Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Apparent Group Limited ("Company," "we," "us," or "our") operates the Pidu mobile application (the "App"), a children's reading and learning platform. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard information when you use our App.

We are committed to protecting the privacy of children who use our App. This Privacy Policy complies with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), and other applicable privacy laws.

2. Special Note to Parents and Guardians

Pidu is designed for children, and we take their privacy seriously. We encourage parents and guardians to:

• Review this Privacy Policy carefully
• Supervise their children's use of the App
• Set up and manage child profiles through the Parent Dashboard
• Contact us with any questions or concerns about their child's privacy

We do not knowingly collect personal information from children without verifiable parental consent where required by law.

3. Information We Collect

3.1 Information Provided by Parents/Guardians

• Account Information: Parent/guardian email address, password, and name for account creation and management
• Child Profile Information: Child's first name or nickname, age/birthdate range, reading level preferences, and interests (selected by parent)
• Payment Information: Processed securely by third-party payment processors; we do not store complete payment card details

3.2 Information Collected Automatically

• Usage Data: Books read, reading time, progress, achievements earned, and feature interactions
• Device Information: Device type, operating system version, app version, and unique device identifiers
• Log Data: Access times, pages viewed, app crashes, and performance data

3.3 Information We Do NOT Collect from Children

• Full names or surnames
• Precise location data
• Contact information
• Photos, videos, or audio recordings
• Social media accounts
• Any information that would allow direct contact with the child

4. How We Use Information

We use the collected information for the following purposes:

• Service Provision: To provide, maintain, and improve the App's reading and learning features
• Personalization: To recommend age-appropriate books and content based on reading level and interests
• Progress Tracking: To track reading progress, achievements, and maintain reading streaks
• Parent Dashboard: To provide parents with insights into their child's reading activities
• Communication: To send parents account-related notifications and updates (with consent)
• Safety: To maintain a safe environment and prevent misuse of the App
• Legal Compliance: To comply with applicable laws and regulations

5. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)

For users in the European Economic Area (EEA), we process personal data based on the following legal grounds:

• Consent: Where you have given explicit consent for processing, particularly for children's data
• Contract Performance: To fulfill our contractual obligations in providing the App services
• Legitimate Interests: For app improvement, security, and fraud prevention, balanced against your rights
• Legal Obligation: Where processing is necessary to comply with applicable laws

6. Parental Rights and Controls

Parents and guardians have the following rights regarding their child's information:

• Access: Review the personal information we have collected from or about your child
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your child's personal information
• Withdrawal of Consent: Withdraw consent for further collection or use of your child's information
• Data Portability: Receive a copy of your child's data in a structured, machine-readable format
• Objection: Object to certain processing activities

To exercise these rights, please contact us at support@apparentgroup.tech. We will respond to your request within 30 days.

7. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, trade, or rent children's personal information. We may share information only in the following circumstances:

• Service Providers: With trusted third-party vendors who assist in operating our App (e.g., cloud hosting, analytics), bound by strict confidentiality agreements
• Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or governmental authority
• Safety: To protect the safety of children, our users, or the public
• Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, with continued protection of personal information

8. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries outside your country of residence, including Hong Kong and other jurisdictions where our service providers operate.

For transfers from the EEA, we implement appropriate safeguards including:

• Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) approved by the European Commission
• Ensuring recipients maintain adequate data protection standards
• Obtaining your explicit consent where required

9. Data Retention

We retain personal information for as long as necessary to provide our services and fulfill the purposes described in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required by law.

• Active Accounts: Data is retained while the account remains active
• Inactive Accounts: We may delete accounts that have been inactive for an extended period after providing notice
• Deleted Accounts: Upon account deletion request, we will delete or anonymize personal information within 30 days, except where retention is required by law

10. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect personal information, including:

• Encryption of data in transit and at rest
• Secure authentication mechanisms
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Access controls and employee training
• Incident response procedures

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

11. Third-Party Services

Our App may contain links to third-party services or integrate with third-party platforms. This Privacy Policy does not apply to such third-party services. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party services you access.

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 updated policy in the App
• Sending notification to the registered parent/guardian email
• Updating the "Last Updated" date

Your continued use of the App after such modifications constitutes acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

13. Contact Us

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