its own privacy policy. We encourage you to review them.

11. International Data Transfers

Your information may be stored and processed in servers located outside of South Africa. We ensure that such transfers comply with applicable data protection laws and that your data receives adequate protection.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by email or through a prominent notice on our platform. Your continued use of MatricMentor after such changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

13. Contact Us

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

Email: support@matricmentor.co.za

We will respond to your inquiry within 30 days.