Privacy Policy

We respect your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal data.

Last updated: 2 December 2025

1. Introduction

sidequest.university ("we", "us", "our") operates the sidequest.university platform (the "Service"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our Service.

By using our Service, you consent to the data practices described in this policy. If you do not agree with our policies and practices, please do not use our Service.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Account Information

When you register for an account, we collect:

  • Email address
  • Password (stored encrypted)
  • Display name
  • Profile information you choose to provide

2.2 Location Data

With your explicit consent, we collect your precise location data to:

  • Show you nearby tasks
  • Allow you to post tasks at your location
  • Send you notifications about tasks near you

Important: Your exact location is never shown to other users. We display task locations with reduced precision (approximately 11 metres accuracy) to protect your privacy. We only store your most recent location for matching purposes and do not track your location history.

2.3 Task and Communication Data

We collect information you provide when using the Service:

  • Task descriptions, titles, and details
  • Messages sent to other users within the scope of a specific task
  • Ratings and reviews you provide
  • Task acceptance and completion records

2.4 Push Notification Data

If you opt in to push notifications, we store:

  • Your browser's push notification subscription endpoint
  • Encryption keys necessary to send you notifications

2.5 Technical Information

We automatically collect certain technical information:

  • IP address (for security and anti-abuse purposes)
  • Browser type and device information
  • Log data (timestamps, page requests, errors)

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

  • Provide, operate, and maintain the Service
  • Match you with nearby tasks based on your location and preferences
  • Facilitate communication between task requesters and doers
  • Send you notifications about task updates and nearby opportunities
  • Prevent fraud, abuse, and violations of our Terms of Service
  • Improve and develop new features for the Service
  • Respond to your inquiries and provide customer support
  • Comply with legal obligations

4. How We Share Your Information

4.1 With Other Users

When you post or accept a task, limited information is shared:

  • Your display name and profile information
  • Approximate task location (reduced precision for privacy)
  • Messages you send within a task
  • Ratings and reviews after task completion

4.2 Service Providers

We may share your information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating the Service, such as hosting providers and email delivery services. These providers are contractually obligated to protect your data.

4.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required by law, court order, or to protect our rights, safety, or the safety of others.

4.4 What We Never Do

We never sell your personal data to third parties.

5. Cookies and Tracking

5.1 Essential Cookies

We use essential cookies that are strictly necessary for the Service to function:

  • Session cookies: To keep you logged in and maintain your session
  • CSRF tokens: To protect against cross-site request forgery attacks
  • Authentication cookies: To verify your identity

5.2 No Tracking or Analytics Cookies (MVP)

We do not use tracking, analytics, advertising, or non-essential cookies during our MVP phase. We do not track your browsing behaviour across websites or use third-party analytics services.

If we introduce analytics or additional cookies in the future, we will update this policy and seek your consent where required by law.

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal data only as long as necessary to provide the Service and fulfil the purposes outlined in this policy:

  • Account data: Retained while your account is active
  • Location data: Only your most recent location is stored; older data is not retained
  • Messages: Retained for 30-90 days after a task is completed
  • Task and rating data: Retained to maintain service integrity and user reputation

You may request deletion of your account and associated data at any time (see Section 8).

7. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organisational security measures to protect your personal data against unauthorised access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. This includes:

  • Encrypted password storage
  • Secure HTTPS connections
  • Regular security updates and monitoring
  • Access controls and authentication

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

8. Your Rights (UK GDPR)

Under UK data protection law, you have the following rights:

  • Access: Request a copy of your personal data
  • Rectification: Request correction of inaccurate data
  • Erasure: Request deletion of your data ("right to be forgotten")
  • Restriction: Request limitation of processing your data
  • Portability: Request transfer of your data to another service
  • Object: Object to processing of your data
  • Withdraw consent: Withdraw location or notification permissions at any time

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at hello@sidequest.university. We will respond within one month.

9. Children's Privacy

Our Service is not intended for users under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children. If you become aware that a child has provided us with personal data, please contact us immediately.

10. International Data Transfers

Your data is primarily stored and processed in the United Kingdom. If we transfer data outside the UK, we will ensure appropriate safeguards are in place as required by UK GDPR.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the new policy on this page and updating the "Last updated" date. Your continued use of the Service after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

12. Contact Us

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

Email: hello@sidequest.university

You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the UK Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) if you believe we have not handled your data appropriately: https://ico.org.uk/