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Privacy Policy

Last updated: October 2025

1. Introduction

StudyMLS (“we”, “us”, “our”) is committed to protecting your privacy and keeping your personal information secure. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, disclose, and safeguard personal data when you visit or use our website, products, and services (collectively, the “Services”). Our Services include learning content, exams and simulators, research submissions and publications, blogs, community features, and other educational functionality.

By accessing or using StudyMLS (including https://studymls.com), you consent to the collection and processing of your personal data as described in this policy.

2. Data Controller & Contact

The data controller for the Services is StudyMLS. For privacy enquiries, data access requests, or to exercise your rights, please contact:

StudyMLS Support Team
Email: support@studymls.com
Website: https://studymls.com

3. Information We Collect

We collect information that identifies you personally (“personal data”) and non-identifying information. Examples include:

  • Account Data: name, email address, profile photo, institution, role.
  • Contact Details: phone number (optional), mailing address (if provided).
  • User Content: research submissions, forum posts, comments, quiz responses, uploaded files.
  • Usage & Analytics: IP address, device information, browser, operating system, pages visited, session duration, click data, crash logs.
  • Payment & Billing: payment token/receipt references, billing addresses and transaction records (processed by third-party payment providers — we do not store full payment card numbers).
  • Cookies & Tracking: cookies, pixels, and similar technologies used to personalise and improve the Services.

4. How We Collect Data

We obtain data when you:

  • Register an account or update your profile.
  • Submit research, upload files, or post in the community.
  • Participate in exams, quizzes, or interactive simulations.
  • Communicate with support or join mailing lists.
  • Browse and interact with the website (automated collection via cookies and analytics).

5. Legal Bases for Processing

Where applicable, we process personal data under the following legal bases (in line with GDPR and similar frameworks):

  • Consent: where you opt in to newsletters, cookies, or marketing communications.
  • Contract: to provide services you have requested (e.g., course access, account management).
  • Legal obligation: to comply with laws, respond to lawful requests, or prevent fraud.
  • Legitimate interests: for security, analytics, improving services, and protecting our platform — subject to your rights and interests.

6. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal data to:

  • Deliver and personalise the learning experience and course recommendations.
  • Provide exam simulators, spot tests, and assessment feedback.
  • Store, review, and publish research submissions (subject to moderation and consent).
  • Manage your account, send important notices and updates, and respond to support requests.
  • Improve the platform through analytics and product development.
  • Prevent fraud, abuse, and to enforce our Terms of Service.

7. Cookies, Tracking & Analytics

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to operate the Services, remember preferences, and collect analytics. Types of cookies we use:

  • Essential cookies: required for login, security, and basic functionality.
  • Performance cookies: used to analyze usage and improve the site.
  • Functional cookies: remember preferences and interface settings.
  • Marketing cookies: for promotional and advertising purposes (third-party).

You can manage or block cookies via your browser settings. Blocking certain cookies may impact functionality.

8. Sharing & Third-Party Services

We may share personal data with third-party service providers who perform services on our behalf, such as:

  • Hosting and infrastructure providers (e.g., Supabase, cloud hosts).
  • Analytics and monitoring services.
  • Payment processors for premium features.
  • Content delivery networks, email delivery services, and customer support tools.

These providers are contractually required to protect your data and use it only to deliver the requested services. We do not sell your personal information.

9. Research Submissions and Publication

When you submit research to StudyMLS, you retain ownership of your original work. By submitting, you grant us a non-exclusive license to host, display, and distribute your work on the platform and within community channels as agreed. Submissions will be reviewed and may be edited for clarity, formatting, or moderation. Personal data included in submissions (author names, affiliations) will be displayed as part of the published record unless you request redaction and we agree to it.

