At BrightMinds Tutoring ("we," "our," or "us"), we are committed to transparency about the technologies we use to improve your experience, protect your account, and deliver personalized educational services. This Cookies & Tracking Policy explains what cookies and similar tracking technologies we use, why we use them, and how you can manage your preferences.
This policy works alongside our Privacy Policy and applies to our website, mobile applications, learning management systems, and related digital services (collectively, the "Services").
1. What Are Cookies & Tracking Technologies?
Cookies are small text files stored on your device (computer, tablet, or phone) when you visit a website or use an app. Tracking technologies include cookies, web beacons, pixels, local storage, and device identifiers. These technologies help websites remember your preferences, understand how users interact with content, and deliver relevant educational resources.
Important: While some tracking technologies are essential for our Services to function properly (e.g., keeping you logged into your student dashboard), others help us improve content, measure engagement, and deliver targeted learning recommendations. You have the right to control most of these technologies, as outlined in Section 5.
2. How We Use Cookies & Tracking
We categorize cookies and tracking technologies based on their purpose and necessity:
| Category | Purpose | Examples | Consent Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essential | Core functionality: authentication, security, session management, and accessibility preferences. | Session IDs, login tokens, CSRF protection, accessibility settings | No |
| Functional | Enhanced user experience: remembering language, region, preferred subjects, and tutoring schedule settings. | UI preferences, saved dashboard layout, tutor matching filters | No |
| Performance | Anonymized analytics to understand traffic patterns, page load times, and feature usage to improve our educational platform. | Usage metrics, error tracking, engagement heatmaps | Yes (can be opted out) |
| Marketing | Delivering relevant course promotions, retargeting ads, and measuring campaign effectiveness. | Ad tracking pixels, conversion tracking, personalized content recommendations | Yes (can be opted out) |
3. Third-Party Tracking Technologies
We partner with trusted third-party service providers to deliver educational tools, analytics, and secure payment processing. These partners may set their own cookies or tracking identifiers. We do not control these technologies and recommend reviewing their respective privacy and cookie policies.
- Analytics & Performance: Google Analytics, Hotjar (anonymized session replay & heatmaps)
- Learning & Assessment Tools: Third-party quiz platforms, plagiarism checkers, and adaptive learning engines
- Communication & Support: Intercom (customer messaging), email campaign tracking pixels
- Advertising & Retargeting: Meta Pixel, Google Ads, LinkedIn Insight Tag (only used with your consent)
- Payment Processing: Stripe, PayPal (encrypted transaction cookies, never storing full card data)
Where applicable, third-party services will provide their own opt-out mechanisms. We strive to only partner with vendors that comply with educational privacy standards (FERPA, COPPA, GDPR).
4. Cookie Duration & Storage
Cookies may be temporary (session cookies that expire when you close your browser) or persistent (remain on your device for a set period or until manually deleted). Persistent cookies typically range from 30 days to 2 years, depending on their function. You can view and delete stored cookies through your browser settings at any time.
5. Managing Your Preferences & Opting Out
You have full control over how cookies and tracking technologies are used on our Services. Below are several methods to manage your preferences:
🌐 Browser Controls
Most browsers allow you to block, delete, or receive notifications about cookies. Note that disabling essential cookies may limit platform functionality.
🔘 Cookie Consent Banner
When you first visit our Services, you'll be prompted to accept or customize tracking preferences. You can change these settings anytime via the "Cookie Preferences" link in the footer.
📵 Device Settings
Limit ad tracking through your device's privacy settings (iOS: Settings > Privacy > Tracking; Android: Settings > Google > Ads).
🛡️ Opt-Out Links
Google Analytics Opt-out | Digital Advertising Alliance | NAI Opt-out
If you have questions about specific cookies or need assistance adjusting your preferences, please contact our privacy team.
6. Children's Privacy & Educational Use
BrightMinds Tutoring is committed to protecting student privacy. We do not knowingly collect tracking data from children under 13 without verifiable parental consent, in compliance with COPPA and applicable laws. For users aged 13–18, parental/guardian consent is required for non-essential tracking. Parents can manage consent settings through the Family Dashboard or by contacting our support team.
7. Updates to This Policy
We may update this Cookies & Tracking Policy to reflect changes in technology, legal requirements, or our services. Material changes will be communicated via email, platform notifications, or a prominent banner on our Services. The "Last Updated" date at the top of this page will reflect the most recent revision.
8. Contact Us
If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding our use of cookies and tracking technologies, please contact us:
- Email: privacy@brightminds.com
- Phone: (800) 555-1234 (Mon–Sat, 8am–9pm EST)
- Mail: BrightMinds Tutoring, Privacy Department, 123 Education Lane, Suite 200, San Francisco, CA 94102
We aim to respond to all privacy and tracking inquiries within 5 business days.