Children's Privacy Policy

At Dictionary, we are deeply committed to protecting the privacy and safety of all users, with special attention to the needs and rights of children. This Children's Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard information when children under the age of 13 use our language learning tools, web platform, and mobile applications.

This policy works in conjunction with our Main Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. Where conflicts exist, the stricter standard applicable to children will govern.

1. Scope & Applicability

This policy applies to all Dictionary services accessed by children under the age of 13, including but not limited to word search, flashcard features, audio pronunciation, gamified learning modes, and educational resources. It does not apply to children aged 13 and older, who are covered under our standard Privacy Policy.

2. Information We May Collect

We are designed to minimize data collection from young users. When children use Dictionary, we may collect or receive the following:

• Usage Data: Anonymous metrics such as words searched, time spent on learning modules, and feature interactions to improve educational content.
• Device Information: Browser type, device model, operating system, and IP address for security and compatibility purposes.
• Account Information (if applicable): Email addresses or usernames only when explicitly provided by a parent/guardian during supervised account creation.
• Audio/Voice Data: Temporary voice input processed locally for pronunciation practice. Audio files are not stored on our servers unless explicitly enabled by a parent for progress tracking.

We do not collect precise geolocation, financial information, social media identifiers, or direct contact details from children without prior parental authorization.

3. How We Use Children's Information

Any information associated with a child is used solely for:

• Delivering and improving age-appropriate language learning content
• Personalizing difficulty levels and educational recommendations
• Communicating with parents/guardians regarding account activity (with consent)
• Maintaining platform security, preventing fraud, and complying with legal obligations

We never sell, rent, or trade children's personal information to third parties. We do not use behavioral advertising or targeted marketing for users under 13.

4. Parental Consent & Supervised Accounts

Children under 13 may use Dictionary's free educational features without creating an account. If a parent wishes to enable progress tracking, word lists, or cross-device syncing, they must:

1. Create a parent account and verify identity
2. Link the child's profile to the parent dashboard
3. Provide explicit, documented consent for data collection and usage

Consent can be revoked at any time through the Parental Controls dashboard. Upon revocation, all associated child data will be securely deleted within 30 days.

5. Data Sharing & Third-Party Services

We may share limited technical data with trusted service providers that assist in platform operations (e.g., cloud hosting, content delivery, analytics). All third parties are contractually bound to:

• Use data solely for specified operational purposes
• Implement industry-standard security measures
• Prohibit marketing or secondary use of children's information
• Comply with COPPA, GDPR-K, and applicable child privacy laws

We do not integrate social media plugins, chat rooms, or peer-to-peer messaging features in children's modes.

6. Data Security & Retention

Children's data is encrypted in transit and at rest. Access is restricted to authorized personnel who undergo regular privacy training. We retain child-associated data only as long as necessary to provide educational services or comply with legal requirements. Upon account deletion or parental request, data is permanently purged from active systems and backups within 90 days.

7. Your Rights as a Parent or Guardian

Under applicable laws, you have the right to:

• Review the personal information we hold about your child
• Request deletion or modification of inaccurate data
• Opt out of data collection or usage
• Revoke consent at any time
• Receive a copy of your child's data in a portable format

All requests are processed within 30 days. We do not charge fees for exercising these rights.

8. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Children's Privacy Policy to reflect changes in our services, technology, or legal requirements. Significant changes will be communicated directly to registered parents via email or dashboard notification. The "Last Updated" date at the top of this page will reflect the most recent revision.