Privacy Policy

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Effective Date: 05/01/2023

Last Updated: 09/08/2025

TrustInEd., LLC (“we,” “our,” “us”) is committed to protecting the privacy of all students, families, counselors, educators, and other users of TrustInEd.org. This Privacy Policy explains how we handle information when you use our website, resources, and chatbot services.

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1. Information We Collect

• General Use: Most resources on TrustInEd.org can be accessed without creating an account or providing personal information.

• Chatbot (“ED”): Our virtual advisor is operated in partnership with Bosonic. When you interact with the chatbot, the conversation data may be processed to provide accurate responses and improve performance.

• Optional Information: If you choose to contact us, request additional services, or submit forms (e.g., scholarship applications), we may collect information such as your name, email address, or school affiliation.

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2. How We Use Information

• To provide students, parents, and counselors with access to educational and career readiness resources.

• To improve site functionality, chatbot responses, and overall user experience.

• To communicate with you if you request support or additional services.

• To comply with applicable education data privacy regulations.

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3. Data Sharing and Disclosure

• No Sale of Data: We do not sell or rent personal data to third parties.

• Third-Party Services: Limited data may be shared with trusted vendors (such as Bosonic for chatbot functionality) only to support the operation of TrustInEd.org. These vendors are required to comply with strict data protection standards.

• Legal Compliance: We may disclose information if required by law, regulation, or in response to valid legal processes.

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4. Student Data Privacy

TrustInEd., LLC complies with all applicable education data privacy regulations, including:

• SOPPA (Student Online Personal Protection Act)

• COPPA (Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act)

• FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act)

We collect minimal personal data, and when student-level data is provided through schools, institutions, or voluntary submissions, it is safeguarded in encrypted systems and used solely for educational purposes.

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5. Security

• Data in transit is encrypted using TLS 1.2+.

• Data at rest is encrypted using AES-256 standards.

• Access to administrative systems is limited to authorized personnel only, with audit logging in place.

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6. Data Retention and Deletion

• Minimal data is retained by default.

• If an institution, organization, or individual terminates use of TrustInEd.org services that involve student data, all related data is securely deleted within 30 days, and a written attestation of deletion can be provided upon request.

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7. Your Rights and Choices

• You may request access to or deletion of any personal information collected through optional services by contacting us.

• Parents/guardians may exercise rights on behalf of their children under COPPA and SOPPA.

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8. Contact Information

For questions about this Privacy Policy or data practices, please contact:

TrustInEd., LLC

125 S. Wacker Dr., Suite 300

Chicago, IL 60606

Email: rtruss@trustined.org

Phone: (312) 375-0421