1. Introduction

Welcome to SkillUp Exchange, Inc. (โ€œSkillUp Exchange,โ€ โ€œwe,โ€ โ€œus,โ€ or โ€œourโ€). We respect your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal information.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your information across our products and services, including:

  • SkillUp Exchange โ€” a platform for creating and delivering cohort-based online courses.
  • AuthPlat โ€” a software platform enabling authors to write, edit (including with AI tools), and publish their books.

By using our websites, apps, or related services (collectively, the โ€œServicesโ€), you agree to this Privacy Policy and our Terms of Service.
If you do not agree, please do not use our Services.

2. Information We Collect

We collect information in several ways to provide and improve our Services.

2.1 Information You Provide Directly

Depending on how you use our Services, you may provide us with:

  • Contact details: name, email address, phone number, mailing address.
  • Account information: username, password, profile photo, preferences.
  • Professional information: title, company name, educational background, instructor or author biography.
  • Payment information: billing details and payment method (processed via Stripe or other third-party processors).
  • Communications: emails, messages, feedback, or support requests.
  • Content: uploaded course materials, manuscripts, or other user-generated content.
  • Career information: if you apply for a job, we collect your resume, cover letter, and related data.

2.2 Information We Collect Automatically

When you use our Services, we automatically collect:

  • Device data: IP address, browser type, operating system, mobile device identifiers.
  • Usage data: pages visited, time spent, interactions, and click patterns.
  • Log data: timestamps, error logs, and diagnostic information.
  • Cookies and similar technologies: to remember preferences and analyze usage (see Section 9).
  • Location data: approximate location derived from your IP address.

2.3 Information from Third Parties

We may also receive information from:

  • Social media or third-party accounts you connect.
  • Payment processors or affiliate platforms.
  • Marketing or analytics providers.
  • Educational institutions or instructors if you enroll in a course.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

  • Provide, maintain, and improve our Services.
  • Process transactions and manage subscriptions.
  • Enable AI-assisted editing and personalization (for AuthPlat).
  • Communicate with you about account updates, support, or billing.
  • Send marketing and promotional materials (with your consent).
  • Personalize your experience and recommend content.
  • Prevent fraud, abuse, or technical issues.
  • Comply with legal obligations and enforce our Terms of Service.
  • Create aggregated, anonymized analytics to improve our Services.

4. How We Share Information

We may share your data in limited circumstances:

4.1 Service Providers

With trusted vendors that perform services on our behalf, such as payment processing, data hosting, email delivery, analytics, or customer support.

4.2 Educational Partners and Instructors (SkillUp Exchange)

If you enroll in a course, we may share your registration details with the instructor or affiliated organization offering that course.

4.3 Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your data may be transferred as part of that transaction.

4.4 Legal Requirements

We may disclose information if required by law, subpoena, or government request.

4.5 Protection of Rights

We may share data when necessary to protect our rights, prevent fraud, or ensure safety.

4.6 With Your Consent

We will share information with third parties only when you give us explicit consent.

5. AI-Assisted Processing (AuthPlat)

AuthPlat may use artificial intelligence (โ€œAIโ€) tools to help users write, edit, or format content.

You acknowledge and agree that:

  • AI tools assist in editing but do not replace human review.
  • AI processing may analyze and temporarily store your content to generate suggestions.
  • You remain solely responsible for verifying and approving all AI-edited content before publication.
  • SkillUp Exchange does not claim ownership of your work but may use anonymized, aggregated data to improve its AI models.
  • We do not sell or publicly disclose manuscripts or private data used for AI processing.

6. Data Security

We use industry-standard measures to protect your personal information, including:

  • Encryption (in transit and at rest).
  • Access controls and authentication mechanisms.
  • Regular security testing and monitoring.
  • Secure data storage and backups.
  • Employee confidentiality agreements and training.

However, no online system is 100% secure. You use our Services at your own risk.

7. Data Retention

We retain personal data only as long as necessary for the purposes outlined in this policy, unless a longer period is required by law.
When no longer needed, we securely delete or anonymize your data.

8. Your Rights and Choices

Depending on your location, you may have the right to:

  • Access a copy of your personal information.
  • Request correction or deletion.
  • Request data portability.
  • Restrict or object to certain processing.
  • Withdraw consent (where applicable).
  • Opt out of marketing communications.

To exercise these rights, contact privacy@skillupexchange.com or info@authplat.com.
We will respond within a reasonable timeframe and as required by applicable law.

9. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to analyze traffic, personalize content, and improve functionality.

Types of cookies:

  • Essential: Required for the platform to operate.
  • Analytics: Help us understand how users interact (e.g., Google Analytics, Matomo).
  • Preference: Remember settings such as language or theme.
  • Marketing: Used for remarketing and ad personalization.

You can manage or disable cookies through your browser settings.
Some features may not function properly if cookies are disabled.

10. International Data Transfers

Your data may be transferred to servers located in the United States or other countries where SkillUp Exchange operates.
When transferring data from the EU, UK, or other regions, we use appropriate safeguards such as Standard Contractual Clauses to protect your information.

11. Childrenโ€™s Privacy

Our Services are intended for users 18 years and older.
We do not knowingly collect personal information from individuals under 18.
If you believe a minor has provided us data, contact us at info@skillupexchange.com, and we will delete it promptly.

12. California Privacy Rights (CCPA)

If you are a California resident, you may:

  • Request to know what personal data we collect.
  • Request deletion of your data.
  • Request information about data sharing.

SkillUp Exchange does not sell personal information.
To exercise your CCPA rights, contact privacy@skillupexchange.com.

13. GDPR and International Users

If you reside in the European Economic Area (EEA) or United Kingdom, your data is processed under the following legal bases:

  • Contractual necessity: To provide the Services.
  • Legal obligation: To comply with applicable law.
  • Legitimate interest: To improve and secure our Services.
  • Consent: For certain analytics or marketing activities.

You have the right to lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority.

14. Data Sharing with Affiliates

SkillUp Exchange, Inc. may share limited information with its owned or operated brands (e.g., AuthPlat) for internal administrative purposes.
These entities are bound by this Privacy Policy and may not use data for unrelated marketing purposes without consent.

15. Business and Operational Transparency

We may generate aggregated, de-identified reports for analytics, research, or product improvement.
Such data does not identify individuals and may be shared with partners or investors.

16. Refund Policy

Refunds for paid services follow the applicable productโ€™s policy:

  • SkillUp Exchange: Generally non-refundable once a course has started.
  • AuthPlat: Refunds may be requested within 14 days of purchase, subject to verification and processing fees.

Requests can be made to info@authplat.com or by calling +91 98214 40733.

17. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically.
When material changes occur, we will notify you via email or by posting a notice on our website.
The โ€œEffective Dateโ€ at the top reflects the latest version.

18. Contact Us

SkillUp Exchange, Inc.
16192 Coastal Highway, Lewes, Sussex, DE 19958, USA
Email: info@skillupexchange.com | info@authplat.com
Phone (Grievance): +91 98214 40733