Introduction

This Privacy Policy outlines how Gradient ("we," "our," or "us") collects, uses, and protects your personal information. By accessing or using our services, you agree to the terms described herein.

Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of information:

1. Personal Information: Including name, email address, and other contact details provided during account registration;
2. Usage Data: Information about your interactions with our services, including pages viewed, session duration, and user behavior;
3. Device Information: Technical details such as browser type, IP address, device identifiers, operating system, and related metadata;
4. Educational Data: Assignment responses, grading feedback, annotations, and simulation interaction logs submitted or modified via our services;
5. Profile and Preference Information: Opt-in learning profiles, academic interests, and classroom role (e.g. teacher, student);
6. Third-Party Integrations: Authorized connection data from platforms such as Google, OpenAI, or LMS systems if linked.

How We Use Your Information

The information we collect is used to:

1. Deliver and improve our platform features and services;
2. Provide teacher productivity tools including simulations, assignment builders, and AI suggestions;
3. Facilitate communication such as account alerts, updates, and instructional support;
4. Monitor usage patterns and conduct analytics for platform optimization;
5. Develop adaptive learning profiles to enhance personalization.

Sharing Your Information

We do not sell or rent personal data. We may share limited data with:

1. Service Providers: Vendors under confidentiality agreements that help operate Gradient features (e.g., cloud infrastructure, messaging);
2. Educators and Institutions: When necessary to deliver classroom services and feedback features;
3. Legal Authorities: When required by law or to protect our rights, systems, or users.

Data Security

Gradient uses reasonable industry-standard security protocols to protect your information. However, no system is immune to risks, and we cannot guarantee absolute protection.

Data Retention

We retain user data only for as long as required for educational or service-related purposes, or as required by law. Upon inactivity or request, personal information may be deleted or de-identified.

Your Rights

You have the right to:

1. Access your personal data and request corrections;
2. Request deletion of your data, subject to retention limitations for legal compliance;
3. Opt-out of non-essential notifications and communications.

Children's Privacy

Gradient's primary users are educators, though optional student-facing features may be used with proper school or parental consent. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children under 13 without verifiable consent. If discovered, such data will be promptly deleted.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Substantive changes will be announced via email or in-app notification prior to taking effect.

Governing Law and Jurisdiction

This Privacy Policy and any disputes related to your data will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California, without regard to its conflict of law principles. For any disputes arising under this policy, you agree to submit to the personal jurisdiction of the federal and state courts located in San Francisco County, California.

While Gradient maintains operations in both Texas and California, our primary place of business for legal and privacy matters is California, where our co-founder and key team members are based. This choice of jurisdiction aligns with our participation in the Silicon Valley startup ecosystem and our future plans for growth in the region.