10. Data Retention

We retain personal data only for as long as necessary for the purpose it was collected, to comply with legal obligations, or to resolve disputes. Typical retention periods:

  • Account data: retained until account deletion plus a short grace period for recovery.
  • Research submissions: retained as part of the publication record unless a valid deletion request is approved.
  • Logs and analytics: retained for a limited period to support operations and security (e.g., 6–24 months).

11. Your Rights

Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have the following rights:

  • Access: request a copy of personal data we hold about you.
  • Rectification: correct inaccurate or incomplete data.
  • Erasure: request deletion of your personal data where applicable.
  • Restriction: request restriction of processing in some circumstances.
  • Portability: receive your data in a machine-readable format.
  • Objection: object to certain processing activities such as direct marketing.

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at support@studymls.com. We will respond within applicable legal timeframes. You may also lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority (for example, the ICO in the UK, CNPD in the EU member state, or other national regulators).

12. Data Security

We maintain technical and organizational measures to protect data against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. Examples include encryption in transit (TLS), access controls, role-based permissions, secure hosting, and regular security assessments. Despite these measures, no system is 100% secure — please take care when sharing sensitive information.

13. International Transfers

Your data may be processed and stored in countries outside your jurisdiction. When transferring data internationally, we use appropriate safeguards such as standard contractual clauses, adequacy mechanisms, or other lawful transfer tools to ensure protection consistent with GDPR and international data protection frameworks.

14. Children’s Privacy

StudyMLS is intended for users aged 13 and older. We do not knowingly collect or solicit personal information from children under 13. If you believe we have collected data about a child under 13, contact us and we will delete the information unless required to retain it by law.

15. Marketing Communications

With your consent, we may send newsletters, product updates, and promotional materials. You can opt out at any time via unsubscribe links or by contacting support.

16. Automated Decision-Making & Profiling

We may use automated systems to personalize content, course recommendations, or to provide analytics. We do not make decisions that produce legal effects or similarly significant adverse impacts solely based on automated processing without human oversight. If automated decisions materially affect you, you have the right to request human review.

17. Changes to this Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will publish the updated policy on our site with a revised “Last updated” date. Continued use of the Services after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

18. Contact & Complaints

For privacy questions, data requests, or complaints:
StudyMLS Support
Email: support@studymls.com

If you are not satisfied with our response, you may escalate the matter to your local data protection authority.

19. Additional Notices for Certain Jurisdictions

European Union / EEA: Where GDPR applies, we act as the data controller for processing related to the Services. You have the rights described above and can exercise them by contacting us.

Nigeria: We recognize the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) and will cooperate with Nigerian authorities as required.

Other jurisdictions: We aim to comply with applicable privacy laws worldwide. Specific rights or processes may vary by location.

20. Retention Summary (Quick Reference)

  • Account Records: retained until deletion + 30 days for recovery.
  • Research Submissions: retained as part of the publication record unless removed by agreement.
  • Transaction & Billing Records: retained for accounting and legal compliance (typically 3–7 years depending on jurisdiction).
  • Logs & Analytics: retained for operational and security purposes (commonly 6–24 months).

21. Legal Disclosures & Law Enforcement

We may disclose personal data if required by law, court order, or to prevent fraud or imminent harm. We attempt to notify users of legal requests when permitted to do so.

22. Third-Party Links & Embedded Content

Our Services may contain links to third-party sites or embedded content (videos, articles). These sites have their own privacy policies. We encourage you to review those policies before sharing personal information.

23. How to Exercise Rights (Practical Steps)

  1. Email support@studymls.com with your request.
  2. We will verify your identity (to protect privacy) and respond within applicable legal timelines (typically 30 days under GDPR, subject to extensions).
  3. If we refuse a request, we will explain why and advise on next steps including complaint to relevant authorities.

24. Contact Information (again)

StudyMLS — Privacy & Data Protection Team
Email: support@studymls.com
Website: https://studymls.com

This Privacy Policy is intended to be clear and transparent. It does not create any contractual rights beyond applicable law. If you have questions, feel free to contact our support team.