Acalink Privacy Policy
Last updated: November 14, 2025
This Privacy Policy explains how Acalink collects, uses, and protects your personal information when you use our mentorship platform.
1. Information We Collect
We collect information you provide directly, such as your name, email address, username, academic affiliation, profile details, and communications with mentors or mentees. We also collect technical data, including device information, IP address, and usage analytics to improve service performance and security.
2. How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect to create and manage your account, verify mentor credentials, match mentors and mentees, deliver customer support, and operate, maintain, and improve platform functionality. We also use contact details to send transactional updates (such as booking confirmations or policy notices) and, with your consent where required, optional product communications. Payment-related details required to initiate or receive payouts are transmitted directly to Stripe; Acalink only receives status updates needed to administer your account. We may create aggregated or de-identified insights to improve the service and for security monitoring.
3. Sharing of Information
We share personal information only with trusted service providers that help us deliver core functionality—for example, Stripe Connect for payments and compliance reviews, email and communication vendors, hosting providers, analytics tools, and customer support platforms. These partners access data solely to perform services on our behalf and must safeguard it under contractual confidentiality and security obligations. We do not sell personal information to third parties. We may disclose information when required by law, to enforce our agreements, or to protect the rights, property, or safety of Acalink, our users, or the public.
4. Payments, Tax Forms, and Identity Verification
Acalink does not store or process your payment card information, tax forms, or Know Your Customer (KYC) documentation. All payment transactions, payout details, tax reporting, and identity verification for mentors are handled securely by Stripe Connect, our third-party payment partner. Data submitted through Stripe is processed in accordance with Stripe's security and privacy practices, and Acalink only receives the minimum information needed to operate the platform (for example, confirmation that a payout account has been set up).
5. Data Retention
We retain personal information for as long as necessary to provide the services, fulfill our legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements. When data is no longer needed, we will delete or anonymize it in accordance with applicable laws.
6. Your Choices
You can access and update your account information at any time through your profile settings. You may request deletion of your account by contacting us at info@acalink.com, though certain information may be retained to comply with legal or contractual obligations. You can opt out of promotional communications by following the unsubscribe instructions in our emails.
7. Children's Privacy
Acalink is not intended for individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from minors. If we learn that we have collected information from a minor, we will take steps to delete it promptly.
8. Data Security
We implement administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect your information. While we strive to secure your data, no method of transmission or storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
9. International Users
If you access the platform from outside the United States, you agree that your information may be transferred to and processed in the United States, where data protection standards may differ from those in your jurisdiction.
10. Updates to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Significant changes will be communicated through the platform or via email. The updated policy will become effective when posted, and continued use of the services signifies your acceptance of the changes.
11. Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, contact us at info@acalink.com.