Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Squattest ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy and personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website, enroll in our courses, or use our services. We comply with applicable Canadian privacy laws, including the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA).

2. Information We Collect

We collect information you provide directly to us when you interact with our services, as well as information collected automatically through your use of our website.

Personal Information We Collect:

• Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, mailing address
• Account Information: Username, password, profile preferences
• Payment Information: Billing address, payment method details (processed securely through third-party providers)
• Course Information: Course preferences, dietary restrictions, allergies, cooking experience level
• Communications: Messages you send us, feedback, reviews, and support inquiries
• Emergency Contact: Emergency contact information for safety purposes during courses

Automatically Collected Information:

• Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent on pages, referring websites
• Device Information: IP address, browser type, operating system, device identifiers
• Cookies and Tracking: Information collected through cookies and similar tracking technologies
• Location Data: General geographic location based on IP address

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for legitimate business purposes to provide, maintain, and improve our services.

Primary Uses:

• Processing course registrations and managing your enrollment
• Processing payments and maintaining financial records
• Communicating about courses, schedules, changes, and important updates
• Providing customer support and responding to your inquiries
• Ensuring safety during courses by tracking dietary restrictions and allergies
• Issuing certificates and maintaining educational records

Secondary Uses (with consent):

• Sending promotional materials, newsletters, and course announcements
• Conducting surveys and gathering feedback to improve our services
• Personalizing your experience and recommending relevant courses
• Marketing and advertising our services (you can opt-out at any time)

Legal and Administrative Uses:

• Complying with legal obligations and regulatory requirements
• Protecting our rights, property, and safety, and that of our users
• Analyzing website usage to improve functionality and user experience

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, trade, or otherwise transfer your personal information to third parties without your consent, except in the limited circumstances described below:

Service Providers:

• Payment Processors: To process course payments securely
• Email Service Providers: To send course communications and newsletters
• Cloud Storage Providers: To securely store and backup your information
• Website Analytics: To analyze website usage and improve user experience

Legal Requirements:

• When required by law, regulation, or court order
• To protect our rights, property, or safety, or that of others
• To prevent fraud, security breaches, or other illegal activities
• In connection with legal proceedings or investigations

Business Transfers:

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred to the new entity, subject to the same privacy protections.

5. Data Security and Protection

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

Security Measures Include:

• Encryption of data in transit and at rest
• Secure payment processing through PCI-compliant providers
• Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments
• Access controls and employee training on data protection
• Secure backup and disaster recovery procedures

Important: While we strive to protect your information, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security.

6. Your Privacy Rights

You have certain rights regarding your personal information under Canadian privacy law:

• Access: Request copies of the personal information we hold about you
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal obligations)
• Portability: Request transfer of your data to another service provider
• Opt-out: Unsubscribe from marketing communications at any time
• Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent for optional data processing
• Complaint: File a complaint with privacy authorities if you believe we've mishandled your data

To exercise these rights, contact us using the information provided at the end of this policy. We will respond to your request within 30 days.

7. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to improve your website experience, analyze usage, and deliver relevant content.

Types of Cookies We Use:

• Essential Cookies: Required for website functionality
• Performance Cookies: Help us understand how visitors use our site
• Functional Cookies: Remember your preferences and settings
• Marketing Cookies: Used to deliver relevant advertisements (with consent)

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Please see our Cookie Policy for detailed information.

8. Third-Party Services and Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites, social media platforms, or services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to read their privacy policies before providing any personal information.

Third-Party Services We Use:

• Payment processors (Stripe, PayPal)
• Email marketing platforms
• Social media platforms
• Analytics services (Google Analytics)
• Customer support tools

9. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law.

Retention Periods:

• Course Records: 7 years for certification and educational purposes
• Financial Records: 7 years for tax and accounting purposes
• Marketing Communications: Until you unsubscribe
• Website Usage Data: 26 months maximum
• Customer Support: 3 years after resolution

10. Children's Privacy

Our services are intended for adults aged 18 and over. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18 without parental consent. If you are under 18, please have your parent or guardian contact us to discuss enrollment and provide necessary consents.

11. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries outside of Canada, including the United States, where our service providers are located. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information in accordance with Canadian privacy standards.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. We will notify you of significant changes by:

• Posting the updated policy on our website
• Updating the "Last updated" date at the top of this page
• Sending email notifications for material changes (if you've provided consent)
• Displaying prominent notices on our website

13. Contact Us About Privacy

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, want to exercise your privacy rights, or have concerns about our privacy practices, please contact us:

You also have the right to file a complaint with the Privacy Commissioner of Canada if you believe we have not addressed your privacy concerns adequately.