Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Cluei ("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 scholarship discovery platform.

By using Cluei, you consent to the data practices described in this policy. If you do not agree with this policy, please do not use our Service.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide Directly

We may collect information that you voluntarily provide when you:

• Contact Us: Name, email address, and message content when you submit inquiries through our contact form
• Create an Account (if available): Name, email address, educational profile, and preferences
• Subscribe to Updates: Email address for newsletter or scholarship alert subscriptions

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

When you access our Service, we automatically collect certain information:

• Log Data: IP address, browser type, operating system, referring URLs, pages viewed, and timestamps
• Device Information: Device type, screen resolution, and unique device identifiers
• Usage Data: Search queries, scholarships viewed, filters applied, and interaction patterns
• Location Data: General geographic location derived from IP address (country/state level, not precise location)

2.3 Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to:

• Maintain user sessions and preferences
• Analyze usage patterns and improve our Service
• Remember your search filters and settings
• Provide personalized scholarship recommendations

You can control cookie preferences through your browser settings. However, disabling cookies may limit some functionality of the Service.

2.4 Third-Party Analytics

We may use third-party analytics services (such as Google Analytics) to understand how users interact with our platform. These services may collect information using cookies and similar technologies. Please review the privacy policies of these third-party services for details on their data practices.

3. How We Use Your Information

3.1 Service Provision and Improvement

We use collected information to:

• Operate, maintain, and improve the Service
• Provide scholarship search and filtering functionality
• Personalize your experience and recommend relevant scholarships
• Analyze usage patterns to enhance platform features
• Monitor and troubleshoot technical issues

3.2 Communication

We may use your contact information to:

• Respond to your inquiries and support requests
• Send scholarship alerts and updates (if subscribed)
• Notify you of important changes to the Service or policies
• Send occasional platform updates and educational content

3.3 Legal and Safety

We may use information to:

• Comply with legal obligations and respond to lawful requests
• Protect our rights, privacy, safety, or property
• Detect, prevent, and address fraud or security issues
• Enforce our Terms of Service

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

4.1 No Sale of Personal Information

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes.

4.2 Service Providers

We may share information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating the platform, such as:

• Web hosting and infrastructure providers
• Analytics and monitoring services
• Email delivery services
• Customer support tools

These providers are contractually obligated to use your information only for providing services to us and to protect your information consistent with this Privacy Policy.

4.3 University Websites

When you click on scholarship links to visit university websites, you leave our platform and are subject to the privacy policies of those external sites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of third-party websites.

4.4 Legal Requirements

We may disclose information if required to do so by law or in response to:

• Legal processes (subpoenas, court orders)
• Governmental requests
• Requests from law enforcement
• Protection of rights, safety, or property

4.5 Business Transfers

If Cluei is involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction. We will notify you via email and/or prominent notice on our website of any change in ownership or uses of your personal information.

5. Data Security

5.1 Security Measures

We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:

• Encryption of data in transit (HTTPS/TLS)
• Secure database access controls
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Limited access to personal information by authorized personnel only

5.2 No Absolute Security

However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee its absolute security. You use the Service at your own risk.

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law. When information is no longer needed, we securely delete or anonymize it.

Retention periods vary based on information type:

• Account Data: Retained while your account is active and for a reasonable period afterward for legal/business purposes
• Usage Data: Typically retained in aggregated/anonymized form for analytical purposes
• Communication Records: Retained as needed for customer service and legal compliance

7. Your Privacy Rights

7.1 Access and Correction

You have the right to access and update your personal information. If you have an account, you can review and modify your information through account settings. Otherwise, contact us to request access or corrections.

7.2 Data Deletion

You may request deletion of your personal information by contacting us. Note that we may retain certain information as required by law or for legitimate business purposes (e.g., fraud prevention, compliance).

7.3 Marketing Opt-Out

You can opt out of marketing communications by:

• Clicking "unsubscribe" in any marketing email
• Adjusting email preferences in your account settings
• Contacting us directly

Note: You cannot opt out of service-related communications (e.g., account notifications, security alerts).

7.4 Cookie Management

Most browsers allow you to control cookies through settings. You can typically:

• View and delete existing cookies
• Block all cookies
• Receive warnings before cookies are stored

7.5 Australian Privacy Rights

If you are an Australian resident, you have rights under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), including:

• Right to know what personal information we hold about you
• Right to request correction of inaccurate information
• Right to complain to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC)

8. Children's Privacy

Our Service is designed for students and individuals seeking educational funding, which may include users under 18. However, we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 without parental consent.

If you are under 13, please do not provide any personal information through the Service. If you are a parent/guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us so we can delete it.

9. International Data Transfers

Cluei is based in Australia. If you access the Service from outside Australia, your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in Australia or other countries where our service providers operate.

By using the Service, you consent to the transfer of your information to countries that may have different data protection laws than your country of residence.

10. Third-Party Links and Services

Our Service contains links to university websites and other third-party sites. This Privacy Policy applies only to Cluei. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of external websites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of material changes by:

• Posting the updated policy on this page
• Updating the "Last Updated" date
• Sending email notification (for significant changes)

Your continued use of the Service after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

12. Contact Us

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

• Contact Form: cluei.net/contact
• Privacy Inquiries: Please use the contact form and specify "Privacy Inquiry" in your message