Privacy Policy

Introduction

IT Connect is a platform designed to bridge the gap between IT students and companies offering industrial training (IT placements). Our mission is to simplify the application process, enable direct communication, and help students launch their careers. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, share, and protect your personal information when you use our mobile apps and related services.

By using IT Connect, you agree to the practices described in this policy. We are committed to transparency and protecting your privacy at every step.

1. Information We Collect

Personal Information

• Students: Full name, email address, phone number, educational institution, course of study, academic year, IT placement preferences, and any documents you upload (ID cards, IT letters, resumes, scanned files).
• Companies: Company name, contact person details, business email, phone number, industry sector, and company registration information.
• Account Data: Login credentials, authentication tokens (Firebase Auth, Google Sign-In), and profile settings.

Technical & Device Information

• Device type, operating system version, unique device identifiers.
• IP address, browser type (if accessing web version), and time zone.
• Push notification tokens to send you real-time updates about applications and messages.

Usage & Location Data

• How you interact with the platform: pages or screens visited, applications submitted, companies viewed, and chat activity.
• Location data – only if you grant permission (used to suggest nearby opportunities). You can disable this in your device settings.
• Analytics data to help us improve features and fix bugs.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

• Account Creation & Authentication: To create and manage your account, verify your identity, and enable secure login via Firebase and Google Sign-In.
• Matching Students with Companies: To help students discover relevant IT training opportunities and allow companies to review applications.
• Application Processing: To process placement applications, manage document submissions, and track application status (Accepted, Rejected, Pending).
• Communication: To facilitate direct chat between students and companies, send email notifications, and push important updates.
• Security & Fraud Prevention: To monitor for suspicious activity, prevent abuse, and ensure the integrity of our platform.
• Platform Improvement: To analyze usage patterns, fix bugs, and enhance user experience.

3. Sharing of Information

We do not sell your personal information. We share your data only in these limited circumstances:

• With Companies (for placements): When you apply for an IT training position, your profile and application documents are shared with the respective company to evaluate your candidacy.
• With Service Providers: We use trusted third-party services like Firebase (Authentication, Firestore, Cloud Functions, Messaging, Storage), Google Sign-In, and cloud storage providers to operate our platform. These providers process data only on our behalf and under strict confidentiality.
• Legal Compliance: We may disclose information if required by law, regulation, legal process, or enforceable government request, or to protect the rights, property, or safety of IT Connect, our users, or others.
• With Your Consent: We may share information for other purposes when you give explicit consent.

4. Data Storage and Security

Your data is stored securely using Firebase Cloud Storage and Firestore, with encryption in transit and at rest. We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction of your personal information.

However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to use commercially acceptable means to protect your data, we cannot guarantee absolute security. You are also responsible for keeping your login credentials confidential.

5. Your Rights and Choices

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

• Access: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.
• Correction: Update or correct your information through your account settings.
• Deletion: Request deletion of your account and associated data (subject to legal retention requirements).
• Restrict Processing: Ask us to limit how we use your data.
• Data Portability: Receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format.
• Withdraw Consent: Withdraw any consent you previously gave (e.g., location or notification permissions).

To exercise these rights, contact us at itconnect010@gmail.com. We will respond within a reasonable timeframe, usually 30 days.

6. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our web version may use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience, remember preferences, and analyze usage patterns. Mobile apps use local storage and device identifiers for similar purposes. You can control cookie settings through your browser, and you can reset your advertising ID on mobile devices. Disabling cookies may affect some functionality.

7. Children's Privacy

IT Connect is not intended for individuals under the age of 16. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 16. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us. If we discover that a child under 16 has provided us with personal data, we will delete it immediately.

8. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries where our servers and service providers operate (including cloud infrastructure locations). These countries may have different data protection laws. We take appropriate safeguards, such as using standard contractual clauses, to ensure your data remains protected in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

9. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, or legal requirements. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the updated policy on our website and mobile apps, and by updating the "Last updated" date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically. Continued use of IT Connect after changes constitute your acceptance of the revised policy.

10. Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or how we handle your data, please reach out to our privacy team: