Privacy Policy

Introduction

Welcome to Acumen Ink. We respect your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal data. This privacy policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our platform.

Please read this privacy policy carefully to understand our policies and practices regarding your information. By accessing or using our services, you agree to this privacy policy.

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Personal Information

We may collect the following personal information:

• Account Information: Name, email address, phone number, username, and password
• Profile Information: Professional background and education
• Payment Information: Bank account details, PayPal email, or other payment service information
• Communication Data: Messages, feedback, and support requests

1.2 Automatically Collected Information

We automatically collect certain information when you visit our platform:

• Usage Data: IP address, device information, browser type, operating system
• Interaction Data: Pages visited, features used, time spent on platform
• Location Data: General location based on IP address
• Cookies and Similar Technologies: Information collected through cookies, web beacons, and similar technologies

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your information for the following purposes:

• Providing and maintaining our services
• Processing payments and managing writer accounts
• Verifying your identity and preventing fraud
• Communicating with you about assignments, payments, and platform updates
• Personalizing your experience and improving our platform
• Analyzing usage patterns to enhance our services
• Complying with legal obligations

3. Legal Basis for Processing

We process your personal data based on the following legal grounds:

• Contractual Necessity: To fulfill our contractual obligations to you
• Legitimate Interests: When necessary for our legitimate business interests
• Consent: Where you have provided explicit consent
• Legal Obligation: To comply with applicable laws and regulations

4. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We may share your information with:

4.1 Service Providers

Third-party vendors who help us provide our services, including:

• Payment processors
• Cloud storage providers
• Communication service providers
• Analytics services

4.2 Business Partners

Clients who commission content, with limitations on what information is shared.

4.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required by law, regulation, legal process, or governmental request.

4.4 Business Transfers

In connection with a corporate transaction, such as a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets.

5. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in countries other than your country of residence. We take appropriate safeguards to ensure your data is protected when transferred internationally.

6. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, accidental loss, or damage. However, no electronic transmission or storage is 100% secure.

Our security measures include:

• Encryption of sensitive data
• Regular security assessments
• Access controls and authentication procedures
• Secure data storage practices

7. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which we collected it, including:

• Providing our services
• Maintaining your account
• Complying with legal obligations
• Resolving disputes
• Enforcing our agreements

8. Your Privacy Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights:

• Access: Request access to your personal information
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate data
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information
• Restriction: Request restriction of processing
• Data Portability: Request transfer of your data
• Objection: Object to processing of your personal information
• Withdrawal of Consent: Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent

To exercise these rights, please contact us at privacy@acumenink.com.

9. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to collect information about your browsing activities. You can control cookies through your browser settings.

9.1 Types of Cookies We Use

• Essential Cookies: Necessary for the website to function
• Analytical/Performance Cookies: Help us improve our website
• Functionality Cookies: Remember your preferences
• Targeting Cookies: Record your visit to our website, pages visited, and links followed

10. Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to individuals under 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we learn we have collected information from a child, we will delete that information.

11. Third-Party Links

Our platform may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these sites.

12. Updates to This Privacy Policy

We may update this privacy policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes by posting a notice on our website or sending you an email.

13. Contact Us

If you have questions about this privacy policy or our privacy practices, please contact us:

14. Data Protection Officer

Our Data Protection Officer can be contacted at dpo@acumenink.com.

15. Complaint Resolution

If you have a complaint about our privacy practices, please contact us directly. If you are not satisfied with our response, you have the right to file a complaint with your local data protection authority.