PRIVACY POLICY
A legal disclaimer
Effective Date: October 14, 2022
The Starlight Foundation, trading as The SkillUp Foundation ("we," "us," or "our"), located at 128 City Road, London, UK EC1V 2NX, is committed to protecting your privacy.
This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your personal information when you visit our website (the "Site"), make donations, subscribe to newsletters, or engage with our programs. We operate as a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering underprivileged students across Southeast Asia and beyond with digital skills training in AI, STEM, and sustainability through partnerships with industry leaders like Deloitte, AWS, and IBM and pathways in jobs.
By using the Site or providing personal information to us, you consent to the practices described in this Policy. If you do not agree, please do not use the Site or provide your information.
1. Information We Collect
We collect the following types of information:
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Personal Information: This includes data that identifies you, such as your name, email address, postal address, phone number, payment details (for donations), and any other information you voluntarily provide (e.g., when signing up for newsletters, donating, or inquiring about programs).
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Learner and Program Data: For participants in our programs, we may collect details like age, educational background, location, and progress in courses or certifications to facilitate access to training, internships, and jobs.
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Usage Data: Non-personal information about your interactions with the Site, such as IP address, browser type, device information, pages visited, time spent on pages, and referral sources.
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Cookies and Tracking Data: We use cookies, web beacons, and similar technologies to track user behavior, preferences, and Site performance. This may include analytics data from third-party services like Google Analytics.
We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 without parental consent. If we become aware of such collection, we will delete it promptly.
2. How We Collect Information
Directly from You: When you fill out forms (donation forms, contact forms, newsletter sign-ups), participate in surveys, or communicate with us via email or phone.
Automatically: Through cookies, server logs, and tracking technologies as you navigate the Site.
From Third Parties: From partners (e.g., payment processors like Stripe or PayPal for donations) or analytics providers.
For program participants, we may receive data from educational partners like Deloitte, AWS, or IBM with your consent.
Public Sources: If you interact with us on social media or public platforms, we may collect publicly available information.
3. How We Use Your Information
We use your information for the following purposes:
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To process donations, send receipts, and acknowledge contributions.
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To provide access to our 3-in-1 platform, including free courses, certifications, workshops, and career opportunities.
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To communicate with you, such as sending newsletters, program updates, or responses to inquiries.
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To improve the Site and our services through analytics and user feedback.
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To comply with legal obligations, prevent fraud, and ensure the security of our operations.
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For marketing and outreach, with your consent where required (e.g., email campaigns about our impact in Southeast Asia).
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To personalize your experience, such as recommending relevant programs or resources.
We process personal data based on legitimate interests (e.g., Site improvement), consent (e.g., newsletters), contractual necessity (e.g., donations), or legal compliance.
4. Sharing Your Information
We do not sell your personal information. We may share it with:
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Service Providers: Third parties that assist us, such as payment processors, email service providers (e.g., Mailchimp), hosting services, or analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics). These providers are bound by confidentiality and data protection agreements.
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Partners: Educational and industry partners (e.g., Deloitte, AWS, IBM, Jobsdb) for program delivery, with your explicit consent.
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Legal Requirements: If required by law, subpoena, or to protect our rights, safety, or property.
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Business Transfers: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or asset sale, your information may be transferred as part of the transaction.
We may transfer data internationally (e.g., to servers in the US or Asia for program operations). We ensure appropriate safeguards, such as Standard Contractual Clauses, are in place for transfers outside the UK/EEA.
5. Data Security
We implement reasonable security measures, including encryption, firewalls, and access controls, to protect your information from unauthorized access, loss, or misuse. However, no system is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security. In the event of a data breach, we will notify affected individuals and authorities as required by law (e.g., under GDPR).
6. Your Rights
Depending on your location (e.g., under GDPR for UK/EEA residents), you have rights regarding your personal data, including:
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Access: Request a copy of your data.
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Rectification: Correct inaccurate data.
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Erasure: Request deletion (subject to legal obligations).
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Restriction: Limit processing in certain cases.
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Objection: Object to processing based on legitimate interests or for direct marketing.
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Portability: Receive your data in a transferable format.
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Withdraw Consent: Where processing is based on consent.
To exercise these rights, contact us at the details below. We will respond within one month (extendable if complex). You also have the right to complain to a supervisory authority, such as the UK Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).
7. Cookies and Tracking
We use cookies for essential functions (e.g., session management), performance (e.g., analytics), and marketing (e.g., targeted ads). You can manage cookies via your browser settings or our cookie consent banner. Disabling cookies may limit Site functionality. For more details, see our Terms and Conditions page.
8. Retention of Data
We retain personal information only as long as necessary for the purposes outlined (e.g., donation records for 7 years for tax compliance; program data for 2 years post-participation). After that, we securely delete or anonymize it.
9. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Policy periodically. Changes will be posted on the Site with the updated effective date. Significant changes will be notified via email or prominent notice. Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance.
10. Contact Us
For questions about this Privacy Policy or your data, contact:
The Starlight Foundation T/A The SkillUp Foundation
128 City Road
London, UK EC1V 2NX
Email: contact@theskillupfoundation.org
We are committed to resolving privacy concerns promptly.