Privacy policy.

Happy Chats Online Language Classes

Last Updated: 8/13/2025

Happy Chats ("we," "us," "our") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your personal information when you use our website, book classes, or use our services.

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Personal Information You Provide

We collect information you voluntarily provide when you:

  • Create an account or book classes

  • Contact us via email, phone, or contact forms

  • Participate in classes or provide feedback

  • Subscribe to our newsletter or marketing communications

Types of information collected:

  • Name and contact information (email, phone number, mailing address)

  • Payment information (processed securely through third-party payment processors)

  • Language learning goals and proficiency level

  • Scheduling preferences and time zone

  • Communication records and class notes

  • Feedback, testimonials, and survey responses

1.2 Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website or use our services, we may automatically collect:

  • IP address and general location information

  • Browser type and version

  • Device information and operating system

  • Pages visited and time spent on our website

  • Referring website information

  • Cookies and similar tracking technologies

1.3 Information from Third Parties

We may receive information from:

  • Payment processors (transaction confirmations)

  • Video conferencing platforms (attendance records)

  • Social media platforms (if you connect your accounts)

  • Marketing partners (with your consent)

2. How We Use Your Information

2.1 Primary Uses

We use your personal information to:

  • Provide and deliver our language classes and services

  • Process payments and manage your account

  • Schedule and reschedule classes

  • Communicate about your classes, account, and our services

  • Provide customer support and respond to inquiries

  • Improve our services and develop new offerings

2.2 Marketing and Communications

With your consent, we may use your information to:

  • Send newsletters and educational content

  • Notify you about new classes or special offers

  • Send service-related announcements

  • Request feedback and testimonials

2.3 Legal and Business Purposes

We may use your information to:

  • Comply with legal obligations and requests

  • Protect our rights and prevent fraud

  • Enforce our Terms and Conditions

  • Conduct business analysis and improve operations

3. How We Share Your Information

3.1 We Do Not Sell Personal Information

Happy Chats does not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties for monetary consideration.

3.2 Service Providers

We may share information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in:

  • Payment processing (credit card companies, PayPal, etc.)

  • Video conferencing and class delivery

  • Email marketing and communications

  • Website hosting and technical support

  • Customer service and support tools

These providers are contractually required to protect your information and use it only for specified purposes.

3.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information when required by law or to:

  • Comply with legal processes, court orders, or government requests

  • Protect the rights, property, or safety of Happy Chats, our students, or others

  • Prevent fraud or illegal activities

  • Enforce our Terms and Conditions

3.4 Business Transfers

If Happy Chats is acquired by or merged with another company, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction.

4. Your California Privacy Rights (CCPA)

California residents have the right to:

4.1 Right to Know

  • Request information about the personal information we collect, use, and disclose

  • Receive details about the categories and sources of information

  • Understand the business purposes for collection

4.2 Right to Delete

  • Request deletion of your personal information (subject to certain exceptions)

  • We will delete information unless needed for legal compliance or legitimate business purposes

4.3 Right to Opt-Out

  • Opt-out of the sale of personal information (we do not sell personal information)

  • Opt-out of marketing communications at any time

4.4 Right to Non-Discrimination

  • We will not discriminate against you for exercising your privacy rights

  • We will not deny services or charge different prices based on privacy requests

4.5 How to Exercise Your Rights

To exercise your California privacy rights:

  • Email: happychats.language@gmail.com

  • Subject Line: "California Privacy Rights Request"

We will verify your identity and respond within 45 days.

5. Data Security

5.1 Security Measures

We implement reasonable security measures to protect your information:

  • Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encryption for data transmission

  • Secure storage systems and access controls

  • Regular security assessments and updates

  • Employee training on data protection

5.2 Limitations

While we strive to protect your information, no internet transmission or storage system is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security of your personal information.

6. Data Retention

6.1 Retention Periods

We retain your personal information for as long as:

  • You maintain an active account with us

  • Needed to provide services you've requested

  • Required by law or for legitimate business purposes

  • Necessary to resolve disputes or enforce agreements

6.2 Deletion

When retention is no longer necessary, we will securely delete or anonymize your personal information.

7. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries outside your residence, including the United States. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for international transfers.

8. Children's Privacy

8.1 Age Requirements

Our services are not intended for children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13.

8.2 Parental Consent

If we learn we have collected information from a child under 13 without parental consent, we will delete that information promptly.

8.3 Teen Students (13-17)

For students between 13-17 years old, we require parental consent before collecting personal information.

9. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

9.1 Types of Cookies

We use various types of cookies:

  • Essential cookies: Necessary for website functionality

  • Analytics cookies: Help us understand website usage

  • Marketing cookies: Enable personalized advertising (with consent)

9.2 Cookie Control

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Note that disabling certain cookies may affect website functionality.

9.3 Third-Party Cookies

Our website may contain third-party cookies from:

  • Google Analytics (website analytics)

  • Social media platforms (sharing buttons)

  • Payment processors (secure transactions)

10. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies.

11. Updates to This Privacy Policy

11.1 Policy Changes

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Changes will be posted on our website with the updated date.

11.2 Notification

For material changes, we will provide notice via:

  • Email to registered users

  • Prominent website notice

  • Updated "Last Modified" date

11.3 Continued Use

Continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

12. Contact Information

12.1 Privacy Questions

For questions about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices:

Happy Chats Email: happychats.language@gmail.com

12.2 Data Protection Officer

For privacy-related concerns or to exercise your rights, contact our designated privacy contact at happychats.language@gmail.com.

13. Specific Disclosures for California Residents

13.1 Categories of Personal Information Collected (Last 12 Months)

  • Identifiers: Name, email, phone, address

  • Commercial Information: Purchase history, class bookings

  • Internet Activity: Website usage, cookies

  • Audio/Visual: Class recordings (with consent)

  • Professional Information: Language goals, proficiency level

13.2 Sources of Personal Information

  • Directly from you (registration, bookings)

  • Automatically from website usage

  • Third-party payment processors

  • Video conferencing platforms

13.3 Business Purposes for Collection

  • Service delivery and customer support

  • Payment processing and account management

  • Marketing and communications (with consent)

  • Legal compliance and fraud prevention

  • Business operations and improvement

13.4 Categories of Third Parties We Share With

  • Service providers (payment processors, video platforms)

  • Legal authorities (when required by law)

  • Business partners (with your consent)

We do not sell personal information and have not sold personal information in the preceding 12 months.

This Privacy Policy is effective as of the date listed above and governs our collection and use of personal information from that date forward.