Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Welcome to Teacher Comment Generator ("we," "our," or "us"). We are committed to protecting your privacy and handling your data in an open and transparent manner. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our service.

By using our service, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy. If you do not agree with our policies and practices, please do not use our service.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

We collect information you provide directly to us when you:

• Create an account (email address, full name, password)
• Generate report card comments (student names, grade levels, subjects, performance levels, behavioral observations, additional notes)
• Update your profile or preferences
• Contact us for support

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

When you use our service, we automatically collect:

• Usage Data: Pages viewed, features used, time spent, comment generation frequency
• Device Information: IP address, browser type, operating system, device type
• Cookies and Similar Technologies: We use cookies to maintain your session and improve user experience

2.3 Student Data

We understand the sensitive nature of student information. The student data you enter (names, performance information, behavioral observations) is:

• Used solely to generate personalized comments
• Stored securely in encrypted format
• Never shared with third parties for marketing purposes
• Deleted upon your request or account deletion

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Provide, maintain, and improve our service
• Generate AI-powered report card comments
• Send you technical notices, updates, and support messages
• Track usage and enforce usage limits (e.g., 10 comments/month for free accounts)
• Monitor and analyze trends, usage, and activities
• Detect, prevent, and address technical issues and security vulnerabilities
• Comply with legal obligations

4. AI Processing & Third-Party Services

4.1 Anthropic Claude API

We use Anthropic's Claude AI to generate report card comments. When you generate a comment, the following information is sent to Anthropic:

• Student first name (or initials, if you prefer)
• Grade level, subject, performance level
• Behavioral observations and notes you provide

Important: Anthropic does not use data submitted via their API to train their models. Your data is processed only to generate your comment and is not retained by Anthropic. See Anthropic's Privacy Policy for details.

4.2 Analytics

We use analytics services (Google Analytics) to understand how users interact with our service. These services may collect information about your device, browsing actions, and usage patterns. You can opt out of Google Analytics by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.

5. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do NOT sell, rent, or share your personal information with third parties for their marketing purposes.

We may share your information only in the following circumstances:

• Service Providers: We share data with trusted service providers who assist in operating our service (hosting, AI processing, analytics). These providers are contractually obligated to protect your data.
• Legal Requirements: We may disclose your information if required by law, court order, or government request.
• Business Transfers: If we are involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction.
• With Your Consent: We may share your information for any other purpose with your explicit consent.

6. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your data:

• All data transmitted between your browser and our servers is encrypted using HTTPS/TLS
• Passwords are hashed using industry-standard bcrypt encryption
• Database access is restricted and monitored
• Regular security audits and updates

However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your data, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

7. Data Retention

We retain your information for as long as necessary to:

• Provide our services to you
• Comply with legal obligations (e.g., tax records)
• Resolve disputes and enforce our agreements

When you delete your account, we will delete or anonymize your personal information within 30 days, except where we are required by law to retain certain information.

8. Your Rights and Choices

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

• Access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal requirements)
• Data Portability: Request a copy of your data in a machine-readable format
• Opt-out: Opt out of marketing communications (we send very few, only service-related emails)
• Withdraw Consent: Where processing is based on consent, you can withdraw it at any time

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at privacy@teachercomments.ai (update with your actual email).

9. Children's Privacy

Our service is intended for use by teachers and educators (adults). We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us.

FERPA Compliance: For US teachers, we comply with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Teachers using our service act as "school officials" with legitimate educational interests in student data.

10. International Data Transfers

Our service is hosted in the United States. If you are accessing our service from outside the US, please be aware that your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in the US where data protection laws may differ from those in your country.

11. Cookies and Tracking

We use the following types of cookies:

• Essential Cookies: Required for authentication and basic functionality
• Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how you use our service (Google Analytics)
• Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and preferences

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect the functionality of our service.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by:

• Posting the new Privacy Policy on this page
• Updating the "Last Updated" date at the top
• Sending you an email notification (for significant changes)

Your continued use of the service after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the new Privacy Policy.

13. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us at: