Privacy Policy

Your privacy matters to us. This policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and how we protect it.

What Information We Collect

Account Information:

• Name and email address
• Password (encrypted and never stored in plain text)
• Account role (student, writer, or admin)
• Profile information you choose to provide

Usage Data:

• Tasks you post or bid on
• Messages exchanged through our secure chat
• Files you upload or download
• Payment and transaction history
• Login times and IP addresses for security

Technical Information:

• Browser type and device information
• Operating system and screen resolution
• Pages visited and features used
• Error logs and performance data

How We Use Your Information

We use your information only for essential platform operations:

• Provide Services: Connect students with writers, process tasks, and facilitate communication
• Security: Verify identities, prevent fraud, and maintain platform integrity
• Payments: Process transactions, hold funds in escrow, and release payments
• Communication: Send task notifications, updates, and support responses
• Improvements: Analyze usage patterns to enhance platform features
• Compliance: Meet legal obligations and enforce our Terms of Service

Who Can Access Your Information

Task Participants:

• Students see information only about their own tasks and assigned writers
• Writers see information only about tasks they've bid on or been assigned to
• Chat messages and files are private to task participants

Platform Administrators:

• Admins can access chats and files for support, quality assurance, and dispute resolution
• Admin access is logged and monitored
• Admins are bound by confidentiality obligations

Third Parties:

• Payment Processors: Handle transactions securely (we don't store full payment details)
• Email Service: Delivers notifications and communications
• Hosting Provider: Stores data on secure servers
• We do not sell, rent, or share your personal information with marketers or advertisers

How We Protect Your Information

• Encryption: All data transmitted between your browser and our servers is encrypted with SSL/TLS
• Secure Storage: Passwords are hashed using industry-standard bcrypt encryption
• Access Controls: Role-based permissions ensure users only see relevant information
• Regular Backups: Data is backed up regularly to prevent loss
• Monitoring: We monitor for unauthorized access and suspicious activity
• Audit Trails: All actions are logged for security and accountability

Your Privacy Rights

You have the right to:

• Access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you
• Correct: Update or correct inaccurate information in your profile
• Delete: Request deletion of your account and associated data
• Export: Download your task history and communications
• Object: Opt out of non-essential communications and notifications
• Restrict: Limit how we process your information in certain circumstances

To exercise these rights, contact us at admin@research.name.ng

Data Retention

• Active Accounts: We retain your information as long as your account is active
• Deleted Accounts: Most data is deleted within 30 days of account closure
• Legal Requirements: Some records (transactions, disputes) are kept longer for compliance
• Completed Tasks: Task history and files are retained for 12 months after completion

Cookies and Tracking

We use essential cookies to:

• Keep you logged in securely
• Remember your preferences
• Prevent fraud and abuse
• Analyze platform performance

You can disable cookies in your browser settings, but this may affect platform functionality.

Email Notifications

We send emails for:

• Account verification and password resets (required)
• Task updates and new messages (can be configured)
• Payment confirmations and receipts (required)
• Platform updates and announcements (can be configured)

Administrators can configure which notifications are sent. You cannot opt out of essential security and transaction emails.

International Data Transfers

Research Masters serves users globally. Your information may be stored and processed in different countries where our servers and service providers are located. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place regardless of location.

Children's Privacy

Our platform is intended for users 18 years or older. We do not knowingly collect information from anyone under 18. If we discover a user is underage, we will delete their account immediately.

Changes to This Policy

• We may update this Privacy Policy periodically
• Significant changes will be communicated via email
• The "Last Updated" date at the top reflects the most recent version
• Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance

Contact Us

For privacy-related questions, concerns, or requests:

• Email: admin@research.name.ng
• WhatsApp: +2347120002186
• Response Time: Within 48 hours