Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Master Maple Kitchen ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting and respecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website master-maplekitchen.com and use our online culinary education services.

Please read this Privacy Policy carefully. If you do not agree with the terms of this Privacy Policy, please do not access or use our services.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

We may collect personally identifiable information that you voluntarily provide to us when you:

• Register for an account
• Enroll in courses
• Subscribe to our newsletter
• Contact us through our contact form
• Participate in surveys or promotions
• Post content in our community forums

This information may include:

• Name and contact information (email address, phone number, mailing address)
• Account credentials (username, password)
• Payment information (processed securely through third-party providers)
• Demographic information (age, location, interests)
• Course progress and completion data
• Communication preferences

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

We may automatically collect certain information about your device and how you interact with our website:

• IP address and location data
• Browser type and version
• Operating system
• Pages visited and time spent
• Referring website
• Device identifiers
• Usage patterns and preferences

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for various purposes, including:

3.1 Service Provision

• Providing and maintaining our educational services
• Processing course enrollments and payments
• Delivering course content and materials
• Tracking your progress and issuing certificates
• Providing customer support

3.2 Communication

• Sending course updates and important notifications
• Responding to your inquiries and requests
• Sending promotional materials (with your consent)
• Conducting surveys and collecting feedback

3.3 Improvement and Analytics

• Analyzing website usage and user behavior
• Improving our services and user experience
• Developing new features and content
• Conducting research and analytics

3.4 Legal and Security

• Complying with legal obligations
• Protecting against fraud and security threats
• Enforcing our terms of service
• Protecting the rights and safety of our users

4. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

4.1 What Are Cookies

Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit our website. We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalized services.

4.2 Types of Cookies We Use

• Essential Cookies: Necessary for website functionality and cannot be disabled
• Performance Cookies: Help us analyze website usage and improve performance
• Functional Cookies: Remember your preferences and personalize your experience
• Marketing Cookies: Used to deliver relevant advertisements and track campaign effectiveness

4.3 Managing Cookies

You can control cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling certain cookies may affect website functionality. You can:

• Accept or decline cookies through our cookie banner
• Modify cookie preferences in your browser settings
• Delete existing cookies from your device
• Use private/incognito browsing mode

5. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information only in the following circumstances:

5.1 Service Providers

We may share information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating our website and providing services, including:

• Payment processors
• Email service providers
• Cloud storage and hosting services
• Analytics and marketing platforms
• Customer support tools

5.2 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required by law or in response to:

• Court orders or legal processes
• Government investigations
• Legal claims or disputes
• Protecting our rights and safety

5.3 Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of the business transaction.

6. Data Security

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

• Encryption: Data transmission is protected using SSL/TLS encryption
• Access Controls: Limited access to personal data on a need-to-know basis
• Regular Updates: Security systems are regularly updated and monitored
• Secure Storage: Data is stored on secure servers with appropriate safeguards
• Staff Training: Our team receives regular privacy and security training

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

7. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required by law.

• Account Information: Retained while your account is active and for a reasonable period after deactivation
• Course Data: Progress and completion records kept for certification and support purposes
• Communication Records: Customer service interactions retained for quality assurance
• Analytics Data: Aggregated usage data may be retained indefinitely for research purposes

8. Your Privacy Rights

Depending on your location, you may have certain rights regarding your personal information:

8.1 General Rights

• Access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information in certain circumstances
• Portability: Request a copy of your data in a structured, machine-readable format
• Objection: Object to certain types of processing
• Restriction: Request restriction of processing in certain circumstances

8.2 Canadian Privacy Rights

If you are a Canadian resident, you have additional rights under provincial privacy laws, including the right to:

• Know what personal information we collect and how it's used
• Access your personal information
• Correct inaccurate information
• Request withdrawal of consent where applicable
• File complaints with privacy commissioners

8.3 Exercising Your Rights

To exercise these rights, please contact us at info@mastermaplekitchen.com or use our contact form. We will respond to your request within a reasonable timeframe as required by applicable law.

9. Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe we have inadvertently collected such information, please contact us immediately so we can delete it.

For users between 13 and 18, we recommend parental guidance when using our services and sharing personal information.

10. International Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your own. These countries may have different data protection laws. When we transfer your information internationally, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your privacy.

11. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party websites you visit.

12. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of any material changes by:

• Posting the updated policy on our website
• Sending an email notification to registered users
• Displaying a notice on our platform

Your continued use of our services after any changes indicates your acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

13. Contact Information

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

14. Governing Law

This Privacy Policy is governed by the laws of British Columbia, Canada, and applicable federal Canadian privacy laws, including the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA).