Applash Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

We collect Personal Information so we can operate our platform, help students and agencies submit applications to global institutions, process payments, power AI-driven recommendations, and deliver the services you request. "Personal Information" means any data that can identify you directly or indirectly.

You may provide information directly to us when you create an account or complete forms. We also receive information from partners, institutions, agents, and automated technologies such as cookies. We take privacy seriously and aim to explain our practices in a clear and accessible way.

2. Information We Collect

When you interact with Applash, you may submit identity and contact details such as your name, phone number, address, date of birth, or government ID. Academic records, transcripts, resumes, preferences, and other supporting documents may be required for applications. Certain services involve financial information, including bank details, card information, payment history, or records related to GICs, student loans, or foreign exchange services. Health information such as vaccination records may be requested when required by schools or immigration authorities.

We record communications you send through email, live chat, or support channels. If you request career-related or additional services, we may receive employment details or other information needed to deliver those services.

We also collect information automatically, including device identifiers, IP addresses, browser and operating system details, logs, interactions with our platform, pages viewed, and approximate location data. Marketing interactions such as email opens may also be recorded.

Third parties may share information with us to verify identity, prevent fraud, process payments, provide application-related services, or authenticate accounts when you sign in using external providers like Google or Facebook.

3. How We Use Personal Information

We use Personal Information to create and manage accounts, verify identity, and operate the core functions of our business. This includes processing student applications, managing agency workflows, handling payments, maintaining records, and meeting compliance requirements.

We personalize your experience by recommending programs and opportunities based on your background and preferences. We also use information to enhance platform reliability, detect and prevent fraud, and maintain a secure environment.

Communications sent through our Services rely on your information, allowing us to answer questions, provide updates, and send service-related notices. If you choose to receive marketing communications, we may contact you with promotions or announcements, and you can opt out at any time.

We conduct internal research to improve our Services, fix bugs, test new features, and develop new products. Cookies and similar technologies help us understand how users engage with our platform and how our advertising performs.

AI Training (Anonymized Only)

We may use data to improve Applash's machine learning models and automated features. Before doing so, we remove names, contact information, government identifiers, financial details, and any other data that could directly or indirectly identify an individual. We only use anonymized, de-identified, or aggregated data for AI training. We do not train models on identifiable or sensitive Personal Information.

We also process data where required by law, including responding to legal orders or regulatory obligations.

4. Sharing Personal Information

We share Personal Information when necessary to deliver our Services. Application materials and supporting documents are shared with educational institutions only with your authorization. To support additional services such as payments, identity checks, visa assistance, housing, banking, or language testing, we share information with trusted service providers who follow strict data-protection obligations.

We may disclose anonymized or aggregated data to research partners or for innovation initiatives. This information cannot identify you.

Information may also be shared to comply with laws, enforce our rights, or respond to legal requests. If Applash is involved in a merger, acquisition, or restructuring, your data may transfer to the successor entity, which will continue to protect it. We do not sell Personal Information.

5. Data Storage and Retention

We store Personal Information on cloud infrastructure operated by our service providers. Data is retained only as long as necessary to provide our Services, complete application processes, meet legal obligations, resolve disputes, or prevent fraud. Some records may need to be retained longer for auditing, regulatory needs, or contractual requirements.

6. Security

We use technical and organizational measures to protect Personal Information from unauthorized access, loss, or misuse. These safeguards vary depending on the sensitivity of the data. All vendors with access to Personal Information must meet strict security requirements and sign agreements that require them to protect your information.

We actively monitor our systems. If we detect unauthorized access or a security incident, we will take appropriate steps and notify affected users when legally required.

7. Your Rights

Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have rights over your Personal Information. These include the ability to access your data, request corrections, ask for deletion where allowed, restrict certain types of processing, withdraw consent, request human review of automated decisions, or obtain a portable copy of your data.

These rights may be limited when fulfilling them would prevent us from delivering Services, meeting legal obligations, or completing ongoing application or financial processes. You can also lodge complaints with your local data protection authority.

8. Automated Decision-Making

Certain features rely on automated tools, such as verifying uploaded documents or validating file formats. Where legally required, you may request human review of automated decisions that significantly affect you.

9. Changes to This Policy

We update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in services, legal requirements, or operational practices. The latest version will always be available on our website. We will notify you of significant changes before they take effect.

10. Contact Us

If you have questions, requests, or concerns about this Privacy Policy or how we handle Personal Information, contact us: