ResearchBuddy operates a platform dedicated to connecting students, professors, and research professionals. The service provides supervision by expert supervisors and virtual labs with AI assistance. This policy explains how information is collected, used, and protected.

Key terms include: • Service: The ResearchBuddy platform • Personal Data: Information about identifiable individuals • Usage Data: Automatically collected information • Cookies: Small device files stored on your device • Data Controller: ResearchBuddy • Data Processor: Third parties processing data on our behalf • User: Platform participants

The platform collects identifiable information including: • Names and email addresses • Institutional affiliations • Research interests • Account credentials This data supports service provision, research collaboration, AI-powered tools, communications, usage analysis, and security monitoring.

Automatically collected data includes: • IP addresses and browser information • Device identifiers • Pages visited and access timestamps • Interaction patterns This information is gathered through cookies and tracking technologies.

On Web: ResearchBuddy uses cookies to maintain login state, remember your preferences, protect your account, and track usage patterns. Users can refuse cookies through browser settings, though some service features may not function without them. On Mobile: ResearchBuddy uses secure token-based sessions stored in device storage to maintain your login state and track usage. Mobile users do not set or control cookies.

Comment data includes: • Form information you submit • IP addresses • Browser information (for spam detection) Approved comments display publicly on the platform.

User-uploaded images are stored securely in Firebase Storage with access controls based on lab or conversation membership. Only authorized members can access images. If you upload images with embedded metadata (location, EXIF data, etc.), only authorized users can download and extract that data.

Collected data supports: • Service operations and improvement • Notifications and communications • Interactive features • Customer support • Usage analytics and monitoring • Security management • Contract fulfillment • Marketing communications (if opted in) • Other consented purposes

Personal Data is retained as long as necessary for stated purposes and legal compliance: • Comments: Retained indefinitely on the platform • User Profiles: Persist during account existence but can be edited or deleted • Other Data: Retained per service needs or legal requirements

Information may be transferred to servers outside your jurisdiction where data protection standards differ. Use of the service constitutes consent to such transfers.

ResearchBuddy may disclose information: • In response to law enforcement requests • During business acquisitions or mergers • To service providers bound by confidentiality agreements • To subsidiaries and affiliates • For legal reasons or to protect rights • With your explicit consent

The platform implements industry-standard security measures. However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is completely secure.

You have rights to: • Access your Personal Data • Correct inaccurate information • Request deletion of your data • Restrict processing of your data • Receive your data in portable format • Object to processing • Withdraw consent at any time To exercise these rights, contact: support@researchbuddy.tech

Third-party providers assist with operations, including: • Google Analytics and Firebase Analytics • Hosting providers • Email service providers • Payment processors These providers access data only for specified tasks and cannot disclose it for other purposes.

Payment processors handle all transactions. We do not store or process your payment card details. All payment processing complies with PCI-DSS security standards.

The service contains links to external websites. ResearchBuddy is not responsible for third-party content or policies.

The service is not intended for users under 13. ResearchBuddy doesn't knowingly collect data from children under 13 and will remove such information upon notification.

The platform does not actively respond to browser "Do Not Track" signals.

Updates may occur with notification via email or prominent service notice. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

For questions about this Privacy Policy or to exercise your rights: Email: support@researchbuddy.tech Address: IT Business Incubator, CUET Chittagong, Bangladesh You may opt out of mailing lists using unsubscribe links in emails.